Seagulls, gulls, pigeons: how to get rid of bird droppings on your car

By Johann Foucault Published on News See my news

With the Pont de l'Ascension, many French people have taken to the road, whether towards the coast or elsewhere, to enjoy a long weekend.

But beware, who says seaside also says car possibly stained with gull or seagull droppings, when it's not pigeons or other birds that get involved.

To clean them properly, as well as to get rid of the impacts of mosquitoes and insects, actu.fr sought advice from the experts of the specialized site Dr Detailing.

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The key, do not wait too long before acting

As with any stain, it is better not to wait too long before acting. The earlier you act, the better, “within 48 to 72 hours”, advises one of the experts from Dr Detailing, a collective made up of professionals and amateurs of detailing (the activity of taking care of your vehicle) and automotive aesthetics. , coachbuilders, preparers and specialists in car upholstery…

Why is rapid intervention necessary? In winter, even if the rain can remove most of the droppings, “there is always some left to clean up a little”, explains the expert to actu.fr and in an article explaining how to best eliminate bird droppings.

However, bird droppings are composed of acidic elements "which can mark the paint", points out the expert from Dr Detailing. And as for mosquitoes and insects, the longer we wait, the more we take the risk that it becomes embedded. This would complicate cleaning and may lead in the event of "persistent traces" to the need for "polishing and buffing", a more delicate and expensive step.

The importance of regular maintenance

Cleaning your car on a regular basis is essential, advise the experts at Dr Detailing, who wish to share their knowledge in a form of "education" on the proper maintenance of your vehicle. If only to keep it clean and in good condition the as long as possible. But also if you want "a correct resale price", advise the experts.

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How to clean

Bird poop is fairly easy to remove, with a simple rinse, if done on time. To carry out the operation, the droppings must be as soaked in water as possible, which will facilitate its removal. Two possibilities :

Do not use the wiper first

It's a reflex that you have to try to avoid: activate the windscreen wiper and the windscreen washer when you realize that bird droppings have landed on the windshield.

"It's best to avoid because the poop can be thrown elsewhere, on the roof or elsewhere on the vehicle," says Dr Detailing. Which would shift the problem.

And the expert reminds us that we must not forget to clean the wiper blades either.

Anticipate as much as possible

Before leaving for the weekend or on vacation, or if you live by the sea, "the best thing is to protect your car, preventively", reminds Dr Detailing, to "limit the adhesion of contaminants and avoid traces as much as possible. It's not unstoppable but it's always better. It could be :

• To apply a basic wax, natural or synthetic, “but of high quality”, for prices ranging from 20 to 40 euros on average.

• Laying a transparent film on the vehicle. From 300 euros, to be carried out by professionals.

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