Surge in Bug Population Due to Wet, Warm Weather Increases Risk of Vehicle Damage

Experts predict that the rise in wet and warm weather conditions is fueling a significant increase in the UK’s bug population. This, in turn, is leading to a notable rise in ‘bug splats’ on vehicles, posing potential damage to car paintwork.

While the wet start to summer in 2024 has left many of us feeling underwhelmed, the UK’s bug population is thriving. The moist conditions have led to a population surge that is expected to last well into the autumn, bringing an inevitable increase in ‘bug splats’ on cars during peak holiday travel.

Autoglym, the UK’s leading car care brand, is warning drivers to the potential harm these insect remains can cause if not promptly addressed. As temperatures fluctuate, the clearcoat lacquer that protects a vehicle’s paintwork can soften around bug residues during the heat and harden when cooled, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘etching.’ This process can create an uneven surface, distorting light and diminishing the vehicle’s glossy finish. Once etching occurs, it is challenging to restore the surface to its original smoothness without using a machine polisher.

Autoglym’s UK-based laboratory team explains that bug decomposition releases fatty acids and enzymes that can severely damage sensitive exterior surfaces, including gloss-black plastic trim. This makes the prompt removal of insect remains crucial in preserving the vehicle’s appearance and preventing lasting damage.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution when choosing insect removal products. Many such products contain solvents that can harm plastic trim, which is often found on the front of vehicles where insect residues accumulate. To address this, Autoglym’s products are formulated to be safe for use on all vehicle surfaces, ensuring effective protection without the risk of damage.

Autoglym recommends that motorists protect their paintwork with appropriate products and act quickly to remove bug residues, helping to maintain their vehicle’s appearance and value during this particularly challenging season for car maintenance.

John Anderson, Senior Technologist at Autoglym, explains: “With a surge in the UK’s insect population, we strongly recommend drivers prepare their vehicles with a layer of protection and remove any insect splatter as quickly as possible – ideally when the residues are cool and damp. Cleaning early in the day or the evening when bug splats are softer will help to make the job of cleaning and removing them easier, while also being safer on paintwork.”