Car covers can be an effective tool for avoiding damage from bird droppings. Bird droppings contain acids that can quickly damage your vehicle’s paint and finish if left unattended. Here’s how using a car cover can help protect your vehicle from bird droppings and what steps to take if your car is already affected:
How Car Covers Help:
- Physical Barrier: Car covers create a protective barrier between your vehicle and bird droppings, preventing direct contact with the paint.
- Quick Cleanup: When a bird deposits droppings on your car cover, it’s relatively easy to clean the cover compared to cleaning the vehicle’s paint. Most car covers are machine washable or can be cleaned with a hose, making it convenient to remove bird droppings.
- Prevent Stains: Car covers help prevent bird droppings from leaving stains or etching marks on your vehicle’s paint, which can be challenging and costly to repair.
Steps to Take When Bird Droppings Occur:
If bird droppings land on your car cover or vehicle despite using a cover, here’s what you should do:
- Remove the Droppings Promptly: The sooner you remove the bird droppings, the better. Use a gentle touch to lift the droppings off the car cover with a paper towel or cloth.
- Clean the Cover: If the droppings have soiled the car cover, remove the cover and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Typically, you can rinse it off with a hose or wash it in a washing machine using a gentle cycle.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Carefully inspect your vehicle’s paint for any signs of damage or staining. If the droppings were left on the car for an extended period and have caused damage, you may need to address it with a professional paint correction or detailing service.
- Wash and Wax: After removing the bird droppings, wash and wax your vehicle’s paint to ensure it’s clean and protected. The wax will provide an additional layer of defense against future bird droppings and environmental contaminants.
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid further damage, consider regular maintenance of your car cover. Keep it clean and inspect it periodically for any damage or signs of wear that could compromise its effectiveness.
In addition to using a car cover, parking your vehicle in a covered area or under trees with bird deterrents, such as reflective objects or noise-making devices, can help reduce the likelihood of bird droppings landing on your vehicle.
Remember that proactive prevention and quick cleanup are essential when dealing with bird droppings to minimize the risk of paint damage and to keep your vehicle looking its best.
