It might sound like a trivial issue, but let’s face it, bird droppings can be a real nuisance for car owners. But what happens when you leave them sitting on your vehicle for too long? Well, the results aren’t pretty.

Most people just see it as an eyesore, but little do they know that bird poo is actually pretty acidic. Combine that acidic nature with some heat, sunlight and time, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster – your clear coat and automotive paint will be the casualties.

If you’ve noticed a bit of bird droppings on your ride, here are some things you should know.

Bird Droppings: A Paint’s Worst Nightmare

Bird poop contains uric acid, which can do some serious damage to your paint’s protective clear coat, especially if your car is stuck in direct sunlight.

As the droppings dry and harden, they contract and start to pull at the paint surface. Before you know it, you’ve got noticeable marks or ‘etching’ which might not come out with just a quick wash.

And if you drive a dark coloured car, forget about it – the damage will show up a lot more.

How Fast Can Bird Poop Ruin Paint?

Hot weather is the perfect breeding ground for bird dropping damage. In fact, it can start to affect your paint in as little as a few hours if your car is just sitting outside on a sunny day. The heat really speeds up the chemical reaction and causes the waste to harden a lot quicker.

The longer you leave it, the greater the chance of permanent staining – not exactly what you want to see.

So What Happens If You Leave It There?

If you don’t clean up the bird droppings, you can expect to be left with:

• Faded spots that are just a pain to get out
• Clear coat etching that can be a real hassle to deal with
• Discoloration that’s just plain ugly
• Permanent stains that will cost you a pretty penny to fix
• And if you’re unlucky, you might even need to get the paint corrected or repainted (it’s harder than you think to fix bird poop damage)

How to Safely Remove Bird Droppings From Your Car

If you spot some bird poop on your vehicle, get to it ASAP. Here’s the safest way to remove it without damaging the paint:

1. Soak It First

Grab a damp microfiber towel and let it sit over the area for a few minutes to help loosen the waste.

2. Wipe Gently – Don’t Scrub

Use a soft microfiber cloth and gently lift away the residue. Don’t go scrubbing too hard or you’ll damage the paint.

3. Give it a Thorough Clean

Use a proper car wash soap and give the area a good clean to get rid of any remaining residue.

4. Reapply Protection

If you’ve got wax or ceramic protection on your car, it’s a good idea to reapply it to that spot afterwards.

The Best Way to Protect Your Car’s Paint

Prevention is the best way to keep your car’s paint looking its best. Regular washing and keeping a protective layer on your car’s clear coat is a surefire way to prevent bird droppings, bug splatters, road grime and UV rays from causing damage.

Waxes, ceramic coatings and paint protection film create a barrier between your paint and pigeon poop that can damage it. And if you’re regular with your washes, you’ll spot any bird droppings before they cause any damage.

Protect Your Car’s Paint at Pony Express Car Wash

Bird droppings are a major pain for car owners, especially during the warmer months. But with a quick action, you can prevent a lot of damage to your vehicle’s finish.

At Pony Express Car Wash, our soft touch wash system is designed to gently remove bird droppings, bug residue and road grime while keeping your paint protected. Want some extra protection? We’ve got wax and ceramic options to keep your car looking its best. Stop by and see us – we’ll help keep your vehicle looking its best. We also offer unlimited memberships so you can wash as often as you want at any location. And for you business owners out there, check out our fleet wash memberships.