Buzz
Birds often see human cars as perfect spots to relieve themselves. Some research suggests that red cars are more prone to receiving bird droppings than others, possibly due to their attention-grabbing color. But regardless of your car’s make or color, bird droppings—the typical white splatter that frequently lands on your car’s roof and hood—are not just a visual nuisance. They can actually cause significant damage to the car’s paint job.
The issue with bird droppings lies in their composition—a combination of both feces and urine. Birds expel waste through their multifunctional cloaca, where feces and urine merge with a high level of acidity, which they then release onto your car. If left on the surface for too long, this acidic mixture starts to eat away at the clear coat, wax, and paint, gradually leaving an etching that can penetrate as deep as a piece of notebook paper. Essentially, the bird leaves behind a corrosive substance.
To make matters worse, warm temperatures can accelerate the damage. When exposed to the sun, the paint on your car expands, making it even more vulnerable to the acidic properties of the droppings. In ideal conditions, bird poop can cause lasting damage in just a matter of minutes.
The ideal solution, of course, is prevention. Storing your car in a garage or under a car cover is the best option. You could also apply a layer of wax, which helps prevent bird droppings from reaching the paint and gives you extra time to clean it off.
If a bird has already made a direct hit, cleaning the affected area quickly with a detailing spray and a microfiber cloth is one of the most effective ways to tackle the issue. (Avoid using sponges or towels, as they may be too rough on the car's finish.) A garden hose can also work. Some suggest WD-40, but since it can damage wax, it’s best not to use it as a first choice.
When bird droppings end up on your car's windshield, avoid using the windshield wipers. The wipers can spread the debris from the droppings and potentially scratch the glass. Instead, follow the same steps as above to carefully remove the mess.
If bird droppings have been left too long and have caused etching, it can be challenging—but not impossible—to fix. Minor etching can usually be addressed by sanding the surrounding paint to level the surface. More severe etching may require the expertise of an auto detailer.
