by Kara Bishop
VehicleMD Staff Writer
Originally published in Summer 2011 Issue

Sometimes driving at dusk can be really frustrating. You realize it's getting dark, so you turn on your lights (for those of us that still have to turn our lights on manually), and see the swarm of bugs outside your windshield just waiting to come in contact with it.

You just washed your car, so you cringe at the thought of all the bug remains that will be decorating the front end of your vehicle when you reach your destination.

It can be easy to just give up in this situation, let the bugs splatter all over the car and leave them there. They will wear off eventually, right? They may wear off over time, but unfortunately they will leave nasty stains on your paint job in the process.

Washing the bug remains off with soap and water takes a huge amount of elbow grease, and most of the time you're left with smears on the exterior of your car anyway.

However, there are ways to maintain the exterior of your vehicle without cursing or breaking a sweat. There are "bug-removal" products available that can assist your elbow in removing those pesky things from your ride, which deserves to be beautiful.

"Owning a car is one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime," said Jim Davis, technical service manager for Sea Foam Sales. "Not only do you want your car working good, you want to keep it looking good as well."

You may not want the bugs left on your car, but the daunting task of choosing the right bug-removal product that is safe for said car can be disheartening. However, you don't have to make the choice on your own. Automotive service technicians can answer most questions about car maintenance products, and even cleaning supplies stores have experts that can give you advice on what product to use.

If you are concerned about the environment, make sure you choose a bug remover that is biodegradable.

Putting a few ounces of the product you choose in your windshield wiper solution can also be a big help, because it keeps the bug bodies from smearing when you try to clean them off while driving.

Some products conveniently serve a dual purpose and can be used to clean multiple surfaces. You can keep money in the bank by choosing a bug remover that cleans multiple exteriors with a variety of stains.

So the next time you see the swarm of bugs headed for your windshield, you can rest at ease knowing you have the product that can safely and quickly remove those nasty bugs that are trying to rain on your parade.