Exposed: the 'frightening' secrets of bird-dropping damage
The dull patches of paint on car bodywork left by bird droppings
are not the result of acid in the deposit, latest research from car
care specialist Autoglym has revealed. Instead, it is its
graininess that is the damaging element.
Polish and wax aren't enough to save you - tests with a variety of
'bird dropping substitutes' revealed that the damage is caused by
paintwork expanding as it warms up during the day, moulding itself
to the shape of the avian excretion, and then contracting as it
cools down at night.
Paul Caller, CEO of Autoglym, said: "It's a great shame when an
otherwise fabulous-looking car is blighted with a tell-tale patch
of dull paint. As a result of this new research by our R&D
team… we now understand why bird droppings are a frighteningly
potent hazard to bodywork."
Autoglym has set out a four-point plan to reduce the risk
of bird-dropping damage:
- Remove the deposit at the earliest opportunity.
- Use a moist cloth to gently lift the deposit from the
surface.
- If the deposit is dry or doesn't lift easily, place a moist
cloth over it for ten minutes to soften the deposit.
- Dispose of any cloth or wipe used to remove bird droppings
immediately and wash your hands carefully - bird droppings can
harbour diseases.
Source: BVRLA News (http://www.bvrla.co.uk/News/BVRLA_News.aspx,
May 2011)
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