Stopping flys from sticking

[Dougal]

I'm sure this as been covered before, but, I'm driving down to Italy soon and wondered whether anyone had any tips on preventing flys from sticking to the front of the car. A couple of bikers I've met have used Mr Sheen on the fairing which makes it easier to get them off, just reluctant to do in case I damage the paint in some way.

[belleair302]

Nothing will stop insects sticking to your car as you drive across Europe. before you go coat the front of your car with a couple of layers of a decent quality wax. I would use either a weak mixture of APC (All Purpose Cleaner) or Einszett 1Z Anti bug and Insect remover when washing my car, and some QD (quick detailer) for daily removal of bugs.

[PaulHogan]

Oddly (by far) the best thing for getting them off is baby wipes! (makes you wonder wtf is in baby crap)

[Dougal]

Thanks guys, I didn't think there was any magic potion that would do it, but thanks for the removal tips.

[domster]

Mr Sheen is just a silicone spray; unlikely to have much longevity but may help prevent some bugs sticking and better than nothing.

Best bet is a proper wash/decontamination/clay (smooths the paint surface... use a fine grade on soft bike paint), polish it up, then put a nice slippery wax or sealant on top. Then clean them off when fresh. Using a lubricious quick detailer, especially one designed to cleanse, would be ideal.

The mild alcohol solution in babywipes makes them similar to the bug wipes that Autglym do, yet always check the fibre wipes on delicate paint. Hard rubbing could mar. The alcohol may remove underlying oils/sealant/wax though, so if using these, reapply protection products after.

[Nollub]

I drive to Switzerland regularly and particularly in summer find I arrive with 50% of the total French insect life clinging to the front of the car. I wash the car as soon as I can - on the day of arrival if possible - at a DIY jetwash and do the same on my return to England to remove the remaining 50% caught on the journey back. If you clean insects off soon enough they seem to disappear reasonably easily.

[rog007]

Sit right behind an artic; clean car every time!

[Pig Skill]

rog007 said:

Sit right behind an artic; clean car every time!

...and get the front of your car shot blasted back to bare metal from all the stones that it kicks up

[cheddar]

I can wash and wash insects but still some remain - but an hour of driving in rain removes every last one of 'em.