Research from UK car care experts, Autoglym, reveals that bird dropping 'acidity' has no effect on paintwork of vehicles, as is commonly believed.
Autoglym's researchers discovered that as the paint lacquer cools, overnight for example, it contracts, hardens and moulds around the texture of the bird dropping. To the naked eye, this moulding at a microscopic level appears as dulled or etched paintwork.
The company warns motorists to act fast, and with care, to prevent lasting damage to the paintwork.
The longer the deposit remains on the bodywork, and the higher the temperatures, the harder the dried deposit will be, and the greater the chance for the paint lacquer to mould to it as it cools (overnight, for example).
The message is to be vigilant and remove any deposits as soon as you can, using a moist cloth to gently lift the stuff from the car's surface. If the deposit is dry or doesn't lift easily, then place a moist cloth over it for ten minutes so it softens. When you're done, dispose of the cloth or wipe immediately and carefully wash your hands as bird lime can harbour diseases.
