My Octy VRS was treated with the "Safe Guard" process by the dealer prior to me picking it up. I was told by them not to use too much pressure when I wash it.

Washed it last night, & still have squashed flies on the front.

Any suggestions as to how to get these flies off without damaging the paint?

I have an old aerosol of bug shifter in the cupboard, but don't know whether to use it, as it's years old!! Any ideas please?

Did you get additional safe guard cleaning products when you bought the car?

If yes, you should be ok using the bug remover and then re-applying the safe guard car body product afterwards.

Hi, Thanks for replying, yes I got the valet set with it, all products are "Scotts", the bug shifter is a sponge with a rough edge on one side, it says not to use on the paint, only on glass.

The flies are on the paint along side the grille. The car is Race Blue.

Therefore wouldn't use on paint..

I would go to Halfords and get one that specifies as ok to use on paint.... follows instructions, then re-apply your 'Safe Guard'.... Would be worth re-applying to the whole car as it is effectively just a sealer/polish product.

My Octy VRS was treated with the "Safe Guard" process by the dealer prior to me picking it up. I was told by them not to use too much pressure when I wash it.

Washed it last night, & still have squashed flies on the front.

Any suggestions as to how to get these flies off without damaging the paint?

I have an old aerosol of bug shifter in the cupboard, but don't know whether to use it, as it's years old!! Any ideas please?

Exactly how are you washing it? The product that has been applied should be fit for purpose ie. you should be able to wash the car normally without damaging it.

In the UK, rubbing hard at squished insects with a sponge or mitt must surely be considered normal.

I do think you'll have to apply some manual work to the area though. If you're expecting to just pressure-wash the car clean without actually agitating the surface I think you'll struggle.

Wash with hot water and the secret is to soak them off so keep wetting them

Or stop driving into flies....

If you lie a few pieces of damp kitchen towel over them for a few minutes that will help "soften" them ready for removal

Thanks guys!! If only I could stop driving into flies!!

I wash it by hand, bucket of hot water, car shampoo, sponge, brush for the wheels, bug shifter sponge for the screen & headlights, then rinse & leather dry.

I used to take my 99 octavia to the polish boys at the old texaco in Cambridge, now a hand car wash, they always did a good job, but they pressure wash, then shampoo by hand using a wash mitt, then pressure wash & rinse, then leather dry. I'm thinking if I go there with this car, all the protection will be blasted off with the pressure washer, any thoughts on this?

Thanks guys!! If only I could stop driving into flies!!

I wash it by hand, bucket of hot water, car shampoo, sponge, brush for the wheels, bug shifter sponge for the screen & headlights, then rinse & leather dry.

I used to take my 99 octavia to the polish boys at the old texaco in Cambridge, now a hand car wash, they always did a good job, but they pressure wash, then shampoo by hand using a wash mitt, then pressure wash & rinse, then leather dry. I'm thinking if I go there with this car, all the protection will be blasted off with the pressure washer, any thoughts on this?

And there lies the point....

By washing your car yourself, you know the products being applied...

The using of a pressure washer is fine... If the 'polish boys' usev TFR (traffic film remover) to wash cars, I believe that will remove paintwork protection.

It is a strong chemical cleaner which is used commercially on trucks, buses etc.

Hop this helps

Thanks guys!! If only I could stop driving into flies!!

I wash it by hand, bucket of hot water, car shampoo, sponge, brush for the wheels, bug shifter sponge for the screen & headlights, then rinse & leather dry.

I used to take my 99 octavia to the polish boys at the old texaco in Cambridge, now a hand car wash, they always did a good job, but they pressure wash, then shampoo by hand using a wash mitt, then pressure wash & rinse, then leather dry. I'm thinking if I go there with this car, all the protection will be blasted off with the pressure washer, any thoughts on this?

Check out A world for detailers... for further info. I use megs bug shifter to soak the insects and then use a wash mitt to take it off. I pass the polish garage in cambridge everyday and cry watching the cars get swirled and ruined. I have ocd when it comes to cleaning cars:rofl:

Thanks guys!! If only I could stop driving into flies!!

I wash it by hand, bucket of hot water, car shampoo, sponge, brush for the wheels, bug shifter sponge for the screen & headlights, then rinse & leather dry.

I used to take my 99 octavia to the polish boys at the old texaco in Cambridge, now a hand car wash, they always did a good job, but they pressure wash, then shampoo by hand using a wash mitt, then pressure wash & rinse, then leather dry. I'm thinking if I go there with this car, all the protection will be blasted off with the pressure washer, any thoughts on this?

I think pressure washing is the least of your worries.

Throw away your sponge and leather and go have a read of the stickie thread at the top of this section - http://briskoda.net/styling-car-care/car-care-guide-how-wash-dry-your-car-safely-effectively/116127/

Come live in Derbyshire, theres no flies on us! :smrbow:

As Andy says, get a washmitt with a mesh back. You need not change from the usual washing methods just to get rid of dead flies. A normal shampoo solution is more than adequate, along with the mesh side of the washmitt. Result and no damage to the paint protection products already applied.

Steve

I just give the front of my car a really long soak with a normal hose (or pressure washer when I can be bothered to get it out and use it) and the flies always wipe off really easily now with just warm soapy water... might be because they're only ever on there for a maximum of 2 days or so though. I really do wash my car too often