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Best "degunker" for pre-cleaning?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by qdllc, Nov 4, 2015.

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  1. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    When I wash the Prius, no matter how hard I scrub, I hate it when I find bits of bug guts that DO NOT come off and leave behind a visible residue. Even with hot water and a decent detergent.

    I want something that will cut through this crud but NOT damage the paint/clearcoat.

    I've used things like WD-40 when it's oil/tar related, but bug guts seem to bond to the paint over time.
     
    #1 qdllc, Nov 4, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I found a kerosene moistened cloth with a dab of car polish good, was taking off tree sap.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Nov 4, 2015
    DogDaze likes this.
  3. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
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    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Bugs and bird poop really are hard on a paint finish. When I got me car, I immediately waxed it with a clear coat wax. Because I have gone thru this before and wished I had done it when I first got other cars. Mendel Leisk's example is good, but just make sure to wax the area afterwards. A good wax will keep the stuff from penetrating the clear coat.
     
    #3 Montgomery, Nov 4, 2015
    DogDaze likes this.
  4. DogDaze

    DogDaze Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2011
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    Location:
    Bay Village
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I've used Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover as needed on the Prius w/no problems or issues w/the clear coat.
    It's specifically safe for Clear Coat..
     
    #4 DogDaze, Nov 4, 2015
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