bird poop on car

Ways of Removing Bird Poop from Your Car

Bird poop is one of the main causes of car paint damage. Bird droppings have a high uric acid content that corrodes the exterior of cars. Dried bird poop has a pH of about three and peels away bleach paint and clearcoats, leaving funny etchings on the car even after washing. If you cannot get a bird poop remover for cars, below are some of the ways to clean bird poop to prevent this damage.

Baking Soda

One of the most common solutions to bird poop on cars is baking soda. A mixture of dish soap, baking soda, and hot water can be used to remove bird poop by spraying from a spray bottle on the dropping. You then leave it for ten minutes to soak, and the droppings will be cleared. Rinse repeated with a hose to get your car back in good condition.person cleaning car

Seltzer Water

Using a microfiber cloth and seltzer water is another way of easily eliminating semi-fresh bird poop from your car. This combination from seltzer water helps in breaking down the natural acidic qualities of the poop. Splash seltzer water on the droppings and let it rest for a short while, then wipe it away with the microfiber. You, however, need to note that sugary or carbonated sodas cannot be used as an alternative since they will leave behind sticky residue all over the car.

Car Detailing Spray

The best way of dealing with etched-in bird poop is by using a cleaner designed specifically to clean etched-in bird poop. You can hit two birds with one stone by cleaning your car using detailing spray. Put some spritzes of the spray on the droppings to entirely dissolve the stain, then using a damp cloth, clean the area before rinsing with a hose. Such products can restore coatings when thoroughly polished with a clay bar. Ask any car dealer in your area for recommendations on quality auto detailing spray.spraying car with hose

WD-40

Multipurpose WD-40 spray can also be used in cleaning off bird poop. It loosens the dry droppings and enables you to remove the stains with just a wipe or rinse from a hose. In case there are some stubborn markings still remaining, reapply the WD-40 and repeat the process until your car is well cleaned.

When it comes to dealing with bird poop on your car, these are some of the ways you can do away with the droppings. It is important to ensure you remove the droppings as early as possible since it is easier to remove them while they are still fresh.

car engine

Everyday Engines Problems that Car Owners Have to Deal With

The engine is the heart of the operations of any vehicle. So, the last thing any car owner wishes for is to have a car that is often plagued by engine problems. The key to avoiding the inconveniences that come with an engine that is susceptible to engine problems is to invest in maintenance. While some engine issues do not interfere with the overall functioning of your car. However, some can leave your vehicle grounded for a long time.

The key to ensuring that your car’s engine is in top shape is to be on the lookout for common symptoms shared on this site and have the problem fixed by an expert mechanic. That said, here are some common engine problems that every car owners have to deal with at some point.

Engine Won’t Start

It is highly likely that you have experienced this problem. There are many reasons why engines fail to start. It could be that the battery is dead, or there is an issue with the ignition. Ideally, battery issues lead to the failed start, the car only makes a clicking sound, but it does not start. It could be that the battery is discharged or an issue with cable connections. On the other hand, ignition issues could be caused by a faulty fuel pump, blocked fuel filter, or a damaged starter motor relay.engine hose

Overheating

Overheating is quite common. Low coolant levels mostly cause this car problem. In other instances, overheating can be because of a burnt radiator, loose or broken plugs, leaking coolant system, malfunctioning engine thermostat, or clogged hoses. Irrespective of the cause, repeated overheating can lead to severe engine damages.

Stalling

There are instances when you might driving only for the car to stop suddenly. Stalling can be a significant safety hazard, especially when it happens in the middle of a busy highway. Issues in the fuel line, spark plugs, or fuel filter mostly cause this engine problem. However, stalling problems are not always engine related. Therefore, it best that you have your vehicle examined and fixed by a professional mechanic.

Noises

Most engine problems give warnings through sounds. As such, you should pay close attention to any weird noises coming from the engine. Most of these noises are indicative of fitting issues. Noises can also be traced to a weak starter, worn out timing belts, or other serious engine problems.

car

Tips to Reduce Fuel Usage in a Car

If the price of fuel is a concern to you, then you are probably searching for methods you can use to minimize fuel consumption. With the prices of fuel rising each day, tips on how to minimize fuel usage in a car become the boundary of whether you’ll spend a lot of money on filling the vehicle’s tank or not.

The tips of minimizing fuel usage in a car range from the mechanics of your vehicle to the dynamics of your car. The following are some of the most effective tips to reduce fuel usage in a car.

Drive only when there is a need

It is one of the preferred ways for you to reduce the consumption of fuel in your vehicle. Simply drive when needed. If you have to move to a handy place from where you are, it is wise to consider walking or riding a bicycle. With this method, you’ll not only reduce fuel consumption and save money but also exercise.

filling up gas
Check to see if the fuel cap is closed tightly

A common complaint from drivers is that they fill up their tank only to drive a few miles and all the gas is lost. Well, the cause for this is that the fuel cap was loosely closed; therefore, some of the gas was lost due to evaporation. At the gas station, make an extra effort to ensure the cap of the fuel tank is tightly closed.

Accelerate and break steadily

When driving, always try to be consistent and steady when stepping on the accelerator pedal. Applying high pressure on the pedal will always lead to decreased gas mileage and hence poor consumption of fuel.

Drive within or close to the speed limit

Keeping up with the speed limit does not only show you are abiding by the law but also saves you fuel. Yes, you may have a twin-turbo vehicle with the capability of reaching a high speed within seconds, but that will only worsen your gas mileage as well as your fuel consumption. Try and drive close to the speed limit and leave the high speeds for the highways.

Use the cruise controls while driving on the highways

The cruise controls enable your car to go at a steady velocity. Therefore, no or little acceleration. And as we know, reduced acceleration reduces the work your engine has to do; thus, it uses less gas. Remember to keep your cruise controls in line with the speed limit for you to achieve maximum gas efficiency.

Make your vehicle more aerodynamic

By being aerodynamic, it means your car is kind of streamlined. For you to achieve this, start by removing any racks on the roof of your vehicle. Moreover, you can decrease the weight of your car by eliminating unneeded items.

Close the windows

Keeping the windows closed also ensures your car remains aerodynamic and, therefore, the better your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. There is an increase in wind resistance and drag for your car when you leave the windows open, which increases the consumption of fuel particularly when driving at high speeds. Driving at speeds less than 35 mph while the windows are down, there is no effect on fuel consumption.