Irish drivers warned over little known pest problem that could cost you up to €500
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A common summer insect could be causing hundreds of euro worth of damage to Irish cars without drivers realising it
Irish drivers are being warned that a little known pest problem could cause costly paint damage this summer.
Greenflies are insects that leave a sticky residue on cars that's almost invisible to the naked eye, but if left untreated, it quietly eats through the clear coat and paint, causing damage that's expensive to fix.
By the time most people notice, the damage is already done.
Conor Byrne, Director of Marketing of 123.ie Insurance, revealed how drivers can avoid a pricey repair bill this summer.
How much damage can green flies actually do to your car?
Most people think bird droppings are the only environmental threat to a cars exterior worth worrying about, but greenfly damage is just as serious and far more underestimated.
The insects secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that bonds to your car's paintwork. In warm weather, this quickly hardens into a film that eats through the clear coat, causing the paint beneath to break down and deteriorate.
"If left long enough, it can permanently damage your car's paint. A single panel respray in Ireland can be anywhere from €300 to €500, which is why it's so important for drivers to be aware of the risk and take steps to protect their car, particularly the roof and bonnet, which are the most exposed," says Conor.
What's the safest way to remove it?
Whatever you do, don't wipe it off dry. Dried honeydew has a gritty texture that will scratch the paintwork if you drag a dry cloth across it, causing even more damage.
Instead, soak the area with warm soapy water, leave it for a few minutes, then gently wipe it with a clean cloth.
For residue that's already hardened, a bug and tar remover, available from most car accessories shops, will break it down safely without damaging the clear coat.
How can drivers protect their car this summer?
“Now's the time to invest in a good quality wax or ceramic coating if you haven’t got one already. These create a barrier that makes it much harder for honeydew to bond to the surface of your vehicle, saving you hundreds in the long run.
“Doing this every six months means that anything that does land on your car will be much easier to clean off before it causes any costly damage,” says Conor.