How long before bug guts damage paint?

I'm on vacation and after 4 days or so of driving around on country highways my front end has been assaulted with bug guts.

I got a few days to go before we head back so I want to know if it's no big deal to leave em on for a few more days and do a thorough wash when I get back instead of washing it now only to have it littered again on the drive home.

I've never had problems cleaning sap and bugs before with bug remover but I want to make sure I'm not being reckless. Thoughts?

 

You should be fine......Toyota super white paint cleans up really well and easy to maintain. I’ve had weird stains that leave a slight yellow tint despite cleaning.....a couple days later they are totally gone,even on a 10+ Year old car. Just enjoy your vacation, then clean it up later!

 

Bugs won’t hurt your paint. They are more like a protective layer, haha. The longer you wait the harder it is to wash them off, though. IMO...

 

Most bugs won't hurt anything just like most bird poop won't hurt paint. However, there are a few bugs that can ruin a paint job if not removed properly. Love bugs in Florida for example can ruin paint. Birds that have eaten cherries and poop on your car can etch clear coat. Just gotta learn from experience.

 

You'll be fine for a few days. Usually takes weeks or more before you start to see etching. Bird poop, I'd get off really quick though.

 

As long as your paint is protected with wax or synthetic sealant, won't damage your paint.
All that will wash right off. I always carry a bottle water and detail spray under tonneau for dried bird shit and other crap dried on paint.

 

I clean mine off when I wash on the weekends. Turtle wax has a spray for it, does the job.

 

Yep that's what I use! I just left it at home (of course).

 

For me it's a nightly wash off ritual when traveling.

A bit of automotive soap in a gallon of water (hotel trash can, etc) and a sponge I carry with a 'cloth' surface and they come right off.

The cycle of sitting, baking and still sitting is too risky since you really don't know the contents.

Just as important are the crappy headlight lenses we have. They'll pit faster than paint.