I think my clear coat is coming off. Please help!!

[MyJude2001]

Hey guys. So, to give you some background info: I'm in a long distance relationship, and over the summer I would travel four hours through the Delta over the weekends. Well, as you can imagine my bug became pretty buggy in the front. I know I should have washed her as soon as possible, but mixed with summer classes and a part time job I could never find the time she deserved. So, now I have baked on bug juice . When I gave her a good washing a waxing earlier in the summer, I didn't notice any problems except the few stubborn bug stains that wouldn't come off. Well, today as I was washing her I noticed what looked like the clear coat peeling off where those stubborn bug splatters were and now she has light colored spots on her front :'(. Is there anything I can do to fix her? Please help...

[Volkswoman]

If it is just stains you can still probably get the paint clean. If it is truly clear coat coming off, I don't know of any spot fix for it. Have you tried polishing those areas? I have not found a way to repair peeling clearcoat other than just repainting with clear coat the panel involved, for instance the hood. Anyone?

BTW, I learned a trick that I use in removing bug jerky after a road trip when it REALLY coats the front end. Before I wash the car, I spray the front end with WD40. I wait a few minutes and wash as usual with soapy water. It seems to loosen all that baked on bug stuff and make it SO MUCH easier to clean without the exhausting rubbing.

[Homer3D]

Your clear coat is not peeling. What you have is “etching” in the clear coat from the bug stains. Happens a lot with bird poop and to a lesser degree, hard water stains.

To fix? Easy. Pick up some clay bar from your auto store. Clear the area well, and follow the clay bar instructions.

Auto Detailing Clay Bar, Clay Bar Lubricant, Overspray Clay, professional detailing clay, car care, car clay, remove bugs, detailing products,
Using a Clay Bar to Remove Paint Contamination

Here is a nice video that shows the basic usage.
YouTube - How to Clay Bar

[MyJude2001]

Thank you so much, you guys! I'll try the clay bar and see what happens. I'm just glad there's another option besides repainting her. I'll keep you guys posted .

[Oh Randi]

He's right, a claybar is your best friend. I recommend either Meguiars or Mother's. Both brands are awesome and relatively easy to find in stores.