Bird droppings 'acidity myth dispelled'

Vintage car insurance policy holders may be intrigued to learn of new research on how bird droppings affect the paintwork of cars.

A study conducted by car cleaning product specialist Autoglym recently revealed that avian scat has no acidic properties, contrary to popular belief.

Instead, the research uncovered evidence that the contraction and moulding of cooling paint lacquer could be the source of damage around affected areas.

"As paint lacquer warms – in the direct summer sunshine for example – it softens and expands. At the same time, that heat dries and hardens any bird droppings on the surface," the company explained.

Autoglym went on to point out that varying temperatures cause the paint to mould itself round the droppings, giving a worn appearance to the naked eye.

It recommended tackling the issue promptly with the aid of a moist cloth.

This advice could be particularly applicable to Vauxhall Corsa owners, after a moneysupermarket.com survey revealed this is the most popular model of car in the UK.

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