Warning to motorists who park under trees as bird poo could cost you hundreds

Bird droppings can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a car's paintwork if not cleaned off promptly - but there's a simple and cheap hack to get rid of them

As a car owner, there's nothing more frustrating than returning to a vehicle riddled with bird droppings, especially if parked beneath a tree. However, it is crucial to be aware that these unwelcome deposits might lead to costly damage if they're not promptly washed off.

Notoriously acidic and corrosive, bird droppings can ruin the paintwork of your car and inflict lasting harm. They also have a sticky quality that makes them particularly troublesome to scrub away from your car's clear coat.

Your Red Car specialists have warned that fixing a single paint chip could cost anywhere from £60 to £210. .

But fear not, they reveal a nifty trick for tackling the bothersome bird mess without harming your car's exterior. If you act swiftly, a simple wet cloth should do the job.

In cases where the droppings are tenacious, a standard car shampoo like Halfords Car Wash, which costs only £2 for 500ml, might provide the solution, reports the Mirror.

Should those attempts be in vain, the pros recommend WD-40 spray as the answer. They explain: "This highly effective spray will penetrate the droppings making them easy to wipe away. To complete the process, car shampoo and a cloth will be needed to remove the remaining residue."

Halfords offers a 100ml can of WD-40 spray for a bargain price of £2.50, whereas Poundshop has it for an even more budget-friendly £1.50. Car owners looking to maintain their vehicle's paintwork could save significantly by using a £2 car shampoo and possibly adding a £4.50 WD-40 option into the mix, rather than spending up to £60 on professional repairs.

Denton Brock, head of Your Red Car, has emphasised the importance of regular cleaning, stating: "Regularly cleaning a vehicle is vital for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to maintain the appearance of a vehicle and prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, and other debris that can damage the paintwork over time."

He also noted the detrimental effects of various substances if not regularly removed: "Regular cleans will also help to prevent the build-up of harmful substances like tree sap, bug residue, and road salt, which can cause permanent damage if left unchecked. In a worst-case scenario, you could end up with a hefty bill for a professional service treatment, so it's vital to wipe these clean as soon as you spot them."

He reinforced the benefits of regular car cleaning: "Ultimately this will help to maintain the value of a car by avoiding the build-up of rust and other corrosive materials that can cause structural damage. Having a clean vehicle improves safety by ensuring that windows, mirrors, and headlights are clean and free from obstruction. Cleaning is an essential part of car maintenance that can help to extend the life of a vehicle and keep it looking and running its best."