Bird droppings are arguably the most damaging thing that can land on your car. They're highly acidic (pH as low as 3.5) and the semi-solid texture means they bond tightly to your clear coat as they dry.

In summer, this happens fast. A fresh dropping can begin etching in as little as 30 minutes under direct sun. Once it hardens, removal becomes much harder — and the damage underneath may already be done. You'll often see dull, foggy spots or slight texture changes in the paint where a dropping sat too long.

What to do: Remove bird droppings immediately. Use a dedicated detailing spray and a soft microfiber cloth. Never scrub — blot and lift. If you notice etching after removal, that's clear coat damage that will require paint correction to fix.