Got a query?

Q How to clear up bird mess

BIRD droppings have left marks in my paintwork. I’ve tried a polish but they are still visible. What’s the best way of removing them?

Alan Crouchback, E-mail

A

AUTOGLYM has Reflow (above), which is a warming pad that softens the damage and allows the clearcoat to return to its normal smooth state. It works best on cars up to three years old. If your car is older it may still work, otherwise a machine polish is the best solution. Take care, or perhaps consult a professional detailer or bodyshop, because inexperienced hands can cause damage.

Q Why two is better than one

I’VE seen forum comments about the twobucket method for washing your car, but is it really necessary? I’ve been doing it for years with just one bucket without problem.

Will Burroughs, E-mail

A

THE two-bucket method reduces the risk of dragging grit across paintwork, because there’s no cross contamination between wash and grit. A bucket such as ScratchShield, with a grid to prevent a mitt picking up grit, is next best. You can use a standard bucket, just take care not to drag the mitt through grit at the bottom.

Q Is solar charger a bright idea?

I’M taking one of my cars off the road for winter. When I’ve done it before, I removed the battery to keep it charged because I can’t get power to the car. Would a solar charger work instead? Frank Wilson, E-mail

A

WHETHER a solar panel will keep your battery charged will depend on the sunlight where you keep the car and how much it needs. Our 2020 test winner is the 10W kit from Photonic Universe, which is designed to go on a roof or wall and has a five-metre charge lead. For an on-dash solution we like the 2.4W AA charger or for more power (but extra outlay) Optimate has a 20W panel.