Halloween is this Saturday, October 31, and here is one treat nobody wants: an egg splattered across the car. It happened to me some years ago, and while I believe it was random, that did not make it any less aggravating. Thankfully, I spotted it before leaving for the day and knew to get it cleaned off quickly. Eggs belong on a breakfast plate, preferably next to bacon, not decorating your quarter panel.
What some people consider a harmless prank can leave expensive damage. A thrown egg’s shell can chip or scratch the finish on impact, and rubbing those fragments across the paint during cleanup can add more scratches. Egg residue left on the vehicle can also damage the finish. The priorities are simple: remove it promptly, and avoid making the damage worse while doing so.
If you discover your car has been egged, take a few quick photos before cleaning it. Capture the affected panels and any visible damage, but do not turn the documentation into a lengthy photo shoot while the mess sits there. Progressive recommends documenting vandalism, filing a police report and contacting your insurance company if you intend to pursue a claim. Save any relevant security-camera footage, too.
Start cleanup with plenty of water from a garden hose to flush away loose shell fragments and residue. Resist the temptation to grab a dry towel and wipe everything off, because you could drag bits of shell across the finish. If the egg has dried, keep wetting it to loosen the material rather than scraping or scrubbing it off. Detailing expert Mike Phillips recommends thoroughly soaking the affected area before rinsing away the residue and washing the vehicle.
Once the loose debris is gone, gently wash the area with automotive car-wash shampoo and a clean, soft wash mitt, then rinse thoroughly. Work in the shade with the paint cool to the touch. Car-care manufacturer nextzett advises removing egg promptly, particularly in hot weather or direct sunlight, and warns against using glass cleaner, paper towels or rough rags on the paint. If stubborn residue remains, get professional help rather than attacking it with whatever cleaner happens to be under the kitchen sink.
After washing, inspect the finish. A remaining mark does not automatically mean the panel needs repainting. Depending on the depth of the damage, professional polishing may improve or remove surface defects. Damage extending through the clearcoat into the color coat may require refinishing. Let a qualified detailer or body shop evaluate it before deciding on a repair, especially if you see chips, cracking or exposed underlying layers.
If repairs are needed, check your insurance coverage and deductible. Progressive says comprehensive coverage can pay for vandalism damage, minus the applicable deductible. Ask your insurer about your specific policy and compare the repair estimate with your deductible before deciding whether to file a claim. Keep your photos, estimates and receipts.
My advice for Halloween is to put the car in the garage if you can. If that is not an option, choose a well-lit, visible parking spot. And if you wake up to an unwanted omelet on the hood, get the hose before you get the coffee. Prompt, careful cleanup gives you the best chance of limiting the damage.
Photo credit: Oleksandr Berezko/Shutterstock.com.