Drivers face £5,000 charge for owning 'red or blue' cars

Drivers could face £5,000 bill for owning certain car types. Motorists with red and blue cars have been warned they could be slapped with a £5,000 bill this Autumn through costly damage repairs, after a study from Halfords, the high street retailer.

Halfords revealed that these colours are more likely to attract bird droppings, which can lead to costly damage if left untreated. It found red cars were most frequently targeted by birds, followed closely by blue cars.

David Edwards, Head of Operations at National Numbers, said: "Choosing your car colour might seem like a simple aesthetic decision, but this data suggests otherwise. Bird droppings are not only unsightly - they're also highly acidic, which means they can cause serious damage to your paintwork if left untreated."

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Mr Edwards added: "Many people don't realise how much damage bird droppings can do until it's too late." Bird droppings are extremely acidic and corrosive, which means they can burn the paint on a car's exterior and damage the body of your vehicle when left for too long.

The substance is also sticky and can bond to the clear coating on your car's paintwork, making it even harder to remove. According to car experts at Your Red Car, this can end up costing you a lot of money, with the average cost to repair a chip in your paintwork ranging from £60 all the way up to £210.

And if that still doesn't do the trick, experts suggest using WD-40 spray, as they explained: "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."

Denton Brock, head of Your Red Car, said: "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.

"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.

"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."