Wisconsin + Illinois Drivers Should Protect Car From Cicadas

Parts of Wisconsin and Illinois will see billions of cicadas soon. They are expected to crawl out of the ground and invade parts of the United States any day now. Once the ground temperature gets to 63 degrees, the periodical insects emerge, and this year it's even worse.

Both Cicada Broods X and XIII Are Emerging This Year

There are two broods of cicadas in the United States. They have different periodic cycles, being either 7 years or 13 years. It just so happens that this year they line up, for the first time since the 1800s.

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Cicadas Are Naturally Attracted To Your Car

AAA warns that cicadas are attracted to heat. If you are like most people and you are still driving a gas-powered car or hybrid, you have a hot engine. Cicadas will try to crawl through your grill or radiator to get to the heat. This can cause a lack of airflow and your car could even overheat. Make sure you periodically clean out the grill of your car to allow airflow to keep your engine cool.

Cicadas Can Be Bad For Your Paint Job

These insects die off relatively quickly. Bug remains left on your car can actually eat away at the clear coat on your vehicle, according to FOX5DC. You should make sure you wash your car frequently to get rid of the bug guts. Also, make sure to keep your headlights clear. If you want to be proactive, apply a wax coat to your car now. It will add an extra layer of protection.

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Have Good Wipers and a Full Windshield Washer Reservoir

Now's a good time to put on a fresh set of windshield wipers. Make sure you are topped off with windshield washer fluid. The bug splatter of cicadas leaves a mess on your windshield. You don't want to get into an accident because you can't see.