Petrol and diesel owners could be slapped with a hefty £5,000 repair bill this Autumn with certain owners more at risk than others. 

A previous survey from motoring specialists at Halfords revealed that red and blue cars were the biggest target for bird droppings with road users at serious risk. 

The 2012 study found that red cars were the most likely to be affected with 18 percent of vehicles being hit. 

Meanwhile, blue cars were next with 14 percent of models suffering from bird poo marks followed by black cars which stood on 11 percent. 

In comparison, just seven percent of white cars were affected and one percent of green vehicles. 

Although bird poo marks may appear relatively harmless, specialists at Halfords have warned individuals could be slapped with an extensive bill before too long. 

This is because bird poo can be acidic which can cause hefty damage to vehicle bodywork.

Halfords explained: “Bird poo is extremely acidic, ranging from a pH of 3.5 – 4.5. 

“So, when left for long periods of time, bird poo can burn your vehicle’s paintwork and lead to an etching effect. 

“Your car’s exterior surface can soften and expand during warmer temperatures and can result in it moulding to the shape of the bird dropping, leaving a dull mark and even a ripple effect.

“Essentially, the longer you leave bird poop, the greater the chance of it damaging your paintwork.”

Autoglym has also stressed that bird droppings come with “corrosive properties” which could have a major impact on vehicles.

As temperatures drop overnight, the lacquer “cools, contracts, and hardens” which will effectively bend around any bird droppings. 

This can “disrupt light reflection” which will make the bodywork appear dull compared to other parts of the model.

Paul Caller, CEO of Autoglym, stressed road users needed to take immediate action to clear any stains from the vehicle when they appeared.

He commented: “It’s a great shame when an otherwise fabulous-looking car is blighted with a tell-tale patch of dull paint.  

“As a result of this research by our R&D team in Letchworth, we now understand why bird droppings are a frighteningly potent hazard to bodywork.

“As bird droppings become ever more prevalent through spring and into summer, motorists must be extremely vigilant to avoid permanent damage, especially those who park their cars under trees at home or at work.  

“The only way to prevent the paint becoming noticeably tarnished is to carefully remove deposits as swiftly as possible.”