Tree sap can drip onto whatever is below, and unfortunately, sometimes that can be your car. Left alone for any amount of time, tree sap can be unsightly and sticky at best. At worst, it can ruin your car’s paint and lead to rust and other damage.
Important Tips About Removing Tree Sap From Your Car
- Get the sap off as soon as possible. The most important thing to remember is that the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove the residue. As the days warm up, sap can eventually eat through your car’s paint job, because heat will accelerate how the sap sticks to the paint.
- Wash your car thoroughly. This will remove any lingering grime or sediment at the area you’ll be working in, so that you do not grind the dirt into the paint as you’re removing the sap.
- Dab some rubbing alcohol on a soft rag or microfiber cloth. That and a bit of elbow grease may be all you need to get the job done.
- If that doesn’t work, try using a tree-sap or bug-and-tar removal product, available at most auto parts and hardware stores. It’s best to test the removal product on a small spot of paint, because it can damage the car’s clearcoat and possibly the paint underneath. If the paint looks okay after testing, expand your work area. Because these products can remove paint protectants along with the sap, start by using the product sparingly.
- Clean the area you worked on once the sap is removed. Wash with soap and water immediately after removing the tree sap. After that, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of wax to protect those areas.
