How To Remove Tree Sap From Your Car

11 June 2015 by Vicky Mills

Sometimes parking your car in the shade can be a disaster for your car, especially if you park beneath trees that produce sap such as maple and pine trees. This sticky sap is difficult to get off or your car windows, and especially difficult to get off of your car's paint. It can be removed though. See below for some helpful tips on how to remove sap from your car.

Here's What You'll Need:

Clean cloths
Bucket with soap and water
Sponge or soft wash mitt
Bug and tar remover
Car polish or spray wax
Glass cleaner
Razor blade (to scrape windows)

Instructions:

Begin by washing your vehicle as you normally would. Keep your car out of the sun while washing it so it stays wet, this way the soap won't dry on your car when you're in the middle of washing it. When you are finished washing it, allow it to dry, or dry it yourself with your clean towels.
Look over your car for any areas that have sap on it. Apply a dab of bug and tar remover to your sponge and rub it over the sap. Leave it on the sap for at least 30 seconds, and then rub it to remove the sap.
Sap can be very difficult to remove, so it may take some muscle to get it off. Be sure you are using enough bug and tar remover. If it's just not coming off, you can repeat step 2.
Wipe away any excess bug and tar remover after the sap is completely gone.
Finally, spray some wax onto the area and polish it until it shines with a clean cloth.
Repeat these steps on any other sap areas on your car.

For sap on your windows, you can apply the same method above to remove it. Rather than using spray wax though, use glass cleaner. For sap that has hardened on your windows, you can use your razor blade to remove the wax. This is a quick method, but should only be used on your windows. Never try to use a razor blade on your paint to remove sap. You'll scratch your paint, or even remove paint with the sap using a razor on your car's paint.

Try your best to park your car in the shade, but not under sap bearing trees. If you notice sap on your car, be sure to remove it as soon as possible to keep the sap from ruining your car's paint job. If your car's paint has been too badly damaged or needs other auto repairs, contact a professional auto service, like Slipstream Autocare.

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