Tree sap is on of the tougher substances to get off of your car. The sticky golden compound just doesn't seem to want to want to go anywhere. No matter how much you try to force it, no matter what car wash you use, nothing seems to get it off. Today, try this instead.
Get Sap Off Your Vehicle Without Damaging the Paint
What you'll need:
- Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
- A clean microfiber towel
- (Optional) Vehicle polish and wax
How to Get That Sap Off
1. Don't let it sit on your vehicle for too long.
Fresh tree sap is relatively easy to remove from a vehicles body or glass. If you let the sap sit in the hot sun, and bake onto your vehicle for days, weeks, or even months, it will be exponentially more difficult to remove.
2. Get the right tools for the job.
It is better to leave sap on your vehicle for a little while than use the wrong tools for the job. In a bind, many vehicle owners might use some spare napkins, a paper towel, or maybe even an old receipt. Paper products can be quite abrasive and could cause damage to your vehicles clear coat. Instead, wait until you have access to a clean microfiber towel that you can use to remove the sap.
3. Don't go too hard with elbow grease.
Don't push as hard as you possibly can to get the sticky sap off. Pushing too hard could scratch the clearcoat, even when using a microfiber towel.
4. Pour the alcohol onto your microfiber towel.
Rubbing alcohol does not have a thick consistency. If you try to pour the alcohol directly onto the sap splotch, it will more than likely run down the side of your vehicle and waste the product. Apply the alcohol generously to the microfiber (enough so it is damp but not wet).
5. Rub the sap spot back and forth with the alcohol dampened microfiber.
Apply the microfiber to the vehicle in the areas coated in sap. Use a straight back and forth motion with medium pressure. Let the chemical do its work. Take your time and check on the progress that you've made as you go.
5 B. If the sap persists, consider a stronger chemical.
If after a few minutes of reapplying rubbing alcohol the impacted areas, you may want to consider a harsher chemical. Under no circumstance should you use a harsher chemical on headlights or tail lights, or other plastics. This can have disastrous and irreparable damages. Using diluted paint thinner is the harshest chemical you should try. Do not use acetone, it will get the sap off, along with the clear coat, and the paint.
6. Re-seal your clear coat.
This optional stage can be done after the sap has been removed. Using a fresh clean microfiber towel, apply a polishing compound to the towel. Using a circular motion and medium pressure, polish the vehicle to remove any minor surface imperfections. Wipe off the excess product and then apply a vehicle sealant wax to re-seal the clear coat.
Now What?
Now that your car is safe from the sap, why not take a few minutes to save some money on car insurance? Ask us about our group discounts.
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