How to Remove Tree Sap from Car – Have you ever left your car to be parked under tree,
and then being surprised when you come back because you see sticky and splattering matter on its coating paint?
This substance is typically referred as tree sap,
but usually it is caused by honeydew that produced by aphids which leaves in the branches and leaves of the tree.
Learn how to remove tree sap from car from step-by-step tutorial below.
tree sap possibility on top of the car – image source: pikist.com
“How to Remove Tree Sap from Car”
Tree sap has potential to damage the coating paint of your car if it’s left untreated for long time.
It has corrosive quality while etching to the car’s finishing surface.
Unfortunately, even when treated, it causes the paint to be dull instead of back to be shiny.
Good news,
though, you only need a bit polishing to make the car look glistening as usual.
Now, automatic car wash is the first option to be chosen by most people.
However,
it’s honestly not really effective to remove the tree sap.
Sometimes,
it may even make the problem worse because the sap would spread around the car’s exterior.
Hand-washing is considered by experts as the best choice to go.
Here’s how to hand-wash your car with chemical solution to get rid of the sap – how to remove tree sap from car:
- Soak a rag or cloth in clean condition with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits until the fabric dampened evenly.
- Simply put the soaked cloth on top of the affected area and let it sit for about half a minute.
- Alcohol is a strong substance that may strip coats and paints of your car, so you don’t want to let it linger for too long.
- Examine the sap texture. If it hasn’t turned softened and cannot yet to be rubbed away, go back to step 2.
- Use circular motion carefully to wipe the tree sap away.
- Lastly, rinse the remaining alcohol and wash the area with hot clean water.
Whether the sap is coming from sycamore, pecan, pine, or palm trees, they are equally annoying.
The best way to deal with it, is to treat the issue as quick as possible.
If you allow the sap to sit longer on your car, you’ll find it harder to get rid of.
Moreover, tree sap that has been staying on the car exterior for quite some time will be hardened in texture.
You may need stronger solution such as specifically formulated cleaner to tackle with this issue instead of just a simple isopropyl alcohol and hot water.
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If you really don’t want to deal with this particular issue,
you may have to avoid parking under tree,
which is very inconvenient if you want your vehicle to be shaded.
Consider getting collapsible carport,
an item that looks like a tent and provide canopy for car.
Otherwise, next time you spot the yellowing gluey substance on your car,
you can try the tutorial of how to remove tree sap from above and see for yourself if the solution totally works fine.