Many of us aspire to having a clean, shiny vehicle , but driving and parking on roads can cause dirt and contaminants to build up and diminish the pristine finish. Arguably one of the most difficult to remove contaminants car drivers may have to deal with at some point is tree sap.
Tree sap usually gets onto your car if you park underneath a tree. It can be difficult to remove from your vehicle as it contains terpenes. These bioactive molecules help protect trees from hungry animals and disease, but they are also responsible for making sap incredibly sticky and hard to remove, especially if not removed quickly.
The best way to avoid getting tree sap on your vehicle is to avoid parking under trees, but this isn’t always feasible. Fortunately, Star Car Wash is one of Australia’s largest networks of professional car detailers, and our experienced, knowledgeable car detailers are experts at removing all kinds of contaminants from your car, including tree sap.
In this guide, we share what you’ll need to clean tree sap from your vehicle, how to clean it and when you may want to consider getting help from specialist car washing services like Star Car Wash.
Assessing Your Car for Signs of Tree Sap
Tree sap may seem relatively harmless, but it can seriously damage the aesthetic and longevity of your vehicle in several ways :
- Staining – Tree sap contains chemicals and contaminants that can bake into your car’s paintwork, resulting in small, stubborn, and unsightly stains that are difficult to remove.
- Corrosion – Tree sap can cause corrosion, causing it to lose its lustre and shine, and if left untreated, can cause rust spots.
- Windscreen damage – Tree sap on a car’s windscreen can reduce visibility and increase your risk of accidents, especially during bad weather or at night.
- Reduced Value – Tree sap can reduce the value of your car should you wish to sell it. Potential buyers may be deterred by the cost of restoring the car, making it less saleable.
Cleaning tree sap off your car as quickly as possible is the best way to minimise the damage. For that reason, we recommend inspecting your vehicle for tree sap at least monthly or more frequently if you regularly park under trees.
It is best to inspect your car during the day to ensure you can fully see any sap. Pay particular attention to areas where sap is likely to land, including the roof, hood (bonnent), boot, and windscreen.
If you notice any tree sap, take note of the affected area and act promptly by cleaning it yourself using our step-by-step method below or seeking professional car cleaning services like those offered at Star Car Wash.
How Do You Remove Tree Sap from a Car?
Tree sap can be difficult to remove from your car, but with a few household items, it is possible to remove the sticky residue and restore your car to pristine condition.
To Remove Tree Sap from Your Car, You Will Need :
- Tar & Spot remover, citrus-based cleaners, some car polishes
- Microfibre cloths
- A soft sponge
- Warm water
- Car soap
- Car wax
Tips for Removing Tree Sap from Your Car
Before you begin trying to remove tree sap from your vehicle, there are some things you need to bear in mind to avoid damaging your car’s paintwork :
- Always try your chosen method on an inconspicuous area of your car’s paintwork first to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse effects.
- Apply your chosen product and leave it on for the shortest amount of time possible. If all the tree sap is notgone after your first attempt, reapply and try leaving it to work for slightly longer.
- Rub gently and avoid using a scrubbing motion, which could damage your paintwork.
- Never use abrasive materials like steel wool, rough sponges or hard-bristle brushes to remove tree sap, as they can scratch your paintwork.
- Do not rush the process. The DIY removal of stubborn tree sap stains can be time-consuming and may require you to apply your chosen product multiple times for an optimum sap-free finish. If you are in a rush, it is best to leave sap removal to the experts and book your car in for our professional car washing services.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Tree Sap From Your Car
- Inspect your car and locate any areas affected by tree sap. The areas where tree sap will most likely fall areyour car’s roof, bonnet, boot, and windscreen, so pay attention to these areas when inspecting your car.
- Remove any loose debris or dirt. Before tackling the tree sap,, ensure the area is free from any loose debris or dirt that could scratch your paintwork. Use a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth to remove any loose debris gently.
- Apply Tar & Spot remover or citrus-based cleaner onto a clean microfibre cloth. Using a circular motion, gently rub the cloth on the affected area. Both contain properties which break down tree sap and dissolve the sticky residue.
- Once you have rubbed in the Tar & Spot remover or citrus-based cleaner, dilute a small amount of car soap in the warm water and use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe over the affected area.
- Dry the area with a clean microfibre cloth. Visually inspect the area to check if any sap residue remains. You should also gently rub your hand over the area to see if you can feel any sticky residue which may not be visible.
- Use a clean, soft sponge to remove excess oil and the softened sap.
- Use diluted car soap to wash the area thoroughly and remove any residual sap, or oil. Rinse with clean water and then dry using a microfibre cloth.
- Check the finish to ensure all sap has been removed. You may need to repeat the process for stubborn sap stains from the beginning.
- Apply a thin layer of wax to restore your vehicle’s finish and avoid noticeable dull patches where you have removed tree sap.
Using Specially Formulated Sprays to Remove Tree Sap
You can also try specialist bug and tar remover car sprays to remove dried-on tree sap. These specially formulated sprays contain powerful solvents that break down any residual sap for a pristine finish.
- Spot test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to make sure you don’t inadvertently damage your car’s paintwork.
- Apply the spray to the affected area.
- Leave to work for 10 seconds.
- Wipe away excess product with a dry, soft microfibre cloth.
- If the sap residue persists, reapply the spray and leave for slightly longer before wiping clean.
- Continue to treat all remaining sap residue on the car, working on a small area at a time.
- Rinse the car with car soap diluted in water to remove all traces of the solvents used in your chosen spray.
- Apply a thin layer of wax to ensure your car’s lustre is fully restored.
Removing Tree Sap from Your Windscreen
Windscreen glass is harder, and more robust than your car’s paintwork, which makes it easier to clean.
To get tree sap off your windscreen, simply follow the same method outlined in the step-by-step guide. You can also use a lubricated soft glass scourer to gently remove dried tree sap.
When Should You Seek Professional Help Removing Tree Sap From a Car?
Although it is possible to remove tree sap from your car using the DIY methods we have outlined, there are times when you may want to seek professional car wash services, like those at Star Car Wash.
Cleaning sap from your car can be time-consuming, especially when tackling dried-on tree sap. By investing in expert car cleaning services, you can save yourself time and are guaranteed to get a high-quality finish.
Professional car cleaning experts have the experience and knowledge of dealing with various contaminants on car paintwork, so they know which techniques and products will work best to restore your vehicle.
Finally, with car cleaning services, you often have the option to include paint protection treatments, a full wax or polish, which can all help ensure your beloved vehicle is returned to like-new condition.
How Can Star Car Wash Help?
Don’t let tree sap ruin your beloved vehicle. Star Car Wash is Australia’s leading professional hand wash and detailing provider with over(20) years in the business. Since 2003, we’ve detailed thousands of cars, helping to restore their showroom look and feel once more.
Our car detailing services go beyond the ordinary wash. Where a regular car wash simply cleans, our car detailing services remove blemishes, restore paintwork, and revitalise interiors from leather seats to plastic coverings.
If you have noticed tree sap on your car’s paintwork or windscreen and would like it professionally cleaned and treated by our expert technicians, book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.
Contact Us
Contact any participating Star Car Wash today and experience the difference a professional detailing makes.
