How can I get tree sap off my car (hood, windshield, and trunk area)?
July 31, 2010 by David Bynon
Filed under Answers
I have tree sap on my car. There is a pine tree over our driveway. It's been on there for about a year. I've tried the car wash and it has not worked. I bought the tree sap remover from auto parts store. No hope there either. I'm considering getting my car detailed.
I welcome any suggestions. How do I get it off my car?
I want it gone.
This always works for me I live in the pine blet and my vehicles always would get the drops of sap. And like you I would neglect in getting them off in a timely manner and next thing I know they are hard as a brick and seem to be part of the paint.
First go to a parts store and get a small tub of their hand cleaner. Make sure you get the one with out the pumice or any kind of abrasive. Go-Jo is a popular name brand but the store brand also works as well for me… This will take some elbow grease and a little patience. First just do a few at a time until you are comfortable with the process. Take a finger tip of the cleaner and rub it on the hard sap spot until it liquefies. Do not use any water until you are ready to wash your car, Water kills the cleaner. Then wait five or ten minutes and go and rub the spot again. You might feel it has softened up a little. Rub rub, rub rub abd then let it sit. If you do the right number of spots, by the time you finish the last one the first one is ready to do again.. After a couple rubbings you will notice the sap has softened up and you might be able to take you fingernail and scrape off the top layer. Provided you have fingernails that are functional. Do not use a tool or you will scrape the paint.
If you do this in full sun and the car gets hot it will help the process to a point but you have to work the spots faster and might have to add some more hand cleaner. With some patience and perseverance you will have it all off… Good luck and remember life is good!