Anyone else had problem with tree sap? In my driveway is a huge pine tree that drops sap all the time. Garage is not an option so I got a car cover which works great for a while. Until it gets covered in tree sap, then some is bound to get on the paint while covering/uncovering the car. I was told by the Nissan body shop that WD40 works the best for removing tree sap and wont hurt the paint. I think tree removal works better than a car cover! Personally I use a heat gun for a few seconds and it wipes right off, but it sure is a pain! Anyone else have this problem? What do you use to take it off??

Thanks!
Wadester
2001 AE fully loaded
MOMO COBRA ALUMINUM/LEATHER SHIFT ****

85 300ZX Street Modified

 

I used it before...those sanitization use IPA works pretty good for me....I soaked it a bit on a soft towel and tapped the area with it...then I wipe them off with a clean towl.

fianlly, I wipe it again with wet towel and re-apply wax to the surface.

 

WD-40? That's sounds like disaster waiting to happen.

Try a dry rag, if that does not work then try water and a rag. If that does not work, then go to rubbing alcohol and a rag. If that does not work, then go to a bug-n-tar remover and a rag.

I would recommend not using hard solvents/lubricants on the paint finish.

 

i had no idea how the sap got onto my car, but i had some thick spots, i used some liquid car soap and some water, it came off ater a few good scrubs. should work just like a car wash

 

Use a clay bar. The WD-40 will work also, just don't leave the residue on your paint!

 

ClAYBAR... it does a great job... Zaino has a nice one.

 

Just tried this product and it works great for tar spots so I imagine tree sap would be a snap )
Get some Detailer Clay at any automotive shop. I got mine for a NAPA store for about $17. Just spray the solution over
a 2x2 foot section and rub the clay over it. You will be amazed at how dirty the clay gets as it lifts off all the crap - sap included.
Try it you'll be hooked.
Then wax the car after the clay treatment.
Mike from WA
2K SE

 

Thanks for all the great information! The clay bar sounds pretty cool... I will have to give that a try. I have found that sap from a normal tree, like a maple, comes right off. This pine tree though, rains down gobs of sap sometime... I dont know what it is about a pine tree but the sap is extra thick and difficult to remove. I think WD40 works very well as long as you get it fast. I have never seen it leave a mark, but like FloMax suggested, dont leave the residue on the paint.