Parking your car under trees, especially during the summer season is a necessity. But a common problem that grips every car owner is tree sap. Most people tend to question whether tree sap is damaging for the paint but it is equally damaging as bird droppings. This is why experts suggest removing tree sap as soon as you find it on the car. Meanwhile, if you regularly come across tree sap and do not have any idea of how to get rid of it, you are in the right place. Follow below to learn how to remove and protect your car from tree sap to keep it looking brand new. Car covers and paint protection films are reliable if you want to keep your car safe from tree sap and bird droppings. Let’s begin!
How Does Tree Sap Damages The Car Paint?
Before we can go into the details of how tree sap can cause damage to car paint, it is important to understand the chemistry of the tree sap itself. In simple words, tree sap is derived from the phloem and xylem tissues of the tree. It acts as a transportation system for the tree as it transports sugars, water, and other nutrients required by the tree to grow.
While the tree sap is an important part of the tree’s package, it can have adverse effects on your car’s paint. You should know that the primary component of the tree sap is sucrose, which happens to be both highly sticky and soluble in water.
It is this stickiness that causes the tree sap to cling to car surfaces and all. As the tree sap comes in contact or lands on the roof or any other area of the car, it sticks to the surface, making it very difficult to remove. Considering its organic nature, the tree sap contains some organic compounds like amino acids.
And, among the amino acids, tree saps tend to contain acetic and formic acids. These acids can cause corrosive effects on the vehicle if left for too long. You might have observed dull spots or discoloration in some areas that are caused by the sap remaining on the surface for too long or left ignored.
If you have a unique, new, or expensive vehicle, leaving tree sap ignored on the vehicle can cause significant damage to its paint resulting in a value decrease as well.
How To Clean Tree Sap From Your Vehicle?
If you find or come across tree sap on your vehicle, it is important that you get rid of it immediately to prevent further damage. Depending on the intensity of the issue, there are several cleaning techniques you can opt for.
Cleaning Products For Tree Sap Removal
When it comes to using cleaning products for removing tree sap, you will come across a wide variety of products out there. These chemicals tend to contain solvents that help break down the tree sap to make it easier to remove.
You should make sure to strictly follow the instructions mentioned on the back of the product. You have to keep in mind that products that deal with tree sap can be abrasive and harsh as well. Considering the paint quality of your vehicle, you need to be extra careful.
This is especially the case if you have a restored vehicle. Before you can remove the tree sap, you need to separate the area by masking to ensure the chemicals do not contact the other areas. Once that is done, begin by cleaning the area thoroughly but do not use extremely harsh techniques.
Then, remove the excess water by drying the vehicle and use the chemical according to the instructions. Use a soft cloth to remove the tree sap. You may need to repeat the process multiple times.
DIY Home Solutions For Tree Sap Removal
If you do not have access to cleaning products, you can also prepare some homemade tree sap removal solutions with little to no time at all. You can use olive oil or rubbing alcohol to loosen the sap.
Then, gently rubbing the area with a soft cloth or brush is going to remove it. But, does not that mean you wait for the weekend to remove the sap. The longer the vehicle is exposed to the sun, the more damage it is going to cause to the car.
This is why you need to act immediately and remove the tree sap so that it is not able to work its way into the clear coat. After that, it’s recommended to polish or wax your car for paint protection.
How To Protect Your Car From Tree Sap?
Sometimes, avoiding tree sap can be difficult. One way you can ensure your vehicle remains protected from tree sap is by taking preventive measures. Once you are aware of how to prevent tree sap from damaging your vehicle, you are going to be in a lot better position to help preserve it.
Install PFF
Paint protection film or PPF is a protective sheet installed on your vehicle that preserves the paint and protect it from things like scratches, chips, tree sap, etc. It’s similar to auto window tinting Springfield that protects the glass from scratches. However, when you notice the PPF is damaged enough that it can’t protect your car, you can just replace it.
Use Covers For Protection
Another way you can protect your car from tree sap is by using covers. Today, manufacturers have come up with car covers that feature advanced fibers and technology ensuring they can withstand water, dirt, mud, soil, and other extreme external factors.
Using a car cover can save you a lot of trouble especially if you do not have a shade or are forced to park under trees. With a car cover, the tree sap will fall directly onto the cover and not stick to the surface of the vehicle. The car cover becomes a protective barrier between the tree sap and the car.
Don’t Park Near Trees
The first and most important factor you need to consider as a preventive measure is to choose the right parking spot. If you work or need to park at a place where there is no shade other than offered by the trees, you should opt for trees that are not overhanging.
Overhanging trees tend to pose the biggest risk when it comes to tree sap falling on cars. If you still feel anxious about tree sap falling onto the vehicle, you should choose a strategic spot or park the vehicle in a way that it is exposed to as minimal the sun as possible.
Know Which Trees Can Be Problematic
Furthermore, you need to be mindful of the trees surrounding your vehicle when you park it. Trees such as maple, pine, and oak are known to produce more sap than others. This is why you should be able to identify them and not park your vehicle during the season when they are at their peak.
Plus, fruit-bearing trees also produce a lot more sap due to their reproductive processes. So, you might think that a particular tree offers a good shade but not at the cost of damaging your car.
Conclusion
Use the right chemicals, tools and techniques to remove tree sap as soon as you spot it. You might think that tree sap won’t cause much damage but you should prevent it at all costs by using car covers and PPF. Look for experienced paint protection film installers Springfield for high-quality clear bra PPFs.