Remove Tree Sap

[harry42ka1]

Hi there,

i have seen couple tree saps on the body of my RX. Is there a way to remove these?

Thanks,
Harry

[RX400h]

^{I have used "Bug and tar remover" or by using my fingernail. For other spot cleanups, I use 3D waterless car wash to keep our vehicles, spotless.}

[13IS250C]

You might try using a car polish with a little bit of abrasives to it. Clear coat safe of course. I had some spots on my car and I waxed it with Nu Finish. It took everything out. If the spots are too bad, you might try a clay bar.

[harry42ka1]

thanks, i will try the suggested and let u all know.

[VBdenny]

Ahhh sap, terrible. With any luck it is not pine sap. Pine sap will (and I do mean WILL) eat into the finish and there is nothing you can do. Happened on my new RAV4 recently.

[RX400h]

will it eat through a healthy layer of wax?

[13IS250C]

Pine sap = turpentine!!!!! Don't park anywhere near a pine tree. Pine cones will chip your paint if they fall too.

[VBdenny]

Oh yeah it will eat though wax, even 10 coats of wax so fast it will make your head spin. Pine sap is perhaps the single worst thing you can get on your paint, worse than seagull or osprey s....

[RX400h]

Perhaps a triple layer car cover will help..... That's what I use on my cars.

[VBdenny]

A garage works pretty well too.

[RX400h]

Don't we all wish we could park in a garage at our place of employment. (retirees excluded, of course)

[VBdenny]

That is why it is nice to have an old chevy truck around. The chevy doesn't mind sap nearly as much. :)

[javohio]

Dawn Dish Detergent will remove just about anything. Be carefull not to allow it to flow into the areas that you want to maintain your wax/sealant.

[13IS250C]

When I wash my car, I wash the car, then dump my suds and make a bucket of Dawn to do my wheels and tires. Great grease cutter.

[VBdenny]

While they Dawn really is my only dish detergent, I don't use it at all on any part of the car because it strips wax on anything. Even your wheels.

[13IS250C]

Wax on wheels? Even I don't do that.

Gets the brake dust and road film.

[VBdenny]

I must certainly do wax the wheels. Very important to help prevent brake dust build up and wear.

[RX400h]

Anything that is painted can and should be waxed. The 3D waterless is sprayed on, saving lots of time, washing (not needed).

[Financeman-7]

Mothers Claybar kit works wonders. I got deck stain overspray all over my Prius on accident. This took it right off.