Tree sap can be one of the messiest, most difficult substances you’ll ever have to remove from your car’s windshield. It’s a breeze to remove, though—IF you’re using the right product. We’ll show you what to use (and not use) to get your windshield crystal-clear with the least amount of effort.
If you’re not fortunate enough to park your car in a garage, you know all-too-well the toll that nature takes on a freshly detailed vehicle. This is especially true if you’re forced to park under overhanging trees. Within less than 24 hours, a newly washed car can resemble something that looks ready for the wrecking yard. This happens quickly during certain times of the year when trees are losing leaves, releasing pollen, or worst of all, dripping tree sap.
I
t’s important to know what tree sap is to find out which products best remove tree sap. Simply put, tree sap can be thought of as a tree’s “blood.” It transports nutrients throughout the trunk and branches. Alternatively, you can think of sap as the “honey” of the tree world. It’s nutrient-rich with high amounts of stored energy. And in the case of maple trees, it’s edible and delicious!
Tree sap is made from two components—xylem and phloem. Xylem is comprised of water, minerals, and hormones. Phloem is the product of photosynthesis and contains sugars. Phloem is the part that causes big sticky droplets to form.
If you park your car outside when you’re at home, or even at work, or out running errands, you can minimize the risk of tree sap dropping on your car by avoiding certain species of trees. Whenever possible, you should avoid parking under any trees at all. Trees overtop of your car increase the amount of debris that can fall on your vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, a branch could fall and crack your windshield.
If you must park your vehicle underneath trees, try to steer clear of these sap producing trees whenever possible:
Oak trees produce the least amount of sap. The trade-off is that they have acorns, which can dent your car’s hood, roof, trunk lid, and other horizontal surfaces.
Tree sap typically is most prevalent during the spring when plants transport lots of nutrients as they come out of a long winter. Sap will be noticeable throughout the summer. Warm temperatures allow the sap to flow more freely. As fall hits with cooler temperatures, the sap will thicken, and flowing will slow.
We know that tree sap is a sticky substance made primarily from sugars. For this reason, we’ll want to stick with a product that’s good at dissolving. Here’s a list of some of the many products people typically use to clean tree sap from their vehicle’s glass:
Here’s the secret weapon against removing tree sap:
Rubbing alcohol. That’s right, rubbing alcohol.
Keep in mind that alcohol has drying properties. Be careful not to use too much. You don’t want it to drip and come in contact with rubber or plastic trim pieces.
Check Glass.com’s Info Center for other great glass care tips. Do you have suggestions for removing tree sap that we didn’t mention, or have you had success with the method we recommend? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience. Keep in mind, if you need your windshield replaced, Glass.com® lets you instantly compare quotes from companies in your area. See one you like? Book with them online, hassle-free.
Copyright © Glass.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without expressed written permission. Questions? Contact info@glass.com
Glass.com attempts to provide accurate information but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted. Â You should always work with a licensed, insured and reputable glass shop that can assess your specific needs and local building codes and offer professional services. Never attempt to cut, install, or otherwise work with glass yourself. All content is provided on an informational basis only.
Leave a Reply