How Does Tree Sap Affect Your Car’s Exterior?

Many car owners park underneath trees to avoid the sun and shield their cars from rain or debris. Although shade can help keep your car cool and dry, dripping tree sap could land on the exterior of your vehicle and damage your paint. To prevent damage, find out how tree sap could affect your car’s exterior if left on the surface for too long.

Tree Sap Can Damage Your Car’s Paint

Tree sap is sticky, acidic, and tough to remove once it hardens on your car. Over time, the acidity in the sap can gradually eat into your car’s clear coat and paint layer. This leaves behind dull spots or discoloration, and if left untreated, it may even corrode through to the bare metal.

The longer you wait to clean it, the more time and effort it takes to remove it. Regularly check your vehicle for sap spots, and clean them promptly before they harden. Simple soap and water won’t suffice once it bakes under the sun, so act quickly to extend the life of your car’s paint.

It Attracts Dirt and Debris

Sticky sap acts as a magnet for dust, dirt, and other environmental particles. Especially on windy days, this grime buildup worsens the sap’s abrasive effects on your car’s surface. This could result in micro-scratches and rust.

The combination of sap and debris may cause long-term damage or dull the car paint’s glossy finish. Avoid these lasting effects of tree sap on your car’s exterior by parking away from planters and trees while you’re driving.

It Could Leave Windows Cloudy and Distracting

Aside from the paint, your windows are also vulnerable to tree sap. When tree sap drips onto your windshield or windows, it smears and creates a cloudy residue. This could impact your ability to drive, especially during bright mornings or rainy conditions.

Use specialized glass cleaners or alcohol-based solutions to wipe down the surface. Keep a bottle of cleaner and microfiber rags in your car to remove any tree sap while you’re out on the road.

Clean up any tree sap you may find on your car as soon as you can to prevent damage. As you’re choosing a parking spot at your workplace or the grocery store, look out for any other shaded opportunities before you pull into a space under a tree. There could be a parking garage or a roofed car park just outside of the lot that can provide shelter for your vehicle.