Bird droppings and now - oh, the horror - tree sap!

[Debra Co]

Got a 2002 LLBean OBW. I put it through a hand wash every week or two since
its birth. Had it waxed once in the past two years (I know, I know). Anyway,
I just moved to a new place where I have an assigned parking space with no
choice in the matter. It's under a pair of gigantic oak trees. I have had the
occasional bird dropping which I take off quickly with bug'n'tar wipes, but I
came out yesterday to find the whole right side of the hood and the passenger
window and door covered in clear tree sap. (I went right to the car wash.) So
my question is this -

Will this corrode my paint if not washed off immediately? Will waxing more
often help keep the sap from adhering?

If it matters, I live in SI, NY.

 

[Jim Stewart]

Got a 2002 LLBean OBW. I put it through a hand wash every week or two since
its birth. Had it waxed once in the past two years (I know, I know). Anyway,
I just moved to a new place where I have an assigned parking space with no
choice in the matter. It's under a pair of gigantic oak trees. I have had the
occasional bird dropping which I take off quickly with bug'n'tar wipes, but I
came out yesterday to find the whole right side of the hood and the passenger
window and door covered in clear tree sap. (I went right to the car wash.) So
my question is this -

Will this corrode my paint if not washed off immediately? Will waxing more
often help keep the sap from adhering?

I can tell something *not* to do. Don't use the power windows
while there's a big accumulation of sap on the windows. The
sap binds the windows to the window seal and overstresses the
motor and mechanism.

 

[Debra Co]

I can tell something *not* to do. Don't use the power windows

while there's a big accumulation of sap on the windows. The
sap binds the windows to the window seal and overstresses the
motor and mechanism.

excellent point!

 

[Edward Hayes]

I have the same problem and settled on a twice a year wax job using a
polymer based was such as NuFinish in the orange can. My 2000 Forester (dark
Green) looks great today. Eddie

 

[Bob or Lynda Del Monte]

I would advise you to wax that area of the car that may be exposed to bird
droppings or sap at least once a month. This will keep a protective coating
of wax on the car and make it easier to remove. Oak sap shouldn't stain if
removed quickly. Pine sap is the worst.

You should also wax those areas that you have removed the sap with the bug N
Tar remover because you are removing the wax too. The car should be waxed at
least twice a year. More if it's kept outside not garaged.

My shop is in Branchburg, NJ about 40 miles west of you. Call me or Email me
with an other questions.

(e-mail address removed)

Bob
www.karkleanprofessionals.com

 

[Crash]

I don't think tree sap will damage the vehicle if left on for a short period
of time. However it has been noted in several car care books I've read that
bird droppings can do damage to the clearcoat if not dealt with within a
matter of hours, so the sooner the better. If you're stuck having to park
under this tree all the time, maybe a car bra would be a good idea. Sure
you may have to wash the bra more frequently, but it saves the car's paint
job from debris and UV rays.