This stuff and tons of other almost invisable stuff gets on our cars everyday. It should be attended to asap.
Just make sure you use or someone uses proper stuff to remove it. DO NOT RUB the crap out of it. You will do more damage than good.
I suggest you polish and then wax the vehicle after. If it's too cold or you just don't want to do it, get a professional. Stop parking under trees! haha
Here's some more info. I've tried them all. Depends on the tree and other conditions...
Each type of tree emits a difference type of resin (sap), at different times of the year.
Do you have any idea of what kind of tree sap is on your vehicle?
First, try "soaking" with a solution of water based all purpose cleaner, properly diluted, on a cool surface, in the SHADE!
Let it soak for at least 5 to 10 minutes, keeping it wet with the solution, don't go playing "rubby dub" or you might created some serious scratching,etc, which then makes more work.
If, after it sets and you have wiped it off and washed off with plain water, they are still there, move to the next step.
Since most "grease/wax/tar" removers contain a fairly high percentage of xylene in them, do not recommend their use except when preparing a vehicle for sanding and repainting..
Honestly, the safest hydrocarbon remover you can use is naphtha, used in many of the polishing and waxes used on vehicles, just under a different CAS#. Soak and let set, then wipe with a towel wetted with the naphtha.
Where do you get naphtha, simple, it is "lighter fluid" and will do nothing more than remove any wax or sealant on the clear.
Another, is plain old "rubbing alcohol", that's right, the stuff under most people's sinks.
It will not harm your finish; just use it the same way, "LET IT SOAK", DON'T GO GETTING ALL IN A HURRY AND RUBBY DUBBING!
If none of these work, and it turns out to be pine type trees emitting turpene use turpentine otherwise go to the clay.
You will get some scratching with clay, so be prepared to do some polishing after using it.
There are your "guide lines", as there are many types of trees, each with their own sap/resin emitted.
If none of these work, and it turns out to be pine type trees emitting turpene use turpentine otherwise go to the clay.
There are your "guide lines", as there are many types of trees, each with their own sap/resin emitted.
I have much experience with Pine sap. First DO NOT attempt to rub out. Won't work without causing damage to the paint!
Use a sponge soaked in a mild soap solution and very warm (Not hot) water. Let it sit on the area for 10-15 mins. Then use Lestoil® in small amounts and wipe, do not rub.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fastlightning
"LET IT SOAK", DON'T GO GETTING ALL IN A HURRY AND RUBBY DUBBING!
Wax area several times after wards.
Here is a link (Sap removal) to try also. Relax, I know it hurts but it will all come out OK.
If it was a few droplets here and there I'd take care of it myself - even with the chilly weather here. It's really all over the car.
I dropped off the car at the detailing place this morning and the manager was shocked to see that much sap in a car. Hopefully they know what they are doing.
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I got tree saps on my Z. All over the hood, front fenders and windshield. 
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