How to Remove Tree Sap from Auto Glass

Yes!! That nice, cool and shady parking spot under the tree is available and all yours. You don’t have to worry about your car getting too hot while parked outside. This is the true definition of bliss. But is it really? That feeling of elation is sure to fade away quickly when you discover that the tree dripped sap all over your windshield. Fortunately, all is not lost. You may not have to replace your windshield. Below, we discuss how sap affects car windshields. We also discuss tips on how to get sap off your windshield.

What is Tree Sap?

Before we discuss our tips to clean sap off a windshield, it’s important to understand what it is. This will help you determine the best way to deal with it. Sap can be defined as the fluid that aids in the transport of nutrients in a tree. It is therefore like the tree’s blood. It consists of various products including hormones, minerals, water and sugars. The sugars are what make this fluid sticky.

While all trees have sap some are known to produce this fluid in greater volume than others. These include maple trees, birch trees and walnut trees. It is best to avoid parking under these trees. You should also note that production of this fluid changes throughout the year. Many trees produce greater volumes during the summer. Fluid is also more likely to be thicker and stickier in the fall.

Best Products to Remove Tree Sap on a Car Window

Because the fluid consists primarily of sugars, it is a good idea to use a cleaning product that can dissolve these sugars. Some good options include:

• Bug remover
• WD-40
• Tar remover
• Soap and water
• Clay bar
• Bacon grease
• Mayonnaise
• Murphy’s oil soap

How To Remove Hardened Tree Sap From a Car Windshield

Dealing with moist sap is relatively easy. Any of the products listed above will easily dissolve the sugars and you’ll be able to get the sticky fluid off your car’s glass without any issues. The challenge is dealing with dried sap on the windshield. For this, you should try rubbing alcohol as follows.

• Clean your windows with a high quality glass cleaner. Use one that is free of ammonia. This will help to get rid of dirt and debris on the glass. Attempting to remove the tree fluid while the window is dirty may result in scratching the glass.
• Use a razor to gently scrape off as much of the dried goo as possible. Be careful not to scratch the glass. You can use a small amount of cleaner on the razor to get rid of rust and to lubricate the blade. Lubrication will allow the blade to slide easily over the glass without scratching it.
• Apply some rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and hold it against the stained spot for at least 60 seconds. This will give the alcohol time to soak into the stain and work its magic.
• Use the cloth to buff the area. This will get rid of the stain.
• Fold the cloth and dap the rubbing alcohol on a clean patch. Repeat the two steps above.
• Repeat the steps above until the stain is gone. Be careful not to use excessive pressure when rubbing the glass to avoid damaging it.
• Clean the windshield again to get rid of any residue.

Restore your Windshield with Protech Auto Glass

If you’re dealing with an especially stubborn stain or other types of damage to your windshield, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass. From getting rid of tree sap on a windshield to repairing cracks, we have the expertise and resources to provide you with an effective solution. Get in touch with us now. We’ll have a technician dispatched to your location as soon as possible.