If you spent a good part of summer driving looking for a shady spot under a tree to park your vehicle, then you’re not alone in the struggle to remove dried-on tree sap!
Pine trees, in particular, are known for producing large amounts of unctuous, sticky, sap that hardens quickly on surfaces such as your car windshield. The sap forms a strong resin-like bond, making it almost impossible to remove without the right tools and materials.
If you find globs of sap still in semi-liquid form on your windshield, be careful not to smear it around too much when wiping it up. We advise against using your windshield wipers on tree sap, as the wide swish smear will make it worse. It’s also not advisable to remove hardened tree sap with a razor blade or box-cutter, as this might cause damage to the glass.
So, what is the best way to get out of this sticky situation?
- First, clean the glass around the sap with glass cleaner and allow it to dry.
- Using rubbing alcohol, wipe the dried sap. You can also put a few drops of alcohol on a clean, dry, cloth and lay it over the sap to loosen it.
- Use the alcohol-moistened cloth to gently rub away the sap in a circular motion. Repeat Steps 2 and 3, as needed.
- Finish by cleaning the glass again with the glass cleaner.
- Check that there has been no damage to the glass.
First Response Glass is your go-to for any issues with auto glass. Give us a call on 250-383-9300 if you find damage to the windows of your vehicle.
