Tree Sap

"glemon" (glemon) 08/19/2020 at 19:13 • Filed to: None

0

12

Friend has a new Subaru, less than half a year old . Parked under the wrong tree, got major tree Sap or plant gunk stains. Took it to the dealer, they said they couldn’t get it out/off by cleaning and are balking at doing more. Paint is specifically guaranteed for three years. She says she washes the car weekly, so not like it sat on it for a long time.

A quick search of the Google’s brought up plenty about tree Sap damage, but not much about warrantee coverage. Any thoughts or experience?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > glemon 08/19/2020 at 19:29

3

That’s not a paint defect, so I don’t see how that’s covered by warranty. Just buy her some Goo Gone.

Aremmes > glemon 08/19/2020 at 19:31

0

Can’t tell you about the warranty other that it might have a clause defining normal use within a narrow specification that excludes harsh contaminants.

Some bug and tar removers can remove tree sap from paint.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > glemon 08/19/2020 at 19:35

0

Bug and tar remover. I used it on a Volvo 240 that sat under a pine tree for years. 

glemon > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/19/2020 at 19:50

0

She said the dealer had it a couple times already and couldn't get it off.  But assume they had bug and tar remover or equivalent.  Nevertheless, when she brings it tonight I will take some stuff to a couple spots and see what happens.  I can see both sides, but parking under a tree does not seem to me to be exposing a car to harsh or unexpected conditions.

gettingoldercarguy > glemon 08/19/2020 at 19:51

0

Amazing stuff. Soak a shop cloth and leave it on the spot for a minute and wash off. Repeat as necessary.

glemon > gettingoldercarguy 08/19/2020 at 19:52

1

Thanks, I have some, but not the Stoner brand, have heard good things.

gettingoldercarguy > glemon 08/19/2020 at 19:59

0

Just got mine  from auto geek. Mind blown, my wife sometimes parks underneath our trees that are quite proficient at dropping sap. Some bits were dried on and hardened. Nearly instant removal. Crazy.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > glemon 08/19/2020 at 20:01

1

In order to claim it as a paint warranty you’d have to argue that the paint finish or formula is flawed in such a way that makes sap im pos sible to remove.

Beefchips > glemon 08/19/2020 at 20:10

0

I’ve used nail polish remover on my cars, works nicely. 

onlytwowheels > glemon 08/19/2020 at 20:16

1

In this time of pandemic I think most folks have hand sanitizer at home:

glemon > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/19/2020 at 20:36

0

Agreed, car is here, it looks like stain is under the clear coat, an independent detail shop looked at it today and agreed.  New water based paints?

glemon > glemon 08/19/2020 at 21:58

0

Car was here tonight, it looks like whatever it was soaked into the paint, feels perfectly smooth, no difference in surface texture where stains are. The gal says she wants a new car out of it. I said that wasn’t a likely outcome (trying to be nice), and best she would probably get would be a repaint, and she would have to work hard for that.

She has one of those unlimited car wash for a year things and is going to get the records from them, says she washes it twice a week, she also talked to the factory rep. I told her to get the car wash records and make sure they understand you won’t go away easy and good luck.

Paint is smooth as glass over the stains, is soaked in, not on the surface.