Trees are great!
Tree Sap on your car? Not so much.
Have black spots all over the roof of your vehicle? Chances are, you're looking at tree sap. This pesky material can be difficult to get off your vehicle without some old-fashioned elbow grease, but we're here to show you some options on getting it off.
What is Tree Sap?
We often get the question "what is this?" as customers point to their roof or the sides of their vehicle, and more often than not, it's tree sap.
Tree sap is basically "the blood of a tree" - which sounds a lot more gross than it actually is. It comes from, you guessed it, any tree, and you can get it just from a short stay under a tree! It drips from a tree, and can quickly harden on your vehicle. It looks like small, black or clear, hardened spots on your car. Think of it like a hardened mist over your car!

Will a carwash get it off?
Express and Full-service carwashes are known for cleaning, but there are some things that even these high-pressure water and strong soaps can't remove, and one of those things is tree sap unfortunately.
You'll need friction to remove tree-sap. Strong cleaning soaps and air just won't remove this stubborn stain. Carwashes may knock some of it off, but thinking you'll get rid of all of it by taking it through a carwash is, unfortunately, not happening. We wish though, that would make our life a lot easier!
So, what will remove tree sap?
While a simple carwash might not be able to remove tree sap, a detail service will!
Detailing allows us one-on-one time with your vehicle, where a detail shop crew member can personally work to remove the stains. We have a full-service detail shop that deals with these problems frequently, so we encourage you to give them a ring if you're wanting this pesky problem gone!
If you're looking for a more DIY solution, we encourage our customers to purchase Goo-Gone Automotive (online or at your local grocery store!). Spray a bit on the spots, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a cloth towel

Looking to schedule a detail service?
We have a full-service detail shop at our Preston Indian Trail location!
Our detail shop is open from 7AM-5PM, available for drop-off's, and cars are usually ready within a day or two.
If you've washed with us, you know we put time and effort into making sure your vehicle comes out looking new. Our dedicated detail service crew is properly trained in detailing services for a wide range of vehicles (from vintage to luxury and everything in-between). Read below on how to schedule an appointment with us!
SCHEDULE A DETAIL SERVICE
Wanting a detail service? Take it to Thomas!
- Call (502) 618-4764
- Ask for Mike, our Detail Manager, and talk about what you're looking for
- Bring your vehicle in where you'll get an exact quote and timeline on when it can be done
- Drop it off or sit and wait in our Detail Lobby
- Enjoy your refreshed and restored vehicle!
To find starting prices, check out our detail page here: Thomas Car Wash - Preston Indian Trail