Parking under a tree and its effects on wax durability

mikebai1990 · 12-06-06, 04:59

During the spring/summer, my parents have one car parked on the driveway and one car parked under the tree on the road. I have found that the car parked under the tree quickly loses its water beading characteristics when it rains (especially when it rains hard). When I wash the car again, the beading comes back.

From my limited understanding, the tar and sap from the tree comes down with the rain and covers the current layer of wax. My question is: Does this sap from the tree deteriorate the existing wax, or just put a layer of gunk on the car?

Also, should this be less of a problem when the winter comes? On a tree with no leaves, will there be no more sap coming down during snow and rain?

mikebai1990 · 12-07-06, 03:19

Would anybody happen to have any comments or suggestions?

TigerMike · 12-07-06, 03:55

I know it is bad for the paint and the LSP from experience. I think a combination of fine sap particulates in combination with acid from tree leaves will eat through nearly any LSP in no time. I have had imprints of leaves in the LSP before and it will kill beading (protection) in short order. I try not to park under trees anymore (particularly when raining as the crud from leaves drips onto the paint). Even the dripping will kill the beading!

mikebai1990 · 12-07-06, 06:17

Thanks. I'll try to park away from the tree in the future.

mirrorfinishman · 12-08-06, 08:07

It is never a good idea to park under a tree. You can figure that the tree actually acts as a sponge and accumulates all kinds of contamination blowing around in the air. Then all of that contamination flows down onto the car when it rains. Always better to park away from any trees.