[radiocaf]

Hey guys,

So I'm going on holiday (vacation for those of you from the US) in two weeks and where I am to park my car, it's known to have an issue with tree-sap.

I have looked into car covers but was told (on the Halfords website at least) to not use them on cars that have been painted in the last 3 months. Well I can't say for sure, but my car isn't even a month old, and although it was probably painted months ago and stored ready for assembly, I don't want to take any chances.

I also looked into renting a garage but nowhere near by is suitable, unfortunately!

So what do you guys recommend? Am I okay to leave any potential tree-sap on the car for the duration of the holiday (vacation) and then remove it with tar remover when I get back, or is a cover really no problem? If so, what cover do you recommend? Any other suggestions are more than welcome. I want to keep my car looking nice for as long as possible.

Thanks in advance everyone

 

[uke]

So what do you guys recommend? Am I okay to leave any potential tree-sap on the car for the duration of the holiday (vacation) and then remove it with tar remover when I get back, or is a cover really no problem? If so, what cover do you recommend? Any other suggestions are more than welcome. I want to keep my car looking nice for as long as possible.

Thanks in advance everyone

I don't think that car covers will harm a new car. I bought a cover for my F56 and the dealer said nothing about not using it (except after rain when the car is dirty).

I would lean towards not allowing sap to drip on the new paint. I think that would be far more damaging than a car cover. Perhaps the solution is to purchase a cheap sacrificial car cover, or if you know where the sap is dripping, tape some plastic sheet on the car (use painter's tape) to protect just that spot.

 

[Evlkarl]

This one should be big enough to park a Mini under while you are gone.

A Car Cover is probably best. I would look for a Cover that has the soft fluffy Material on the inside so you will not scratch the Paint even if the Car is dirty.

 

[radiocaf]

I don't think that car covers will harm a new car. I bought a cover for my F56 and the dealer said nothing about not using it (except after rain when the car is dirty).

I would lean towards not allowing sap to drip on the new paint. I think that would be far more damaging than a car cover. Perhaps the solution is to purchase a cheap sacrificial car cover, or if you know where the sap is dripping, tape some plastic sheet on the car (use painter's tape) to protect just that spot.

The plan was to buy a cheap cover, something around the £10-£40 ($15-$60) range. Unfortunately the sap must dissipate in the air or something because I get dots of it all over the car. Someone said something about it being greenfly droppings or something, not sure, but whatever it is, I don't want it building up and eating my car.

 

[rix]

lend it to me to 'look after it' while you're away and I'll even chuck a bucket of water over it for your return!

 

[caveman dave]

Don't fit a cheap loose car cover if it to be left outside, wind will move the cover around and rub the paintwork.
The best way to protect against sap and bird **** etc is a good coat of wax.

 

[johnan]

I would be reluctant to use a Halfrauds cheepo cover made from some polyester material on a new car unless it had an inner surface of a softer material.

If you clean the car carefully and then put a soft bed sheet, not harsh school dormitory linen type of stuff, over it before you put a car cover on, that would probably work.

With the winds we get these days, make sure it is all tied down well!

As Caveman says a good coating of wax polish would set up a protective barrier which would help too.

 

[radiocaf]

Thanks guys, I think I'll seal the car when I give it it's first clean later in the week.

 

[Blat7Chris]

Bird Lime inflections on modern paint can happen in hours. The problem is the paint gets soft under the heat of the sun, and them hardens again over night. So basically you have to remove the lime while the paint is still soft.

I always carry a bottle of Poor Boys Bird Sh#t Remover, and remove it asap.

Another big problem is sun block, especially on silver paint. It leaves hand / finger prints that just can't be removed.

The only good news is heat can remove the inflections, but its finding a paint shop thats prepared to heat your paint for a bit, instead of just getting the polishing mop out.

 

[Blat7Chris]

PS Sealing won't stop bird Lime damage

But don't take my word for it, check AutoGlym's research on the subject

http://www.autoglym.com/news_articles/new-research-dispels-myth-of-why-bird-droppings-damage-paint

 

[jeremybingham]

I agree, car covers scratch; soft blankets and a cover might do it, but i'd give the car a good coat of wax and risk the sap-I've found it washes off fine in the past but as for bird,,,,,,,,, it's a mare!

 

[DaveT]

Thanks guys, I think I'll seal the car when I give it it's first clean later in the week.

Everyones talking about sun, heat, tree sap and greenfly. Why don't you leave your car somewhere up north as we've not seen the sun in months, there is snow on the fells, the trees are bare and devoid of any life and greenfly would starve up here as nothing is growing yet and at the moment it's chucking it down so that should wash off anything.0

Enjoy your holiday

 

[mikeswagon]

No to the cover.

Spend your money instead on some nice stuff like Autosmart tardis or Auto Finesse obliterate. At this time of the year the temperatures shouldn't be that high (I am in Aberdeen admittedly), but in the UK it's going to rain .

Couple of thoughts: 1) could you park somewhere else? 2) Could you get a lift from friends/family instead - give them the ££s you'd have paid for parking etc.

 

[jeremybingham]

I agree Mikes wagon; I always worry more about getting my doors banged in airport carpark for eg; nightmare!

 

[radiocaf]

The temperature should not get too hot here whilst I'm gone, but I could be wrong.

What do you guys suggest I do? Anyone recommend a cover I could use, or anyone on the side of "it'll be fine, enjoy your holiday?"

I agree Mikes wagon; I always worry more about getting my doors banged in airport carpark for eg; nightmare!

I actually paid for airport parking but now have no intention of using it seeing as my Mini arrived before my holiday.

No to the cover.

Spend your money instead on some nice stuff like Autosmart tardis or Auto Finesse obliterate. At this time of the year the temperatures shouldn't be that high (I am in Aberdeen admittedly), but in the UK it's going to rain .

Couple of thoughts: 1) could you park somewhere else? 2) Could you get a lift from friends/family instead - give them the ££s you'd have paid for parking etc.

The father in law is taking us to the airport, my plan was to leave the car on his drive. Unfortunately it's either that or my parent's drive which is probably not much better, although not in the vicinity of a tree.

Ideally I'd love somewhere covered to store the car, but that seems impossible.

 

[mikeswagon]

The temperature should not get too hot here whilst I'm gone, but I could be wrong.

What do you guys suggest I do? Anyone recommend a cover I could use, or anyone on the side of "it'll be fine, enjoy your holiday?"



I actually paid for airport parking but now have no intention of using it seeing as my Mini arrived before my holiday.



The father in law is taking us to the airport, my plan was to leave the car on his drive. Unfortunately it's either that or my parent's drive which is probably not much better, although not in the vicinity of a tree.

Ideally I'd love somewhere covered to store the car, but that seems impossible.

So you're getting a lift from your father in law, and it's going to sit in his drive, which is under a tree? You could hire a chainsaw for not much £££s, probably break even selling the firewood.

Joking aside, is the car normally garaged overnight? If not then is it much different, other than you being away. I'd be much happier with his drive than an airport carpark, providing he doesn't live next to a railway and/or a football pitch.

I've had mine since Aug last year, and I still have problems with this sort of thing. For example, came into town on Saturday for movie and meal, parked in my office carpark then walked the mile or so into town - Angie was happy with this, so thinks she's maybe a keeper

Enjoy your holiday anyway, we're all expecing a postcard.

 

[Angib]

Not worrying about it is the best protection - it's a car, not a person.
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