Originally Posted by
Ted Striker
I live at ground zero for sap, and suffer from a lifelong car problem, so I deal with sap pretty much constantly.
When I was a teenager I worked for a detailer, and typically the first plan of attack is high concentration isopropyl alcohol. If it's big globs, boil some water and use the heat to soften it up first (obviously, stay away from the glass). Alternatively, you can use a blow drier or if you're really careful, a heat gun.
After that you could go with an automotive sap remover but IME most of them suck. Goo Gone works ok (it's just mineral oils and citrus). Don't use Goof Off (acetone & xylene) I know youtubers do, but it penetrates too much.
WD40 works, but it's kind of a PIA to get it off (WD stands for water displacement). 3M adhesive remover in the aerosol can (the one for pinstripes, decals, woodgrain, etc) works, but the $ could add up.
Once it's sap-free I'd do a Dawn wash, followed by a clay bar. The reg wash, and re-apply whatever sealant/ wax you like.