one thing to remember when dealing with things like tree sap and tar .. Just because a product will remove your problem, that doesn't make it the correct or best product for the job. there is a ton of stuff on the market that will clean anything, and look like it has done no damage, when, in reality, it has started you down a path that will lead to clear coat failure, cracking, or some other unexpected issues.

Using the correct product may not always be the easiest solution, but if it takes a little extra time, work and $$ to do it right, why wouldn't you? Most of us plan on keeping our vehicles for a long time .. wiping the sap off your hood once a month with WD-40 might look like it is ok now .. but if the clear coat starts cracking in 6 years, is it worth it? (just an example, not saying that will happen)

Best example I can think of: the best bug and tar remover you will ever use is unleaded gasoline. that said, you have to be absolutely CRAZY to think that is the correct thing to do .. (do not, I repeat, DO NOT use this method, it is very bad on many levels)

things like WD-40, goo gone, etc may work, but in the long run, you may be doing damage that you can't reverse at a later date.

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Actually soap and water is all it takes...

 

I'm not saying that I use it for sap--As I've said before, GC wash works for me. WD-40 was what I used when some retard put a magnet on my truck with some sort of bonded adhesive that Simple green would not remove. Rather than take out a nylon brush and scrub with SG, I opted for WD-40 and a MF rag. I don't make frequent use of the stuff, but when you need a powerful chemical, it certainly does the trick.

 

I guess you never got pine sap on your truck. Soap and water does nothing weather its 1 minute old or 3 weeks old.