Summer driving in the Prairies can be a blast, but the harsh conditions, roadworks, and outdoor adventures can leave your ride looking worse for wear as we head into fall and winter. Asphalt, road grease, and even tree sap can quickly gunk up your vehicle’s exterior- and cause sneaky damage to your paint job if left unaddressed for too long.

Whether you’ve been cruising down gravel roads at the lake or parking under shady trees on camping trips, your vehicle is bound to pick up a few unsightly souvenirs from your summer escapades. Thankfully, wax and grease removers can help restore that fresh, clean look and protect your paint job- and CAPS has everything you need to get the job done!

Common Uses for Wax and Grease Remover After Summer Driving

After a summer filled with road trips and adventures across Alberta’s dusty and greasy roads, your vehicle may have taken a beating and picked up some unwanted hitchhikers, like asphalt or reflective road paint. Wax and grease remover is your affordable go-to solution for cleaning off stubborn dirt and grime. Here are the most common culprits of summer muck:

Removing Asphalt and Road Grease: Summer road construction and hot asphalt can leave tar and grease splattered along your vehicle’s bottom panels. Wax and grease remover helps lift these tough substances without damaging your car’s paint job.
Cleaning Tree Sap and Bird Droppings: If you’ve spent any time under the trees while camping or at a family BBQ, your vehicle might be sporting some sticky sap or bird droppings. Left untreated, these can damage your car’s clear coat, leaving you open to discoloration and even rust- but wax and grease remover can clean them up in no time.
Fixing Paint Drips from Touch-Ups: If you’ve done any DIY paint touch-ups over the summer (aka fixing winter damage… it’s a vicious cycle), chances are you might have some drips or smudges. Wax and grease remover make it easy to clean up mistakes before your paint fully cures, so it’s good to keep some on hand for projects like these.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Wax and Grease Remover

Using wax and grease remover is hardly complicated, but following the right steps and best practices will always yield better results. To get the most out of your product, you should:

Prepare: Before applying any product, make sure the vehicle is in a shaded area and the surface is cool and dry. Working on a hot or damp surface may cause the remover to evaporate too quickly or dilute the product’s strength, reducing its effectiveness.
Choose the Right Cleaner: Pick a wax and grease remover suited to the level of grime you need to remove. CAPS offers a variety of options, from light-duty cleaners for sap and grease to stronger solutions for tackling stubborn asphalt and tar. Not sure what type of cleanser you need? Keep reading; we’ll cover that in the next section of content!
Apply Carefully: Apply the remover using a clean microfiber cloth and wait for the time recommended on the packaging. Gently wipe the affected area after allowing the cleaner to work into the stain’s surface and break down the grime. Avoid using excessive pressure, as it could scratch your paint job if your stain has any particulates in it.
Wipe Away Residue: Use another clean cloth to remove any residue or extra product once the remover has loosened the dirt. Make sure no product is left behind, as it could interfere with future wax or sealant applications.
Finishing Touches: After cleaning the area, rinse with water or wipe down with a damp cloth to ensure all traces of the remover are gone, especially if you’ve used a stronger formulation that could affect your clear coat. This step is important to prep the surface for any future protective coatings you might need for winter wear, such as wax or polish.

Picking the Right Wax and Grease Remover for Your Needs

Not all wax and grease removers are created equal, so we carry a wide range of these products that are suited for any job at CAPS. Some are designed for light cleaning, while others are more heavy-duty; whether you’re dealing with a bit of sap or a major tar problem, we’ve got the right wax and grease remover to suit your needs. Choosing the right product depends on the severity of the mess you’re dealing with and how fresh the grime is.

Light-Duty Removers: These are perfect for cleaning up minor issues like sap, bird droppings, or mild road grime. They’re gentle on your paint job and easy to use for quick touch-ups or regular maintenance as part of your normal detailing routine.
Medium-Duty Removers: For tougher crud like grease, oil, or road tar, you’ll need a product with a little more strength. Medium-duty removers can cut through sticky stains and substances without harming your clear coat.
Heavy-Duty Removers: If you’ve got a serious mess, like dried-on asphalt or stubborn adhesive from old decals, a heavy-duty wax and grease remover is your best bet. They have stronger solvents but should be used carefully to avoid damaging your paint job.

Give Your Ride a Little Post-Summer TLC with CAPS!

Whether you’re tackling a full-on paint project or just trying to clean up your car after a long summer on the road, having the right wax and grease remover in your arsenal makes all the difference. Central Alberta Paint & Supplies offers the best selection of products to help you keep your vehicle looking sharp year-round. With a little care and the right tools, you can easily restore your car’s shine and protect it from the damage that builds up over those summer nights. Visit us in-store or contact us to give your car the TLC it deserves before winter arrives!