Removing Tar Particles From The Paint

nadisha · February 20, 2013

Hi guys,

is there a way to remove the tar particles stuck on the paint, with out damaging the paint ? once in a service station they used some stuff ( may be kerosene) and the car smelled horrible for weeks.

thanks in advance,

Nadisha

NZer · February 20, 2013

In some countries you get a product called "Tar and bug remover". Its a very good product from turtle. Not sure if u get it here tho.

Rumesh88 · February 20, 2013

Use just plain kerosene. Keep the car doors closed and apply it with a sponge and wash after sometime. The reason why your car smell for weeks is that at service stations they use their high pressure spray.

iRage · February 20, 2013

Sometime back I was looking for some bug/tar remover and found an ArmorAll product at KeelsSuper-Crescat (out of all the places) can't remember the exact price but remember it being too expensive that I resorted not to buy it (compared to how much tar I had to clean up was not worth it i guess) bought a tire shine bottle though .

varunatech · February 20, 2013

Use kerosene or tar and bug remover. Please note that this will strip off your wax coating. Hence you must wax it back.

nadisha · February 21, 2013

thank you very much for your replies. highly appreciate your help

HardHat · February 21, 2013

mate try to avoid using kerosine if possible - it could sometimes react with the wax or clear coat and make it go white. If you do have to use kerosine, work on small areas and wash it off with water and car wash liquid before you progress to next area. Keep kerosone away from plastic lenses of lights at all times.

Best is to use a "tar and bug remover". ArmourAll and Turtle provide some good products. Carefully read the instructions - not all products are equally suitable on all surfaces. There are different products to clean metal panels, fibre / plastic panels, rubber trims, light lenses and chrome.

After you've removed the stains, apply a good wax (as also pointed out by varunatech). This way tar and bugs won't cling on to the panels as hard as before and it will be easier to clean.

maliths · February 21, 2013

You can use a clay bar to remove tar and other contamination off the paint.

poscher · February 21, 2013

On 2/20/2013 at 10:02 AM, nadisha said:
Hi guys,
is there a way to remove the tar particles stuck on the paint, with out damaging the paint ? once in a service station they used some stuff ( may be kerosene) and the car smelled horrible for weeks.

thanks in advance,

Nadisha

Use 3M general purpose adhesive (GP) cleaner, removes tar and unremovable dirt like butter when applied heat!!! also doesn't cause any damage to the paint. However it is advisable to just use a paste wax on the area that 3M GP is applied.