Removing Tar from my car?

Question

I've got a brand new car (5 months) and there is tar all over it - from where? who knows. It's along the hood, wheel well, trunk, and other edges. I really don't want to do anything to compromise the finish. What should I use to remove it? Is it simple enough that I can do it, and not live in fear of rubbing off the finish?

Answer 1

They sell an oily bug and tar remover at most discount or automotive stores that will soften / remove the tar without harming your car's finish. There is also a sponge with a VERY soft scrubber net over it, especially for car washing, that works especially well with this product.

Why take chances using other products when the "right tool for the job" is inexpensive and widely available???

Answer 2

Tar is a solvent based substance. Any product made with water won't touch it. Go to a auto store that sells Automotive Paint & Supplies. Get a pint or quart of Synthetic Enamel Reducer. Put a little on a clean cloth, like an old t-shirt. The tar will come off like butter. And it won't harm your car's finish. You will have to wax your car when done though. It's a beautiful thing -chemicals.

Answer 3

Use a good commercial bug and tar remover, or kerosene to soften and remove the tar. These methods will not compromise the finish. Mix the kerosene with water and wear rubber gloves. Don't use gasoline or other solvents like acetone as they will kill the paint. Use only enough of either solvent to soften the tar and remove it with a soft wet cloth. This requires some patience and elbow grease, but will get that tar off. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

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RE:
Removing Tar from my car?
I've got a brand new car (5 months) and there is tar all over it - from where? who knows. It's along the hood, wheel well, trunk, and other edges. I really don't want to do anything to compromise the finish. What should I use to remove it? Is it simple enough that I can do it, and...

Answer 5

Yes there are a few things you can use. Go to any auto parts place and they sell products just for this. One product that works great is a clay bar. Mothers makes a kit with all the stuff you need in it and it tells you how to do it. What also works great is wd-40. If you use this you will need to wash your car pretty good after and apply a finish wax.(Mothers show time or Dupont)
I would also look at putting a set of mud flaps on?

Answer 6

I've used gasoline for years and it has never hurt the paint yet, just wipe it off with a clean rag as soon as you get the tar off and then get a good coat of wax on the car.

Answer 7

WD-40 will work and they sell bug and tar remover at Wal-Mart, but don't use that sponge surrounded with the netting as suggested above....it will put swirls in your finish if you rub hard enough.

Answer 8

Yea, what they said. WD-40 or a name brand Bug And Tar Remover. Then finish the job with a quality wax.

Answer 9

bug and tar remover

stoner makes one that works excellent and there clearcoat safe

Answer 10

buy a can of D-40 spray,can be found at auto parts every where and a clean,but soft cloth ,spray the rag,in small spots and rub off,this will not harm finish,but Will have to wash car after wards,or try diesel fuel,will work!