Tar is a very sticky substance that damages your car’s exterior. So, it is best to watch out for tar that can stick to your car when driving through construction zones or freshly paved roads. Tar is a very difficult stain to tackle and removing it quickly is important to prevent damage to your car’s finish. That's why we are here to help you with our professional expertise.
Let’s quickly look into how to get tar off a car.
Why Act Quickly?
- Prevents Paint Damage: Over time, tar hardens on the car paint, which makes it much more difficult to remove without scratching the car.
- Avoid Permanent Stains: Tar seeps into the clear coat, leaving permanent stains on your car.
- Maintain Appearance: Removing any tar before it causes any permanent damage to your car can ensure that you don’t have to drive around in a nasty car. It can also help preserve the value of your car when it is time to sell it.
What You’ll Need to Remove Tar
- Tar Remover or Household Alternatives: Get a commercial tar-removing product or household alternatives like WD-40 or peanut butter.
- Microfiber Cloth: To prevent scratches
- Car Wash Supplies: Car wash soap, bucket, sponge, and water
- Wax / Paint Sealant: Optional but recommended to protect the paint after cleaning
How To Get Tar Off Car
1. Gently Wash
When dealing with tar, the first course of action should always be gently washing the area with car wash soap and water. Then, dry it using a microfiber cloth. This minimizes potential scratching from any dirt and debris.
2. Apply Tar Remover
Commercial products
Spray the tar remover directly onto the tar spots. Allow it to sit for the time specified by the manufacturer. Make sure the tar-affected areas are dry before applying the product.
Recommended Tar Removing Products:
Household Alternatives
WD-40: Spray onto the tar spots and let it sit for about 10 to 30 minutes. Rub the affected area with a clean microfiber towel until all tar is removed.
Peanut Butter: Yes, peanut butter, but it’s not a snack time yet!
I know it sounds unusual, but the natural oils in peanut butter loosen the tar from a car.
Spread a generous amount of creamy peanut butter directly onto the tar spots and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Once the tar is loosened wipe away the butter with a microfiber cloth and see the magic!
3. Apply Paint Protecting Solutions
After done with the tar removal process, apply wax or a paint sealant to protect your car’s finish from future grime.
Dealing With Tar on Different Car Surfaces
Painted Areas
Always test tar remover and the alternative on a hidden spot before proceeding with the cleaning.
If you are using rubbing alcohol, it is best to use an equal parts alcohol and water solution to avoid damaging the coat.
Avoid prolonged contact and wash extensively after use.
Plastic Trim
Check if your tar remover is safe for plastics before using it. Other solutions can cause discoloration.
Rubbing alcohol must be rinsed immediately and followed up with a plastic restorer or conditioner.
Windshield or Windows
Use a tar remover that is safe for glass surfaces. Wipe it off with a non-abrasive sponge.
When using WD-40 or rubbing alcohol, use microfiber towels to wipe the tar off.
Tires and Wheels
All solutions are safe for tires and wheels as long as you don’t use excessive rubbing alcohol.
Make sure you rinse thoroughly after using a tar cleaner.
Chrome and Metal
WD-40 is ideal for chrome and metal surfaces.
Make sure to wipe off with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
While there are multiple DIY methods ways to get rid of tar from the car, sometimes luck is not on your side, and you are left with stubborn tar patches that won’t go away with multiple efforts. In such cases, you can reach out to a professional detailing service provider who excels in interior and exterior detailing and can make even the most tar-covered cars look brand new.
And, if you are trying to remove the tar by yourself for the first time, double-check the materials to ensure you don’t damage your car’s exterior finish. After all, no one knows your car better than you do!
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FAQs
Can I use household items to remove tar from my car?
Yes, you can use household items like WD-40, rubbing alcohol, or even peanut butter to remove tar from your car.
Will tar removers damage my car’s paint?
Most tar removers are safe to use on car paint.
To be sure, check the product description and test on an area that doesn’t catch the eye.
How to prevent tar from sticking to the car?
You don’t have control over the road but you definitely have control over your car and where you drive. To prevent tar from sticking to the car apply wax or ceramic coating, avoid freshly paved roads, use mud flaps, and wash your car regularly to prevent tar buildup.
