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Tar removal/ HELP

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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 05:46 AM
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Default Tar removal/ HELP

What's the best tar removal? I tried WD40 inside my rim in a small spot it removed it with ease, then rinsed it off, I haven't used it yet on the body of the car, I am not sure what the WD40 will do to the paint? I think do the following
1. Wet it first
2. Spray spot with WD40 to remove
3. Rinse
4. (Wax) spot??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 06:28 AM
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Turtle Wax bug and tar remover. Best stuff out there but don't forget to wax afterwards
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 06:32 AM
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Sometimes I try wax as a first step to see if it can break down whatever is on the paint. Always try least invasive cleaner to the paint then step it up if that’s doesn’t work. I also will use goo gone spray. Just make sure you remove any residue or excess immediately. Also making sure the car is in the Sun or warm will help with making the tar softer.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:36 AM
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Mineral spirits, is what I use to remove tar from my vehicles.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:38 AM
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For small amounts of tar, I use Adams Detail Spray.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom/99
Mineral spirits, is what I use to remove tar from my vehicles.

Wouldn't mineral spirits remove the paint?

Thank you for the reply.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:51 AM
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Any name product bug and tar removal product should work. Rinse area and wax. I would not use WD40 on paint.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Vapor-Trails
Wouldn't mineral spirits remove the paint?

Thank you for the reply.
Lacquer thinner will remove the paint, not mineral spirits.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:15 AM
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True Green and Awesome, will remove most stains and spots. Both are natural products and safe for your paint.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:23 AM
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Back in '56 my sister wanted to do a good deed and get the tar off of my father's brand new Buick Roadmaster. Her solution: Comet Cleanser.

No shine no mo.

Saying he was unhappy is an understatement.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:28 AM
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WD40 will not hurt the paint but can be a pain to get off and you have to rewax
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:33 AM
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Sometimes the old ways are the best ways:
https://www.turtlewax.com/our-produc...ug-tar-remover
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:43 AM
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I use my Maguirers detail spray, if that doesn't work I'll try wax, and then tar and bug remover. With the layers of polish on my car the detail spray generally works. The areas directly behind the wheels are usually the most stubborn. For that I take out the tough stuff (tar and bug remover). I've also used WD-40 with no issues other then applying an new coat of polish.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 09:01 AM
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If you use a product called Wheel Wax, crap just comes right off. As does brake dust.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 09:06 AM
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My dad's old standby which I still use today. I keep a gallon of kerosene (or kerosine if you prefer) in the garage. Sometimes I use it full strength and sometimes mixed with water and an old clean rag. I've often used it as a final swipe of the car after a wash. It won't hurt the paint. Keep it off the glass and rubber trim of course. It does a great job of cleaning all those little tar spots we pick up on the road. And it's cheap.

Last edited by nmerhaut; Jul 19, 2017 at 09:11 AM.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Corgidog1
Any name product bug and tar removal product should work. Rinse area and wax. I would not use WD40 on paint.
WD 40 won't harm the paint.

Last edited by nmerhaut; Jul 19, 2017 at 09:09 AM.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Vapor-Trails
What's the best tar removal? I tried WD40 inside my rim in a small spot it removed it with ease, then rinsed it off, I haven't used it yet on the body of the car, I am not sure what the WD40 will do to the paint? I think do the following
1. Wet it first
2. Spray spot with WD40 to remove
3. Rinse
4. (Wax) spot??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Old school trick: Wesson oil
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Vapor-Trails
What's the best tar removal? I tried WD40 inside my rim in a small spot it removed it with ease, then rinsed it off, I haven't used it yet on the body of the car, I am not sure what the WD40 will do to the paint? I think do the following
1. Wet it first
2. Spray spot with WD40 to remove
3. Rinse
4. (Wax) spot??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated
WD is a good choice as it will not affect the paint. I'd avoid anything where it takes a lot of hard rubbing to remove. Yes, I'd rinse and rewax.

FWIW, I use 409 for bugs (love bugs are horrible in Florida) and find it to be paint friendly and does a great job of removing the splatter. Spray and let set for 20 seconds. Have not run into any tar, but would try the 409 if I did.

Yes, I rinse and re-apply wax where I used it.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Scoobydoobydoo
Turtle Wax bug and tar remover. Best stuff out there but don't forget to wax afterwards
I keep a bottle in the car when we're on road trips. Good stuff, and inexpensive.
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