Best tar remover?

[rrubel]

I had the misfortune of driving a highway soon after a tar truck had dumped its load for several miles - since it was dark, I didn't see the tar spots until after I got to work. This was liquid-looking tar (like driveway sealant) rather than chunky road-repair tar, and it has resisted my best efforts to remove it. It looks like black paint splats all over my hood, mirrors, and windshield, and the only way I've been able to get any off is with my fingernails. I've tried several different products including Turtle Wax's and Simple Green. Haven't yet tried Tarminator because I can't find it locally yet. Any other ideas for sure-shot cleaners?
Thanks...
[RICHR]

 

[jon88]

I have had good luck with WD-40 in the past. You may want to try it in a spot that isn't well seen at first. Never had a problem with it mucking up the paint.

 

[scotch1]

I had a similar problem, unfortunately, and I eventually had to use something really strong to dissolve and melt the tar. I used Mr. Clean, then I had to use gasoline, kero, or any other petroleum distillant. .
Good luck.
Tom.

 

[GS Diva]

I'm going to move this over to Care & Detailing where it will get more exposure.

Elaine

 

[vetteboy86]

Try some 3M General Purpose adhesive remover. I remember this bieng suggested in a detailing seminar at the first cruise fest. I also used it on my Trans Am. I would only however try it in a small spot first.

 

[6 Shooter]

Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover, 16 oz.

The #1 complaint about Bug & Tar removers is that it strips the wax as well. Turtle Wax? Bug & Tar Remover is an innovative product formulation that removes bugs, tar, tree sap, and road grime from your car's finish and restores a deep gloss shine. This is a gel formula that clings to vertical surfaces, thus allowing it to penatrate for better cleaning performance. Not only will it clean, this product also leaves a shiny protective wax barrier that helps prevent future bugs and grime from sticking to exterior surfaces. Trigger spray.

_____________________________
I really like this stuff...

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[G Winter]

Dupont Prep-Sol 3919 , This will take tar off, but it will also do a great jog of taking the wax off. Any place you use it you will need to rewax it. I use this when I want to start over with wax also. It comes in a gal. can, from any automotive shop that handles painting supplies. Wipe it on the area with a cloth then wipe with a clean cloth.
Should cost about $20 to $25 for the gal.

Glenn

 

[Fast Freddie]

Use this as an opportunity to strip and wax the entire car...

 

[Huey1]

Tar Removal

I've had good results in the past using WD-40 and Dupont Prep-Sol. I have used WD-40 to remove road and roofing tar that had been on tools and old vehicles for many years - just had to soak the tar and let the WD-40 sit awhile then rub off with a rag. Just be careful and rub gently and turn the rag often to prevent scratching the paint. Also kerosene and diesel fuel will do a good job of breaking down tar. What ever you choose to use I would suggest testing it first to ensure it does not harm the paint. Let us know what you chose to do and how it turned out.
Good Luck

 

[Ezmunie]

I've always used GoJo hand cleaner. Works great.

 

[Vettefan87]

I have used 3m General purpose adhesive remover on my Escort when I had it and removed tar very easily. Good luck.

 

[rrubel]

Wow! So many great suggestions! I'll have to start trying them this week. Many thanks, and I'll post results when I get them.
[RICHR]

 

[vett boy]

I had a similar problem, unfortunately, and I eventually had to use something really strong to dissolve and melt the tar. I used Mr. Clean, then I had to use gasoline, kero, or any other petroleum distillant. .
Good luck.
Tom.

Tar has a petroleum base and will dissolve with gasoline.I've been forced to use this myself over the years .And we all know caution is a very good word.I find turtle wax to be my first choice among non explosive as 6 shooter has displayed.Good luck to all -Steve

 

[c5y2k]

GM also makes a bug and tar remover. Not sure where I got the can I have but it works great. When I run out I'll be stopping by the dealer to see if they can get me another.

 

[o2bnkc]

When we are putting down asphalt we spray our boxes with diesel. I hate to say it, but diesel is the best way to get the stuff off. I know it will take the wax, but that's the easiest.

 

[tdr1919]

Rich,
prep-sol is good, NAPA has their version, good stuff, should use it if you're going to do any touch-up work.
Tom

 

[Z28Canuck]

The #1 complaint about Bug & Tar removers is that it strips the wax as well. Turtle Wax? Bug & Tar Remover is an innovative product formulation that removes bugs, tar, tree sap, and road grime from your car's finish and restores a deep gloss shine. This is a gel formula that clings to vertical surfaces, thus allowing it to penatrate for better cleaning performance. Not only will it clean, this product also leaves a shiny protective wax barrier that helps prevent future bugs and grime from sticking to exterior surfaces. Trigger spray.

_____________________________
I really like this stuff...

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

I have used this Turtle wax Tar & Bug remover over the last couple of years and it works great. Removes the tar and leaves a nice finish on afterwards. I have even used it for removing price stickers etc off new crystal and glass and it works great for that too! Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

[Toms007]

I use "mineral spirits" (paint thinner) when it is really tough. It probably takes the wax off as well, but it's not volatile like gasoline or diesel.

 

[rrubel]

FWIW, over the last couple weeks I've tried a number of different products including Turtle Wax's offerings and some auto store recommended ones. Some were citrus-based, some weren't. Nothing worked... I was beginning to wonder if it was black paint rather than tar. I called my insurance company and they said that getting it cleaned (or re-painted if needed) would be covered under my comprehensive so I'm taking it to my favorite body shop and they're going to clean the whole thing up professionally and wet-sand it when done.

[RICHR]

 

[vett boy]

Body shop might be the thing to do .I was going to recommend bear fat mixed with pond scum.Good luck