Road tar, also known as bitumen, is a byproduct of petroleum. It’s used as a binding agent in asphalt because of its waterproofing and adhesive properties. When roads are newly paved or patched, loose tar can splash up onto vehicles, especially around wheel wells and lower panels. Once cooled, it forms a hardened bond with your car’s surface.
This guide will show you exactly how to remove tar from your car safely using proven products and expert techniques.
The Best Way to Remove Tar from a Car (Step-by-Step)
Removing tar from car paint requires methodical work with the right tools, the right products, and the proper technique.
Tools and Products Required
- Tar remover (e.g., CarPro TarX, Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover)
- Citrus-based degreaser (for light spots)
- Clay bar or clay mitt
- Microfiber towels (not sponges)
- pH-balanced car wash soap
- Detailing spray or sealant
- Bucket and grit guard
Step 1: Pre-Wash the Car
Before targeting tar, wash the entire car using a pH-neutral car shampoo. pH-Neutral car cleaning products loosens surface debris and reveals the extent of tar contamination.
Attempting to remove tar on a dirty surface risks rubbing abrasive particles into the paint.
Step 2: Spot Test the Tar Remover
Every product has a different chemical composition. So, apply the tar remover to a discreet area first to ensure compatibility with your paint or coating.
Tar removers often use solvents that break down bitumen without damaging the underlying clear coat (if used correctly).
Step 3: Apply Tar Remover to Affected Areas
Spray directly onto the tar spots and let the product dwell for 2–3 minutes. You’ll often see the tar begin to dissolve and run down the panel. Avoid letting it dry.
Use a microfiber towel to gently wipe the tar away in a single motion. Don’t scrub. Repeat the process for leftovers.
Step 4: Clay Bar the Panel (Optional)
For embedded particles or ghost-like tar shadows, glide a lubricated clay bar over the area. This removes bonded contaminants without affecting the paint layer.
A clay mitt may be more efficient for larger panels.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to clay bar a car.
Step 5: Rinse and Inspect
Thoroughly rinse the panel with clean water. Use a flashlight or direct sunlight to inspect the surface. Touch the area; if it feels rough or sticky, repeat the process to clear out everything.
Step 6: Reapply Protection
Once the surface is clean, apply a paint sealant or spray wax to restore protection, as tar removers can strip existing layers.
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What NOT to Do When Removing Tar
Not everything you see on TikTok is trustworthy! Here are some common tar removal tips that are flooding the internet, but we don’t recommend them as they can permanently damage your paint:
- Avoid household solvents: Using acetone, paint thinner, or gasoline can dissolve the clear coat or dry out the paint. They might “work,” but at a serious cost to the integrity of your finish.
- Don’t use scrapers or abrasives: Never attempt to scrape tar with fingernails, razors, or plastic blades. This can lead to swirl marks, micro-scratches, or deeper gouges that require paint correction.
- Do not use generic all-purpose cleaners: Multi-surface household cleaners may not be pH-balanced or safe for automotive paint, so stick to the products designed for tar removal from cars.
How to Prevent Tar From Sticking in My Car?
You don’t have control over the road, but you have control over your car and where you drive. Here’s how you can protect your car from tar:
- Apply a Ceramic Coating or Paint Sealant: Ceramic coatings and synthetic sealants create a hydrophobic barrier that resists tar, sap, and industrial fallout. These layers make future tar removal much faster and safer.
- Avoid Driving Through Fresh Asphalt: Do not drive on newly resurfaced roads, especially in hot weather. Tar can be flung up by other vehicles even at moderate speeds.
- Rinse Lower Panels After Long Drives: During road trips, especially through construction zones, rinse your undercarriage, wheel wells, and rear bumpers. A quick rinse within 24 hours reduces buildup.
Recommended Tar Removers (With Pros and Cons)
Not all tar removal products are created equal. Choose the products based on contamination level, paint type, and user experience.
CarPro TarX
- Pros: Extremely effective, citrus-based, safe on clear coat
- Cons: Premium price point, strong odor
Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, easy to apply
- Cons: Less potent on older tar, may require multiple applications
WD-40 (Emergency Use Only)
- Pros: Readily available, softens tar effectively
- Cons: Leaves oily residue, not paint-safe long term, not a replacement for proper tar removers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does tar damage car paint?
Yes, tar can damage car paint by bonding to the clear coat, causing stains and potentially degrading the finish over time if not removed properly.
Will a Car Wash get tar off?
No, most car washes won’t remove tar. You need a dedicated tar remover or solvent for effective removal.
Is WD-40 safe on Car Paint?
Temporarily, yes. But it should be followed by a thorough wash to remove residue. WD-40 is not recommended as a primary solution for tar removal.
If the tar is too hard to get off or in excess amount, make sure you contact a detailer for professional detailing service. Experts have all the necessary tools and expertise to remove hardened tar from your car.
Parham Koukia
With nearly 15 years of hands-on detailing experience, Parham has become a trusted authority in the auto care world. His work is regularly spotlighted in leading outlets like CNN, GoBankingRates, and Family Handyman. Parham likes to share his knowledge to offer in-depth tips on equipment selections, seasonal car care, and some secret car cleaning tips used by detailers in the real world!
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