how to remove tar like black stuff

2000Z3M · 05-25-2018, 07:54 PM

They are working in a local highway here, I got nailed with tar like stuff. It is all over my car. I have a detail on the 14th, do I just let them deal with it or should I try to remove it? If I try to remove it, how should I go about doing it? I have about 500 little black dots, here are some pics after a lazyish handwash.

John in VA · 05-26-2018, 03:31 PM

WD-40 will dissolve tar, but you can be left with a smeary mess to clean afterward. Mequiars & Stoner make bug & tar removers that you should be able to find in your local big box parts stores or even Walmart. CarPro Tar X is good but you'll need to order it.
Good luck!

Somebloke · 05-26-2018, 04:09 PM

Would a clay bar remove these bits?

2000Z3M · 05-26-2018, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somebloke

Would a clay bar remove these bits?

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

WD-40 will dissolve tar, but you can be left with a smeary mess to clean afterward. Mequiars & Stoner make bug & tar removers that you should be able to find in your local big box parts stores or even Walmart. CarPro Tar X is good but you'll need to order it.
Good luck!

I might try the wd40, but it really is all over my car. I saw some on the rear quarter panels

I also tried the turtle wax tar remover and it didn't work much at all

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somebloke

Would a clay bar remove these bits?

maybe, but i have a full detail in a few weeks

Billfitz · 05-26-2018, 08:56 PM

Acetone will remove just about anything. It tends to leave a haze, which you can get off with rubbing alcohol. It will also remove waxes and sealants, so use it before the detailing.

RAK92 · 05-27-2018, 08:35 PM

I’ve had tar on my car and clay bar with detail spray took it off with no issues. Be advised that claying will take your wax protectant off so you’ll need to replace that to ensure your paint is protected.

John in VA · 05-28-2018, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Acetone will remove just about anything...

Including paint so go easy with it! Gasoline or kerosene also might take it off, but please consider all safety issues.

Billfitz · 05-28-2018, 02:27 PM

I've used acetone to get rid of stubborn stains and it didn't bother the paint. Of course I tested it first in a spot that you can't normally see. I wouldn't pour it on, just put some on a rag and then wipe. I use lacquer thinner too, same technique. If you were to pour it on and leave it there just about any solvent will damage paint, but a quick swipe won't bother it. I just did so today with lacquer thinner to prep some scratches before applying touch up paint. If you don't then any wax or sealant will keep the paint from adhering.

WallySlash · 05-29-2018, 10:56 PM

Let the detailer take care of it...that’s what you are paying him/her for anyway. And they will have all the proper chemicals to remove the tar. Because as you said it’s everywhere.

If not then Gunk Tar and Bug Remover or WD-40 and a few micro fiber towels.

You will have a smeary mess but that will wash off with a good wash or two.

JWMulcahey · 05-30-2018, 09:31 PM

Tarminator, its made specifically for this and is clear coat safe. I own a detail shop and this is what we swear by.

Soul_Glo · 05-30-2018, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somebloke

Would a clay bar remove these bits?

You risk grabbing the tar and scratching your paint so no clay is not a good idea at this stage. However, it could be used once the tar is removed to deal with microscopic tar and contamination. Agree with recommendations for Meguiar's or Stone.

Bobh59 · 05-31-2018, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWMulcahey

Tarminator, its made specifically for this and is clear coat safe. I own a detail shop and this is what we swear by.

Citrol 266 is another excellent choice.

louielouie · 06-01-2018, 01:47 AM

CarPro Tar X.

1QuikWS6 · 06-06-2018, 04:52 AM

^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

Sea-Tac · 06-11-2018, 06:03 PM

I've used paint thinner on a soft cloth to soaked the spots. It lifts off when wet. Rub gently though. Don't be rough with them...keep blotting with paint thinner.

Blubaron79 · 06-17-2018, 12:12 PM

I just had this happen to me! Use Tar X by car Pro. It is amazing and melted away. It was even safe enough to use on my clear bra.

05-25-2018, 07:54 PM	#1
2000Z3M Captain 639 Rep 847 Posts Drives: 2016 435i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	how to remove tar like black stuff They are working in a local highway here, I got nailed with tar like stuff. It is all over my car. I have a detail on the 14th, do I just let them deal with it or should I try to remove it? If I try to remove it, how should I go about doing it? I have about 500 little black dots, here are some pics after a lazyish handwash. Attached Images
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05-26-2018, 03:31 PM	#2
John in VA Colonel 983 Rep 2,193 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	WD-40 will dissolve tar, but you can be left with a smeary mess to clean afterward. Mequiars & Stoner make bug & tar removers that you should be able to find in your local big box parts stores or even Walmart. CarPro Tar X is good but you'll need to order it. Good luck! __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
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05-26-2018, 04:09 PM	#3
Somebloke Second Lieutenant 127 Rep 274 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Would a clay bar remove these bits?
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05-26-2018, 08:56 PM	#5
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8221 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Acetone will remove just about anything. It tends to leave a haze, which you can get off with rubbing alcohol. It will also remove waxes and sealants, so use it before the detailing.
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05-27-2018, 08:35 PM	#6
RAK92 First Lieutenant 118 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe M Sport Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (0)	I’ve had tar on my car and clay bar with detail spray took it off with no issues. Be advised that claying will take your wax protectant off so you’ll need to replace that to ensure your paint is protected.
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05-28-2018, 02:27 PM	#8
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8221 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I've used acetone to get rid of stubborn stains and it didn't bother the paint. Of course I tested it first in a spot that you can't normally see. I wouldn't pour it on, just put some on a rag and then wipe. I use lacquer thinner too, same technique. If you were to pour it on and leave it there just about any solvent will damage paint, but a quick swipe won't bother it. I just did so today with lacquer thinner to prep some scratches before applying touch up paint. If you don't then any wax or sealant will keep the paint from adhering.
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05-29-2018, 10:56 PM	#9
WallySlash Private First Class 96 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 2014 428xi Sport Line Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Keller, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 428xi [9.00]	Let the detailer take care of it...that’s what you are paying him/her for anyway. And they will have all the proper chemicals to remove the tar. Because as you said it’s everywhere. If not then Gunk Tar and Bug Remover or WD-40 and a few micro fiber towels. You will have a smeary mess but that will wash off with a good wash or two.
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05-30-2018, 09:31 PM	#10
JWMulcahey Private First Class 3 Rep 108 Posts Drives: E92 335i X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Puyallup,WA iTrader: (3)	Tarminator, its made specifically for this and is clear coat safe. I own a detail shop and this is what we swear by.
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06-01-2018, 01:47 AM	#13
louielouie Major 535 Rep 1,043 Posts Drives: '18 F80 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (13)	CarPro Tar X.
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06-06-2018, 04:52 AM	#14
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1619 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^ __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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06-11-2018, 06:03 PM	#15
Sea-Tac Major 1453 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	I've used paint thinner on a soft cloth to soaked the spots. It lifts off when wet. Rub gently though. Don't be rough with them...keep blotting with paint thinner.
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06-17-2018, 12:12 PM	#16
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1432 Rep 4,723 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I just had this happen to me! Use Tar X by car Pro. It is amazing and melted away. It was even safe enough to use on my clear bra. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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