Removing tar spots...

[specialman]

Thought I'd give the old banger a clean and there are a ton of tar spots that I've let go during previous washes - any tips for removal?

Have used a sponge to rub some off (without paint damage) but some are really stubborn and don't want to budge. Was told WD40 works but any other suggestions?

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Traffic Film Remover, failing that, petrol

 

[steve172]

Get some detailing clay

Ideally:
rinse
foam
rinse
foam
wash with two bucket method
rinse
clay
rinse
dry
polish
seal/wax

should get it nice and clean and tar spot free... if you have all day

 

[whitewash]

there was a thread on here about a month back about the same topic, have a search




tardis works a treat

 

[RichardC27]

Autoglym Tar remover works a treat, and isn't that expensive

 

[Shine On]

Yep, Autosmart Tardis (ideally through a trade contact, the few retail places that sell it will charge you a fortune compared to what they pay), or Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover. WD40 works, as does petrol or white spirit. Whatever solvent you're using, just give the car a wash afterwards.

Clay is an expensive and labour intensive way to remove tar other than the odd spot, and if you're not careful can inflict marks that need to be polished afterwards.