Can alcohol remove asphalt from a car?
2 Answers
Alcohol can remove asphalt from a car, but it's not recommended because alcohol can damage the car paint. The main component of asphalt is hydrocarbons, which are insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide. Therefore, if asphalt sticks to the car, simple water washing won't remove it, and using tools to scrape it off can easily scratch the paint. To remove asphalt from a car, it is recommended to use a specialized tar cleaner, which can quickly penetrate and dissolve the asphalt, effectively cleaning tar and asphalt stains from the car body and wheel hubs. It has excellent stain-removing, cleaning, and polishing effects. Simply spray the tar cleaner on the asphalt stains on the car body, wait for a while for the asphalt to dissolve, and then wipe it clean with a towel.
When dealing with asphalt stains on my car, I tried using alcohol, but the results weren't ideal. While alcohol can dissolve some of the asphalt components, it also has a corrosive effect on the car's paint, making me worry about the paint thinning or turning white. After that experience, I switched to a specialized automotive asphalt remover. Spray it on, wait a few minutes, and then gently wipe it off—safe and hassle-free. I also found that if the asphalt has just been deposited, promptly using warm water and car wash detergent can also do the trick. Don't delay too long, or it becomes harder to clean. Protecting the car's paint is crucial; regular waxing or coating can prevent dirt from adhering, making it much easier to maintain the car's appearance.