How to Clean Tar Spots on a Car?
2 Answers
Methods for cleaning tar spots on a car: 1. Specialized automotive tar remover: Tar removers are commonly used products in car detailing, mainly for cleaning organic hydrocarbons such as tar and pitch; 2. Organic solvent cleaning: If scrubbing is difficult to remove, organic solvents can be used, but be sure to choose solvents that do not dissolve the paint, such as alcohol-based or benzene-based solvents. The main component of tar is hydrocarbons, which are insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide. Therefore, washing the car won’t remove tar spots from the paint, and rubbing hard with a towel is not only ineffective but also risks scratching the paint.
As someone who drives year-round, I've dealt with asphalt spots multiple times. The best method is to first rinse the car body with clean water, then apply a specialized asphalt remover, spraying it on the stains and letting it sit for a few minutes. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe in circular motions, avoiding excessive force or scratching the paint with hard objects. After cleaning, rinse with water once more, then dry with a clean cloth. A special reminder: if the asphalt spots have hardened, pre-softening will be more efficient; I sometimes park in the sun for a while to let the asphalt soften before treatment. Leaving it unwashed for long periods can corrode the car paint, so it's advisable to perform maintenance promptly after rain or driving through construction zones. Additionally, regular waxing creates a protective layer, reducing stain adhesion. These small tricks have saved me a lot on repair costs.
