How to Deal with Asphalt Splashed on the Car?
2 Answers
Methods to deal with asphalt splashed on the car: 1. Special automotive asphalt remover: Asphalt remover is a commonly used product in car detailing, mainly for cleaning organic hydrocarbon compounds such as asphalt and tar; 2. Organic solvent removal: If scrubbing is difficult to remove, organic solvents can be used, but it is important to choose solvents that do not dissolve the topcoat, such as those containing alcohols or benzene. The main component of asphalt is hydrocarbons, which are insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulfide. Therefore, when asphalt sticks to the car paint, washing the car won't remove it, and rubbing hard with a towel is not only ineffective but can also scratch the paint.
Having driven for many years, encountering asphalt splashes on the car body is a common nuisance. When this happens, the first thing is not to panic—park the car in a shaded area to prevent the asphalt from hardening under the sun. I usually start by rinsing the stained area with clean water, then spray a dedicated asphalt remover and let it sit for about five minutes to soften the asphalt. After that, I gently wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth, being careful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the paint. If I don’t have a professional cleaner on hand, I sometimes use kitchen cooking oil or dish soap as a substitute, which works decently but takes a bit longer. After cleaning, I always apply a coat of car wax to restore shine and protect the paint, preventing stains from sticking again. Once, I didn’t address it in time, and after a few days, the hardened asphalt required costly polishing—a lesson learned. Now, I always keep a bottle of cleaner in the trunk. Avoiding construction zones while driving can also minimize such incidents. Maintaining the car’s appearance and value is especially important for older vehicles.
