How to Deal with Oil-like Stains on Car Paint That Won't Wash Off?
4 Answers
Methods to Remove Oil Stains from Cars: 1. If the oil stain is detected early: It can be wiped off directly with a cloth. 2. If the oil stain has been present for a long time: The paint surface may wrinkle, bubble, or crack, requiring the use of automotive-specific cleaning sandpaper to remove the oil stain, followed by waxing to restore the car's shine. Methods to Remove Other Stains: 1. Bird Droppings: Bird droppings have simpler components and are less corrosive, making them easier to clean. If detected early, they can be soaked in water and wiped with a soft cloth or tissue. If left for a long time, they require treatment with crystal wax or beauty wax. 2. Asphalt: If the situation is not severe, dry asphalt can be dissolved using tar remover and then wiped dry with a cloth. If the asphalt has penetrated the car's paint surface due to sun exposure and caused corrosion, polishing wax can be tried first. If it cannot be removed, professional automotive sandpaper should be used for wiping.
A few days ago, I also had an oily stain on my car body, and regular car washing didn’t help at all. Later, when I asked at the car wash, I found out it might be tree sap or tar. They suggested I try a specialized automotive tar remover—spray it on, wait a few minutes for it to dissolve, then gently wipe it off with a soft cloth. It worked perfectly in just one try. After cleaning, remember to rinse and wax immediately, otherwise the paint may turn yellow. If the area is large, it’s best not to scrape it off yourself; instead, take it to a professional detailing shop for polishing—their rotary foam pads won’t damage the base coat. Usually, try to avoid parking under trees. Last time, I parked under a plane tree and ended up with tree sap.
I've dealt with oil stains on car paint several times myself, and the lesson is never use steel wool or blades to scrape. First, rinse the car body with warm water, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush dipped in neutral car shampoo. If that doesn't work, buy an automotive adhesive remover, spray it on the stain twice, and let it penetrate for two to three minutes. When wiping, use a sponge with circular motions to avoid leaving scratches. After cleaning, be sure to thoroughly rinse off any residual chemicals with a pressure washer, and finally apply liquid wax to protect the paint. These cleaners can be bought at supermarkets for around twenty yuan, much cheaper than going to a detailing shop.
This is most likely tree sap or industrial dust. I had the same issue last time when driving through an industrial zone. Here's a folk remedy: apply some medical alcohol or essential balm to the stain, wait for it to soften, then wipe in circular motions with a towel. For stubborn stains, try a detailing clay bar while spraying water and rubbing gently. Be cautious as some cheap cleaners are highly corrosive and may cause paint whitening. Always apply wax to seal the paint pores after treatment. If you're in a rainy southern region, consider getting a ceramic coating every quarter to effectively prevent oil contamination.
