TFR Traffic Film Remover
Traffic Film Remover, known in the industry as TFR is a stronger detergent cleaner than car shampoo, which is designed to remove oil, brake and transmission fluid, which gets onto the road where it mixes with soot from exhaust and other contaminants. When roads get wet, this sprays up on your car, creating traffic film. A dark oily film which can be difficult to remove with normal pH neutral shampoos.
TFR is caustic and when correctly diluted has just enough 'bite' to cut through grease and grime. It also has the ability to strip polish residue and wax from your car, an essential first stage in detailing a car.
TFR has been used in the industry for decades and when correctly prepared at the correct dilution rates and used properly, is quite safe to use on cars.
TFR Damage
TFR is supplied to the industry in 25 or 200litre drums of concentrate, which then needs to be diluted for its intended purpose. Typically, 40 to 1 for Traffic Film Removal, and 5 to 1 as a pre-spray. The stronger the soap is mixed up, the more powerful it's ability to cut through dirt.
There is a temptation for both mechanical and hand car washes to create a very strong mix, as this speeds up the cleaning of cars. This means they can push through more cars in a day and earn more money, and the customer doesn't have to wait as long.
However, this can result in this detergent mix being so corrosive that it can burn rubber and plastic. It is most commonly noticeable on faux chrome trim, where it shows up as a milky effect. It can also stain rubber, black plastic, and we have even seen it burn paintwork.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 02/02/2024 16:29