TFR Traffic Film Remover
Quick answer: TFR (traffic film remover) is a strong pre-wash chemical used to strip oily road film and heavy grime from vehicles, usually before shampooing, and must be diluted and used carefully because it can also remove wax and damage sensitive surfaces.
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.
What it means
TFR - traffic film remover - is a concentrated cleaner designed to tackle the greasy road film that normal shampoo struggles with. It is usually alkaline and sometimes solvent boosted, so it can break down oil, diesel residue, traffic film and built-up grime on paint, wheels and chassis. It is applied as a pre-wash, allowed a short dwell time, then rinsed away before any contact washing takes place.
Why it matters
- Very effective cleaner: TFR can shift grime that ordinary shampoo will not touch, which is why it is widely used on commercial vehicles, fleet work and heavily soiled cars.
- Can strip protection: Strong or frequent use will shorten the life of waxes, sealants and even some coatings, so it needs to be balanced against the level of cleaning required.
- Needs careful handling: Overly strong TFR or poor technique can stain bare metals, dull trims and mark sensitive finishes, especially on older or poorly refinished paintwork.
- Part of safe pre-wash: Used correctly at sensible strength, TFR helps remove bonded grime before you touch the paint, reducing the amount of scrubbing and the risk of wash marring.
Where you’ll see it
You will see TFR mentioned on valeting price lists, commercial vehicle wash systems and chemical drums at hand car washes. Phrases include pre-wash TFR, apply TFR and rinse, traffic film remover through arch or TFR used on lower halves only. Professional detailers may specify limited or panel-specific use of mild TFR as part of a decontamination wash, or avoid harsh TFR completely on well protected vehicles.
Context
TFR sits alongside citrus pre-wash and snow foam in the family of pre-wash chemicals. Traditional TFRs are strong, work quickly and are popular in trade environments where speed and heavy cleaning power matter more than long term protection. Modern detailing practice tends to prefer milder, more paint-safe pre-washes for well kept cars, keeping classic TFR in reserve for very dirty vehicles, underbodies and working fleets. When assessing a car that has lived on cheap hand car washes, repeated strong TFR use is one of the reasons wax rarely lasts and trim and brightwork can look tired before their time.
Common mistakes
- Using very strong TFR on every wash regardless of how dirty the car is, quickly stripping wax and dulling trims and brightwork.
- Applying TFR to hot panels or in direct sun and letting it dry on the surface, which can cause streaking or staining.
- Spraying aggressive TFR over bare metals, polished alloys, chrome or delicate finishes that really need milder cleaners.
- Assuming all pre-wash products are the same and using heavy TFR on a recently detailed or ceramic-coated car that only needs gentle pre-wash and good technique.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 21/11/2025 16:59