Tar Remover
Quick answer: A tar remover is a solvent-based cleaner that dissolves bitumen spots, adhesive residue and traffic tar so they wipe away without heavy scrubbing, reducing the risk of marring before polishing or protection.
What it means
Tar removers use safe solvents (often aliphatic or citrus d-limonene) to soften and dissolve stuck-on tar, glue and road grime that shampoo will not touch. Applied after washing and before claying, they break the bond so contamination lifts off cleanly. Correct use is cool panel, short dwell, gentle wipe, then thorough rinse.
Why it matters
- Prevents damage: dissolves tar instead of scraping it, lowering the chance of scratches.
- Improves finish: leaves fewer specks to snag a clay bar, reducing claying marring.
- Better bonding: clean paint accepts coatings, sealants and PPF more reliably.
- Targeted cleaning: effective on wheel arches, sills and lower doors where tar builds up.
Where you’ll see it
Prep and decon stages before machine polishing, ceramic coating or PPF, and for removing fresh adhesive residue from badges or tape.
Context
Car Paint Protection; Prep & decon
Common mistakes
- Using on hot panels or in direct sun and letting it dry - always keep the area cool and rinse well.
- Scrubbing instead of allowing a short dwell to dissolve contamination.
- Spraying aggressively into PPF or vinyl edges where solvent can creep under the film.
- Applying to fresh respray or delicate plastics without testing a small area first.
- Skipping a follow-up wash or panel wipe, leaving solvent residue that can affect bonding.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 10/11/2025 16:58