Tips on cleaning tar/soot off paintwork?

[BeardyJon]

So after this weeks Saharan dust and Portuguese smoke and ash cloud, my car ended up pretty filthy. I took it for a power wash and its still covered in these small black specks all over the car. Could be from when the road was resurfaced last week too, so i'm not sure if its soot or tar.

Any tips on how to get it off?


uploaded photo

 

[chrisgreen]

quick detailer and a clay bar will sort it hopefully. just be careful and make sure the car is free of any other grit/dirt before using.

 

[jamie_z4]

if not the above - use Autosmart tardis - that will shift anything.

 

[mcbutler]

sugar soap (fluorescent yellow stuff in a bottle from Wickes), cheap as chips. Use very gently it removes any grease based mess, alloy wheels love it.

 

[suttz83]

So after this weeks Saharan dust and Portuguese smoke and ash cloud, my car ended up pretty filthy. I took it for a power wash and its still covered in these small black specks all over the car. Could be from when the road was resurfaced last week too, so i'm not sure if its soot or tar.

Any tips on how to get it off?


uploaded photo

Bug and tar remover if it’s tar (purchase anywhere such as Halfords) or Iron-X if it’s metal particles (best to get online).

 

[PinkPineapple44]

I'm still using my trusty Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that i bought a couple of years ago, hardly use any on application and has never let me down.

if not the above - use Autosmart tardis - that will shift anything.

I'm looking to buy a new bottle of tar remover soon, do you know how Autosmart tardis compares? Would work out cheaper in the long run

 

[jamie_z4]

I'm still using my trusty Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that i bought a couple of years ago, hardly use any on application and has never let me down.

if not the above - use Autosmart tardis - that will shift anything.

I'm looking to buy a new bottle of tar remover soon, do you know how Autosmart tardis compares? Would work out cheaper in the long run

mate its night and day! Was an AG fan up until I discovered AS - they are trade products and more hard to come by now as they have stopped 'decanting' small quantities on ebay -however you can still get hold of it - it just dissolves anything , its highly rated on detailing world , one of my staple products.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autosmart-Tardis-5-litres-tar-glue-remover-/252623774054?epid=542837735&hash=item3ad18ce166:g:WH4AAOSw44BYH0~b

dear- but it'll probably last you years as a hobby detailer

 

[Smartbear]

Agree with Jamie on the tardis, it laughs at tar!
Rob

 

[ph001]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

 

[Smartbear]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better :lol:
Rob

 

[BeardyJon]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I'll get onto it!

 

[Huzee666]

Hob Bright oven cleaner took Tar of my alloys this week, just a little on each spot worked a dream, £1.25 from Wilco.
Works on paintwork too !

Best alloy cleaner i've ever used and have been for many years is Wonder Wheels.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carplan-Wonder-Super-Alloy-Wheel-Cleaner-500ml-/282467602315?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

 

[ph001]

A lot of the household cleaners are quite strong alkalines which whilst fine on paint / enamel etc can react with bare aluminuim. If your wheels are powder coated / lacquered you will be fine. My E46 are just bare polished aluminium which it would wreck.

Dragons breath is the best ph neutral wheel cleaner by a country mile. Stinks, but my god it is amazing.... http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-dragons-breath/prod_1238.html

 

[metal licker]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better :lol:
Rob

 

[Busterboo]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better :lol:
Rob

:rofl:

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it. :wink:

 

[Marekdawg]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better :lol:
Rob

:rofl:

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it. :wink:

:fuelfire: :rofl: :rofl:

 

[bob4333]

If you want to be totally safe and avoid all solvent based cleaners take a look at Surfex from Bilt-Hamber.

https://www.bilthamber.com/car-cleaning-and-degreasing/surfex-hd

Been using it for years on wheels, paintwork, glass etc. Removes squashed bugs, tar, grease, brake dust - I've yet to see it fail. Does your annual barbecue clean as well.

I'm sure I read it's citrus based and can be diluted with water for regular washing if required. Won an Auto Express "Best Buy" award a few years ago.

 

[PinkPineapple44]

I'm still using my trusty Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that i bought a couple of years ago, hardly use any on application and has never let me down.

if not the above - use Autosmart tardis - that will shift anything.

I'm looking to buy a new bottle of tar remover soon, do you know how Autosmart tardis compares? Would work out cheaper in the long run

mate its night and day! Was an AG fan up until I discovered AS - they are trade products and more hard to come by now as they have stopped 'decanting' small quantities on ebay -however you can still get hold of it - it just dissolves anything , its highly rated on detailing world , one of my staple products.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autosmart-Tardis-5-litres-tar-glue-remover-/252623774054?epid=542837735&hash=item3ad18ce166:g:WH4AAOSw44BYH0~b

dear- but it'll probably last you years as a hobby detailer

Sweet thanks, I'll look into some of that stuff then! Is it too strong for an all over panel wipe?

 

[GusM]

I need to get some tar remover. Have clayed it back in May when I bought it but have picked up tar during the summer and it’s really noticeable when your car’s white! :roll:

 

[NickDE]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better :lol:
Rob

:rofl:

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it. :wink:

I filled my Z4C with v-power last night, and the pump said 'recommended by BMW M' on it....