How to Remove Tar Marks from Your Car’s Body
Tar marks are a common problem for car owners‚ especially those who drive on roads that are frequently resurfaced. These marks can be difficult to remove‚ but with the right tools and techniques‚ you can get rid of them and restore your car’s paint to its former glory.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start removing tar marks from your car’s body‚ you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies. These items will help you effectively remove the tar without damaging your car’s paint⁚
- Tar remover⁚ This is the most important item you’ll need. There are many different types of tar removers available‚ so choose one that is specifically designed for automotive use. Look for a product that contains a solvent like toluene or xylene‚ as these are effective at breaking down tar. Avoid using harsh chemicals like gasoline or kerosene‚ as they can damage your car’s paint.
- Microfiber cloths⁚ You’ll need several microfiber cloths to apply the tar remover and wipe away the residue. Microfiber cloths are soft and absorbent‚ so they won’t scratch your car’s paint. Choose cloths that are specifically designed for automotive use‚ as they are less likely to leave lint behind.
- Plastic scraper⁚ A plastic scraper will be helpful for removing stubborn tar that doesn’t come off easily with the tar remover. Avoid using metal scrapers‚ as they can scratch your car’s paint.
- Bucket of soapy water⁚ You’ll need a bucket of soapy water to rinse off the tar remover after you’ve applied it. Use a mild car wash soap and warm water.
- Clean water⁚ You’ll need clean water to rinse off the soapy water after you’ve cleaned the area. Use a hose or a bucket of clean water.
- Car wax⁚ After you’ve removed the tar marks‚ you can apply a coat of car wax to protect your car’s paint and help prevent future tar marks. Choose a wax that is specifically designed for automotive use.
Once you have all of these supplies gathered‚ you can move on to the next step.
Prepare the Surface
Before you start applying tar remover‚ it’s important to prepare the surface of your car. This will help ensure that the tar remover works effectively and doesn’t damage your car’s paint. Here’s how to prepare the surface⁚
- Wash your car⁚ Start by washing your car thoroughly with soap and water. This will remove any dirt‚ grime‚ or debris that could interfere with the tar remover. Make sure to rinse the car thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.
- Dry your car⁚ After washing your car‚ dry it completely with a clean microfiber towel. This will prevent water from diluting the tar remover and making it less effective.
- Locate the tar marks⁚ Once your car is dry‚ carefully inspect the area where the tar marks are located. Pay attention to the size and shape of the marks‚ as this will help you determine the best approach for removing them.
- Apply masking tape⁚ If the tar marks are near any sensitive areas‚ such as trim or chrome‚ use masking tape to protect these areas from the tar remover. This will help prevent any damage to these areas.
Once you’ve prepared the surface‚ you’re ready to start removing the tar marks.
Remove the Tar
Now that you’ve prepared the surface‚ it’s time to tackle the tar marks themselves. There are a few different methods you can use‚ and the best one will depend on the severity of the marks and your personal preference. Here are a few options⁚
- Commercial Tar Remover⁚ This is the most common and often the most effective method. You can find commercial tar removers at most auto parts stores. Simply spray the tar remover directly onto the tar marks and let it sit for a few minutes according to the instructions on the product. Then‚ use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the tar. Repeat this process as needed until the tar marks are gone.
- WD-40⁚ WD-40 is a versatile product that can also be used to remove tar marks. Spray a generous amount of WD-40 onto the tar marks and let it sit for a few minutes. Then‚ use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the tar. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar.
- Goo Gone⁚ Goo Gone is another popular product that can be used to remove sticky substances‚ including tar. Apply a small amount of Goo Gone to the tar marks and let it sit for a few minutes. Then‚ use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the tar. You may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the tar.
- Peanut Butter⁚ Yes‚ you read that right! Peanut butter can actually be quite effective at removing tar marks. Simply apply a generous amount of peanut butter to the tar marks and let it sit for a few minutes. Then‚ use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away the peanut butter and the tar. This method is especially good for delicate areas‚ as peanut butter is less harsh than other methods.
Once you’ve removed the tar marks‚ be sure to clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue from the tar remover.
Clean and Polish
After you’ve successfully removed the tar marks‚ it’s important to give your car’s paint a good cleaning and polish to restore its shine. Here’s how to do it⁚
- Wash the area⁚ Use a car wash soap and a soft wash mitt to thoroughly clean the area where the tar marks were. This will remove any remaining residue from the tar remover or other cleaning products.
- Dry the area⁚ Use a microfiber towel to dry the area completely. Make sure there are no water droplets left behind‚ as these can leave water spots on the paint.
- Apply a clay bar⁚ A clay bar is a great way to remove any remaining contaminants from the paint‚ such as tree sap‚ road grime‚ and even embedded dirt particles. Simply rub the clay bar over the affected area in a circular motion. Be sure to use a clay bar lubricant to prevent scratching the paint.
- Polish the area⁚ Once the area is clean and free of contaminants‚ you can polish it to restore its shine. Use a car polish specifically designed for your car’s paint type and apply it in a circular motion with a soft cloth. This will help to remove any minor scratches or swirls in the paint and leave your car’s paint looking its best.
- Apply a sealant or wax⁚ After polishing‚ apply a sealant or wax to protect the paint from future damage and keep it looking shiny. This will also help to prevent tar from sticking to the paint as easily in the future.
By following these steps‚ you can ensure that your car’s paint is clean‚ polished‚ and protected from future damage;
Prevent Future Tar Marks
While it’s impossible to completely avoid tar marks‚ there are steps you can take to minimize their occurrence and make them easier to remove in the future. Here are some preventative measures⁚
- Drive carefully⁚ Try to avoid driving through areas where road work is being done or where there is fresh asphalt. If you must drive through such areas‚ do so slowly and carefully to minimize the risk of getting tar on your car.
- Wash your car regularly⁚ Regularly washing your car helps to remove any dirt‚ grime‚ and other contaminants that can trap tar and make it more difficult to remove. Aim to wash your car at least once a week‚ or more often if you drive frequently on dusty or dirty roads.
- Use a sealant or wax⁚ Applying a sealant or wax to your car’s paint creates a protective barrier that can help to prevent tar from sticking to the paint as easily. This makes it easier to remove any tar that does get on your car.
- Keep a tar remover on hand⁚ Having a tar remover on hand in your car or garage can be helpful for removing tar marks quickly and easily. This way‚ you can address any tar marks before they have a chance to harden and become more difficult to remove.
- Consider a ceramic coating⁚ For extra protection‚ consider applying a ceramic coating to your car’s paint. Ceramic coatings create an extremely durable and hydrophobic layer that repels water‚ dirt‚ and other contaminants‚ including tar. This can make it significantly easier to remove tar marks and keep your car’s paint looking its best.
By taking these preventative measures‚ you can significantly reduce the risk of getting tar marks on your car and keep its paint looking shiny and new.