Tar spots are probably the most stubborn of all the contaminants that can stick to your car, which is why a tar remover will make such a visual difference. These small black flecks embed themselves on paintwork and traditional car cleaning products aren’t much use against them.
Tar is so difficult to remove because it glues itself to the paintwork. In warmer weather, the tar in roads will soften in the sun rendering it easily flicked onto cars, where it’ll harden as it cools. This is why it’s so hard to shift it, tar is a great adhesive.
Tar removers work by dissolving the tar, making them easy to wash away. It’s for this reason that tar removers are also so useful against glue residue and often marketed as such. Tar won’t damage your car like bird poo will, but it is unsightly, especially on lighter-coloured cars.
The best tar removers for your car at a glance:
Best tar remover: Gtechniq W7 Tar and Glue Remover – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s choice: Turtle Wax Tar and Glue Remover – Buy now from Turtle Wax
Best multi-purpose tar remover: Simoniz Tar, Sap & Glue Remover – Buy now from Amazon
The best tar removers for your car
The best tar removal spray
Pros
- For tar and glue
- Fast acting
Cons
- Doesn't smell so good
The best concentrated tar remover
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for tougher jobs
Cons
- Sometimes needs more than one application
Editor's choice
You need to be quite precise with the spray nozzle. Only areas that are directly sprayed and left to dwell are what's coming off afterwards. Throughout the process of removing the tape from the sunroof, not much of the 400ml was used, but it did generate a strong smell on the microfibre towel once finished. Anything that gets contaminated from the bucket handle I left it on to the kitchen sink simply stank of it. So, be careful about washing up once you're finished.
Nevertheless, no marks of leftover tape was present once I was finished, and the paint was unaffected.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Didn't affect paint
- Effortlessly removed duct tape residue
Cons
- Very, very strong smell
The best tar remover shampoo
Pros
- OK to use on glass
- Kind to paintwork
Cons
- Not as effective as some others
The best makeshift tar remover
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to source and use
Cons
- Residue should be wiped away
The best multi-purpose tar remover
Pros
- Good performance
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Elbow grease needed for best results
What you need to know about tar removers
What causes tar spots?
Tar spots are a real summer issue. As the temperature rises, roads are more likely to disintegrate, and specks of tar can lodge on your car rather than the road. They’re then stubbornly stuck to your car’s paintwork, and no amount of regular shampoo will effectively shift them.
What else can tar removers work on?
Most of these products will be effective on other stubborn stains, including splattered insects, bird poo, glue and fuel stains. Some can even be used around the home or in your car’s interior. In short, there’ll be plenty to use these products on.
Why should I care?
Black tar is really visible on lighter-coloured cars, and while it won’t pose much damage to your car, it’s unsightly and can spoil how your car looks. Poor removal techniques can also cause damage and it’s also worth knowing that cleaner-looking cars are worth more money when sale time comes.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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