Best Tar Remover for Car: Top 5 Picks

Removing tar from your car can be a challenging task. Tar is a sticky substance that can be challenging to remove, and it can harm your car’s paint if left untreated. Luckily, tar removers can help you remove the tar from your vehicle. This article discusses the best tar remover for a car and what you should consider when purchasing one.

Best Tar Removers for Cars

We know how frustrating it can be to find tar stuck to your car’s exterior. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also damage the paint job if left untreated. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various tar removers to bring you our top picks for the best car removers.

Our list includes products that effectively remove tar without damaging your car’s paint, are easy to use, and provide value for your money. Check out our roundup below for the best tar remover for your vehicle.

If you’re looking for a tar remover that works quickly and efficiently, the Stoner Car Care Terminator is an excellent choice.

Key Features

• Micro-active cleaning technology for quick and efficient removal of tar, sap, and asphalt
• Safe for use on clear coats and chrome
• The fast-acting formula takes less than 30 seconds.
• Versatile product for various surfaces

Pros

• The micro-active cleaning technology in Terminator means it can remove even baked-on tar, sap, and asphalt in seconds.
• Terminator is safe for use on clear coats and chrome, making it a versatile product for car owners.
• This fast-acting grease remover takes less than 30 seconds, making it perfect for those who want to finish the job quickly.

Cons

• Some users have reported that Terminator doesn’t work well on rubber or other materials besides tar, sap, and asphalt.
• The product can be a bit expensive compared to other tar removers.
• While Terminator is safe for use on clear coats, it’s always a good idea to test it on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage your paint.

At first glance, the Stoner Car Care Terminator might seem like just another tar remover. However, its micro-active cleaning technology sets it apart from other products.

Check out: Best Water Spot Remover for Car Paint:

One of the best things about Terminator is that it’s safe for use on clear coats and chrome. This makes it a versatile product that can be used on various surfaces without causing damage.

While the product has some downsides, such as its higher price point and the fact that it doesn’t work as well on rubber or other materials, the pros outweigh the cons.

Related: How to remove paint scuffs from your car

If you’re looking for an effective tar remover for your car, Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Remover is a great option.

Key Features

• Safely removes bugs, tar, grime, tree sap, and bird droppings
• Concentrated formula: one capful works with 1 gallon of water
• Safe for use on bumpers, windshields, headlights, plastics, chrome, grilles, painted surfaces, and more
• It can be used in the regular car wash bucket or as a spot treatment.
• Does not damage clear coat and single-stage paint finishes
• Reduces the need for heavy scrubbing
• It helps prevent swirl marks and scratches during washing.

Pros

• A must-have for commuters, truckers, couriers, and fleet vehicle owners
• Safely removes bugs, tar, grime, tree sap, and bird droppings
• Concentrated formula means one capful works with 1 gallon of water

Cons

• It may require some scrubbing to remove tough stains
• Some users reported issues with the spray bottle
• The scent may not be pleasant for everyone

Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Remover is a heavy-duty cleaner that safely washes bugs and tar from any vehicle. The concentrated formula breaks down the most stubborn dried bugs and tar residue to prevent permanent damage to the surface.

Using Bug & Tar Remover is easy – add 1 – 3 oz. to the regular soap in the car wash bucket to remove dried bugs and grime. For spot treatment, dilute Bug & Tar Remover 6:1 in a spray bottle, spray on the surface, then gently wipe away nasty bugs with a premium microfiber towel.

Bug & Tar Remover is safe for clear coat and single-stage paint finishes and removes heavy bugs without damaging paintwork. The pre-wash formula reduces the scrubbing needed to remove bugs and grime, reducing the chances of installing swirl marks and scratches while washing.

Overall, Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Remover is a reliable and effective option for anyone looking to remove tough tar stains from their car.

If you’re looking for a reliable and effective tar remover for your car, Torque Detail Sap Attack 8oz is a great option.

Key Features

• Quickly dissolves tough tar, sap, gum, and adhesive residue
• Easy to wipe away with a cloth or sponge
• Specifically designed to dissolve tar without leaving residue
• Versatile all-in-one product for removing sticky residues
• The fast-acting formula for efficient cleaning

Pros

• Sap Attack works quickly to dissolve messes, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth or sponge.
• The tar remover is specifically designed to dissolve the tar, making it easy to wipe away without leaving any residue.
• An all-in-one product that is perfect for removing sticky, tough-to-remove residues.

Cons

• It may take multiple applications to remove tough tar stains altogether.
• The product may leak during shipping.
• The bottle size may not be enough for larger vehicles.

Torque Detail Sap Attack 8oz is a must-have for any car owner looking to remove stubborn tar, sap, gum, and adhesive residue from their vehicle. This product quickly dissolves tough stains, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth or sponge.

One of the best things about this product is that it is specifically designed to dissolve tar, which can be a stubborn and challenging substance to remove from your car. The all-in-one formula is perfect for removing all sticky residues, making it a versatile addition to your car cleaning kit.

While the product is effective, it may take multiple applications to remove tough tar stains altogether.

Overall, we highly recommend Torque Detail Sap Attack 8oz for anyone looking for a reliable and effective tar remover for their car. Its all-in-one and fast-acting formula makes it the perfect addition to any car cleaning kit.

Meguiar’s Bug & Tar Remover

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty bug and tar remover for your car, Meguiar’s Bug & Tar Remover might be a good option.

Key Features

• Effectively removes bugs and tar from your car’s paint finish
• Professional-strength clear coat safe technology
• Xtreme Cling foam chemistry for extended active foam time
• It can be applied before washing or between washes.

Pros

• Effectively removes bugs and tar from your car’s paint finish
• Professional-strength clear coat safe technology is tough on bugs but easy on paint and all exterior surfaces
• Decisive foaming action to loosen stuck bugs

Cons

• It may damage clear skin if left on for too long
• Some users report that it doesn’t remove all stains
• Not as effective as other professional-grade bug and tar removers

Meguiar’s Bug & Tar Remover is a specialized Xtreme Cling foam chemistry that extends active foam time to rehydrate bugs and soften tar for easier removal. It’s easy to use and can be applied before washing or between washes.

In our experience, Meguiar’s Bug & Tar Remover is a decent option for removing bugs and tar from your car’s exterior surfaces. However, it may not be as effective as other professional-grade bug and tar removers on the market. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, this product may be worth a try.

If you’re looking for a bug remover that can handle tough stains without damaging your car’s paint, 3D Bug Remover is a great choice.

Key Features

• Easy to use with a simple spray and rinse application
• Suitable for use on various surfaces, including plastic, rubber, metal, chrome, aluminum, windows, mirrors, and more
• All-purpose product for interior and exterior cleaning
• Powerful formula that quickly loosens and removes bugs, insects, and tree sap
• Safe for most types of car paint

Pros

• The bug remover is easy to use with a simple spray and rinse application.
• It is suitable for use on various surfaces, including plastic, rubber, metal, chrome, aluminum, windows, mirrors, and more.
• The product is all-purpose, so you can use it for interior and exterior cleaning.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the product doesn’t work well on adamant stains.
• The spray handle may break off during shipping.
• The product may not be suitable for all types of car paint.

3D Bug Remover is a powerful bug remover that can quickly loosen and wipe away bugs, insects, and tree sap from your car’s exterior surfaces. The product is easy to use and requires no scrubbing, making it an excellent choice for busy car owners.

The bug remover is also suitable for various surfaces, including plastic, rubber, metal, chrome, aluminum, windows, mirrors, and more. This makes it a versatile cleaning solution that you can use for all your car cleaning needs.

One thing to remember is that the product may not work well on adamant stains. While it can handle most bug stains, some users have struggled with exceptionally stubborn stains.

Overall, 3D Bug Remover is an excellent choice for car owners who want a powerful bug remover that won’t damage their paint. This product is worth considering if you want a versatile, easy-to-use bug remover.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best tar remover for your car, there are a few things to consider. We want to make sure you get the most effective product for your money. Here are some features to look for:

Type of Tar Remover

There are two main types of tar removers: solvent-based and water-based. Solvent-based tar removers are effective at breaking down tar, but they can be harsh on your car’s paint. Water-based tar removers are gentler on your car’s paint but may not be as effective at breaking down tough tar stains.

Ease of Use

You want a tar remover that is easy to apply and doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease. Look for a product that can be sprayed or wiped on and doesn’t require a lot of scrubbing. Some tar removers come in aerosol cans, making them easier to apply.

Safety

Safety is always a concern when working with chemicals. Look for a tar remover that is safe for your car’s paint and won’t damage other surfaces. Make sure to read the product label and follow all safety instructions.

Price

Price is always a consideration when choosing a product. Tar removers can range in price from a few dollars to over $20. Consider your budget and select a product that fits within it.

Effectiveness

Of course, the most essential feature to consider is effectiveness. Look for a tar remover that is proven to be effective at breaking down tar. Check out customer reviews and ratings to see what others say about the product.

Considering these features, you can choose the best tar remover for your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tar damage car paint?

Yes, tar can damage car paint if left on for too long. Tar is a sticky substance that can attract dirt and grime and scratch the paint’s surface. Over time, tar can also oxidize and cause the color to fade.

What is the most effective way to remove tar?

The most effective way to remove tar is using a tar remover designed for cars. These products are formulated to dissolve tar without damaging the paint. Apply the tar remover to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth.

Does Goo Gone get rid of tar?

Yes, Goo Gone can be effective at removing tar from car surfaces. However, it is essential to note that Goo Gone is not specifically designed for cars and may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the paint. We recommend using a tar remover designed for vehicles to ensure the best results.

Which liquid dissolves tar?

Several liquids can dissolve tar, including mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar. However, these liquids may also damage the paint if not used correctly. We recommend using a tar remover designed for cars to ensure the best results.

Does Vaseline remove tar?

No, Vaseline is ineffective in removing tar from car surfaces. While it may help to loosen the tar, it can also leave a greasy residue that is difficult to remove.

Will rubbing alcohol remove road tar?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can effectively remove road tar from car surfaces. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it away with a clean cloth. However, rubbing alcohol may also damage the paint if not used correctly.