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How do you get tar off your car?
There has been a ton of road construction in my area this year, and some tar has gotten on the sides of my car. I have heard that you can damage your paint if you leave it there—or if you use the wrong thing to try to remove it. So, how do I get the tar off my car without ruining the paint?
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Road construction comes with a lot of inconveniences, but nothing is worse than having the road stuck to your car!
To safely remove tar from your car, you need a microfiber cloth and either peanut butter, WD-40, or a tar removal product like CarPro Tar X Tar and Adhesive Remover.
Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area and wear sleeves and goggles to protect your eyes and skin. Here’s what you need to do:
- If you’re using peanut butter, spread it on the tar spots and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then remove it (and the tar) by rubbing in a circular motion with the cloth
- With WD-40, spray it onto the cloth and wipe the tar carefully
- If you choose a store-bought tar remover, follow the directions on the package
For the best results, work in an area that has mild temperatures (around 60-75 degrees). Here are some other tips:
- Tar will have asphalt and gravel in it. Rub gently to avoid scratching up your car’s paint.
- Don’t apply remover everywhere at once. Work on one small area at a time to keep removers from collecting dirt, getting gummy, or evaporating
- When you are finished, wash your car thoroughly
It is clear that you want to protect your car and keep it looking and running great.
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can help make sure you have the right insurance at the best price. Just browse a selection of competitive quotes and Jerry helps handle the rest—including canceling your old policy upon request. View full answer
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