Oil/Tar Removal from Vehicle

[Peanut]

I'm not so smart. There was some recent road construction at home, and I had to drive over a newly paved and oiled road for a couple of days last month. Because it was cold out, I didn't want to give my vehicle a full wash (as all the doors and locks freeze solid).

Last week it got above freezing, so I wash it. A normal wand wash did not remove the oil and tar (surprise!). Now how do I get it off. Is there a product that works, or just elbow grease, or am I screwed?

L'il help for a l'il dummy?

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[rawburt]

Use rubber gloves, an old soft rag and gasoline. Works like magic. rawburt

[Dutchman]

Try spaying a little WD40 on a soft cloth, then rub gently as the tar may have grit in it, so dab more than swirl. If there's a bunch spray the area. Works for me....

" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[Phil T.]

GM's tar remover is so much better than the other brands, you wouldn't believe the difference. I started using it after my obsessive neighbor recommended it.

[Dan]

Avon skin so soft will take the tar right off and won't hurt your paint.

[REW]

I had a similar thing happen to me many years ago, on a brand new white car. i.e. a 3 mile run on a freshly oiled road, with no gravel on the road. black to the windows.

The fix for me was a 5 gallon bucket of diesel fuel, liberally applied - allow to soak, then wipe off the tar. The diesel fuel soaks into the tar, and lets you wipe the tar right off.

I tried gasoline as well, but, becuase it is not as thick as diesel, it doesn't carry the tar off as well - however, it does wick in better for some of the tough stuff.

After using the diesel and gas on the car, I had to do a very liberal heavy soap wash - to get all the petroleum film off the car.

However, a nice side benefit to this new car -0- I had a 100,000 mile undercoating at no charge. All of the places that rocks and sand was likely to kick up - had been liberally coated with road oil, that stayed with the car - for as long as I owned the car. It also made the car quieter - a nice layer of sound deadner on the underside of the car.

I was also pulling a white color matched trailer that had the same problem, that I fixed the same way - diesel fuel and gasoline - followed by a heavy soap wash.

Take care and be safe.

p.s.
Because the diesel and gas and soap will do a very effective job on dewaxing the car -- be sure to do a nice wax of hard wax and buff after cleaning to restore the finish protection. With the gas and diesel, and soap - you will have opened up all of any pores in the paint, and you will want to fill them again with a good wax, before driving the vehicle - and allowing them to fill with salt or moisture.

[Jack]

Go to one of those car washes where the guys wash it for you. They have a product that takes the tar right off. I don't know what the product is called, but it works like a charm. It wipes right off.

Watched them do it, and they didn't have to use any elbow grease at all. I wish I had asked what the product was, but I was in a hurry, and it didn't cross my mind.

[TONY ON ICE]

Acetone is the base chemical in all store bought tar removers and it can be bought at any hardware store for 3 to 4 bucks a quart.
What's ice about the acetone is it dries almostimmediately with no residue left behind.
I Will not hurt your paint and many auto detail shop use it to remove tar and road film plus if you have an oil stain on your carpets in your vehicle, it will remove that too with no harm.
Acetone cleans almost anything without harm except for plexiglass which it clouds up for some reason.
Just don't forget to keep the cap on the can as it will evaporate quickly if left in the open air.

[Jeff Berg]

3M Tar Remover. Made to do exactly what you want without harming the paint. Available at most auto parts store.

[perchjerker]

Dutchman's got it. WD-40 does wonders. When I wrenched on cars for a living, I would use it all the time to get grease., oil and tar off. Safe on the finish, too. Then put it back in your tackle box! Thanks the beauty of it!

[CNDFish]

Careful not to breath the fumes with acetone, I worked in a chemical plant when I was in school and it can make you go deff. I know it sounds funny put don't take the chance.

Shawn
www.fishingxcanada.com

[CNDFish]

Derek,
Take it to Rainbow Car wash downtown, they should be able to get rid of it for you. They can also give it "the works" for under $50 and she will sparkle inside and out.

Shawn
www.fishingxcanada.com

[Tom P]

Any tar remover with "Xyleen" as it's main chemical, works wonders.

[Peanut]

Let's see - works for a large food co., has Canada in his handle, knows Rainbow Car Wash by name....it just dawned on me. Hope you had a great Christmas, my friend. Hope to see you come spring.

Thanks everyone for your assistance. I'm gonna make use of your advice this Saturday. I have no doubt that my problem will be solved.

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!