Tar deposits

[RobertoMercini]

Despite having washed my own car for years, I've never noticed the hard black specks that when you attempt to remove them, smear, go a dark brown and then are horrifically stubborn to remove.
Are they tar deposits and if so what is the best method of removing them without taking off a layer of paint and a kilogram of elbow grease?
I'm amazed that I've never seen such a thing before in all the years of doing my own cleaning!!

Hopefully someone has some answers as it's worrying how difficult it is to get them off white bodywork!

 

[Iwoody]

I used to find Autoglym's intensive tar remover was great for that. I'm no detailer though so someone else may have a better option.

 

[chrisdean]

Just get a 5L can of Panel Wipe from a Car Paint supplier like Autopaint for about £12 and it'll last for years.

 

[MDC250]

Autosmart Tardis is the best bar none.

As an alternative this is excellent also...

http://www.thecarsalon.co.uk/product/target-tar-oil-and-glue-remover/

 

[merc85]

Clay bar, detailing spray, cheap car polish i find are all easy ways to remove them,

 

[RobertoMercini]

Thanks everyone

 

[MicB]

I give my cars a white spirit ''bath'' once a year.......cheap and very effective.

Mic

 

[John Jones Jr]

Petrol.

 

[Djcheshire]

I've found Tardis to be the most effective. Works quicker than AG and white spirit. I've just tried Iron X & tar remover which was very effective.

CarPro - TRIX Iron and Tar Remover - Clean Your Car

 

[Dr-Nab]

WD40 works well

 

[stwat]

As does lighter fluid.

 

[markjay]

Petrol.

That's exactly what we used to do in the olden days.

 

[John Jones Jr]

That's exactly what we used to do in the olden days.

Well, I've always used it partly as I usually have some at hand (lawn mower, chainsaw etc) and also most if not all of the specialist 'Tar Removers' are petroleum based from what I know. So, my logic is why not use good old 95 RON petrol?

 

[Reggie-rock]

Have some mud flaps fitted as prevention is better cure.

 

[edd44]

Autoglym tar remover works well and easy to use..

 

[supaer]

I would actually use this as an opportunity to give your car a detail not a huge one just enough to prepare and protect it as much as possible before winter.

Wash and clay bar the car, you can use meguiars quick clay kit, it is very very simple, use the tar removal stuff at the same time, not sure how to use it though, sure its quite straightforward. seal the paintowork, I use poor boys black hole, its is only for dark coloured cars though. then give it two layers or wax. I did this the other day and my car is still so clean and it feels so soft. But most importantly it protects the paintwork, well so I hear.