Getting rid of stubborn tar, bugs, and sap splatters on your car can feel like a never-ending battle. This guide will help you choose the right automotive tar remover for your needs. We’ve tested 10 popular products, comparing their effectiveness, ease of use, and safety on various car surfaces. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision and get your car looking its best.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | BEST FOR | AMAZON LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
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Rain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar and Adhesive Remover,… | Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models |
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Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, Quick Bug and… | DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home |
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Stoner Car Care 91154 Tarminator Tar, Sap, and Asphalt… | Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide |
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Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash Heavy Duty Bug, Tar,… | Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep owners requiring OEM-quality replacement parts and genuine accessories |
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CLR Brands Automotive Grease, Tar & Oil Remover, 22 oz…. | Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models |
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Rust-Oleum Automotive 251475 32-Ounce Wax and Tar Remover… | DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home |
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Mothers 16719 Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover Aerosol,… | Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide |
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Extreme Bug and Tar Remover by Armor All, Car Bug… | Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep owners requiring OEM-quality replacement parts and genuine accessories |
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Torque Detail Sap Attack 8oz – Removes Tree Sap, Tar,… | Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models |
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Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & Degreaser – Bug… | DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home |
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Product Reviews:
1. Rain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar and Adhesive Remover,
Rain-X 3-in-1 is a versatile cleaner tackling bugs, tar, and various adhesives. Its water-based formula is gentle yet effective, removing sticky residue without leaving oily marks. It’s a convenient all-in-one solution for multiple cleaning needs.
- Cleans bugs, tar, bird droppings, sap, brake dust, gum, and stickers.
- Safe for all exterior surfaces.
- Easy to use, water-based formula.
- Removes sticky residue without leaving oily residue.
Pros:
– Versatile
– Safe on various surfaces
– Easy application
Cons:
– May require multiple applications for stubborn tar.
– Some users reported a slight lingering scent.
User Feedback Summary: Generally positive, with users appreciating its versatility and ease of use. Effectiveness on heavy tar varied.
2. Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, Quick Bug and Tar Remover
Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover boasts a powerful foaming action that loosens and lifts stubborn contaminants. Its “Xtreme Cling” formula maximizes contact time for better cleaning. While effective, it’s designed more for bugs than heavy tar.
- Heavy-duty cleaner for bugs and tar.
- Safe for clear coat, paint, glass, and plastic.
- Excellent foaming action.
- Xtreme Cling formula extends foam contact time.
Pros:
– Powerful foaming action.
– Effective on bugs.
– Safe for various surfaces.
Cons:
– May not be as effective on very stubborn tar.
– Can be slightly more expensive than some alternatives.
User Feedback Summary: Users found it excellent for bugs but some reported mixed results on heavier tar deposits.
3. Stoner Car Care 91154 Tarminator Tar, Sap, and Asphalt Remover
Stoner’s Tarminator uses “microactive cleaning technology” to break down tough grime quickly. Users praise its speed and effectiveness on tar and sap, even on delicate chrome surfaces.
- Quickly removes tar, sap, and asphalt.
- Safe for clear coats and chrome.
- Fast-acting formula.
Pros:
– Very fast acting.
– Effective on tar and sap.
– Safe for chrome and paint.
Cons:
– Might not be as effective on extremely stubborn adhesive residue.
– Some users found the smell strong.
User Feedback Summary: Highly rated for its speed and effectiveness on tar and sap removal.
4. Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash Heavy Duty Bug, Tar, and Grime Remover
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is a concentrated pre-wash designed to loosen bugs, tar, and grime before a full wash. Its concentrated formula makes it economical.
- Removes bugs, tar, grime, sap, and bird droppings.
- Concentrated formula.
- Acts as a pre-wash to save time and effort.
Pros:
– Concentrated, cost-effective.
– Loosens grime before washing.
– Effective on a range of contaminants.
Cons:
– Not a standalone tar remover; requires a separate wash.
– Might not remove very stubborn tar completely on its own.
User Feedback Summary: Generally well-received as a pre-wash, but users need to follow up with a proper wash for complete removal of heavier deposits.
5. CLR Brands Automotive Grease, Tar & Oil Remover, 22 oz.
CLR’s Automotive Grease, Tar & Oil Remover is a powerful, multi-surface cleaner effective on grease, tar, and oil. While versatile, its strength might be overkill for just tar removal.
- Removes grease, tar, and oil.
- Works on various surfaces (car parts, tools, engines).
- Non-abrasive, non-toxic formula.
Pros:
– Very powerful and versatile cleaner.
– Effective on grease and oil.
– Non-abrasive.
Cons:
– Might be too strong for delicate paint finishes if overused.
– The strong smell might be off-putting to some.
User Feedback Summary: Effective for tough grease and oil removal, but some caution is advised when used on car paint.
6. Rust-Oleum Automotive 251475 32-Ounce Wax and Tar Remover
Rust-Oleum’s Wax and Tar Remover is a straightforward product that focuses on removing wax and tar. Its effectiveness depends heavily on the type and stubbornness of the tar.
- Removes wax and tar.
- 32-ounce bottle provides good value.
Pros:
– Large bottle.
– Relatively inexpensive.
Cons:
– Effectiveness varies depending on the type of tar.
– Limited in its overall cleaning capabilities.
User Feedback Summary: Mixed reviews; effective on some tar but not all.
7. Mothers 16719 Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover Aerosol
Mothers Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover utilizes a no-drip foam for easy application, even on hard-to-reach areas. Its formula neutralizes acidic bug droppings.
- Quickly removes road grime, tar, sap, and organic matter.
- Neutralizes acidic bug droppings.
- Safe for various surfaces.
- No-drip foam for easy application.
Pros:
– Easy to apply foam.
– Neutralizes acidic contaminants.
– Safe on many surfaces.
Cons:
– May not be as powerful as some other options for stubborn tar.
– Aerosol can is not environmentally friendly.
User Feedback Summary: Generally positive for ease of use and effectiveness on bugs and light tar.
8. Extreme Bug and Tar Remover by Armor All, Car Bug and Tar Remover
Armor All’s Extreme Bug and Tar Remover provides streak-free cleaning on glass and protects wax. Its effectiveness on heavier tar is less consistent.
- Cleans bugs, tar, and bird droppings.
- Streak-free formula.
- Preserves wax protection.
Pros:
– Streak-free on glass.
– Preserves wax.
Cons:
– Less effective on heavy tar.
– Some users reported needing multiple applications.
User Feedback Summary: Works well for light to moderate tar and bugs, but struggles with heavy deposits.
9. Torque Detail Sap Attack 8oz – Removes Tree Sap, Tar, Gum & Adhesive
Torque Detail’s Sap Attack is specifically designed for tree sap, tar, gum, and adhesive residue. Its powerful dissolving action is best suited for those specific contaminants.
- Removes tree sap, tar, gum, and adhesive.
- Dissolves sticky residues quickly.
Pros:
– Very effective on tree sap and adhesive.
– Dissolves residues quickly.
Cons:
– Not as versatile as other all-in-one cleaners.
– Should not be used on raw aluminum or bare metal.
User Feedback Summary: Excellent for its intended use (sap, tar, gum), but users need to be mindful of the surface compatibility limitations.
10. Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & Degreaser – Bug and Tar Remover
Bugs N’ All offers a versatile, concentrated formula that tackles bugs, tar, grease, and grime. Its concentrated nature makes it economical but requires mixing.
- Powerful cleaner for bugs, tar, sap, and grime.
- Multipurpose cleaner and degreaser.
- Safe for various surfaces.
- Concentrated formula.
Pros:
– Versatile and effective on multiple contaminants.
– Concentrated, cost-effective.
– Relatively safe for various surfaces.
Cons:
– Requires mixing with water.
– May require multiple applications for stubborn tar.
User Feedback Summary: Good all-around cleaner, appreciated for its versatility and value, but the mixing step might be a drawback for some.
Practical Buying Advice:
Consider the following when choosing an automotive tar remover:
- Type of contaminant: Are you dealing primarily with bugs, tar, sap, or a combination? Some products specialize in certain contaminants.
- Surface type: Ensure the remover is safe for your car’s paint, clear coat, chrome, and other finishes.
- Ease of use: Some are sprays, others are wipes. Consider your preference and how much time you want to spend on the task.
- Strength: For stubborn tar, you might need a stronger product. However, overly harsh chemicals could damage your car’s finish.
- Price: Compare prices per ounce to get the best value.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I use a tar remover?
A: Use it as needed, typically after long drives or when you notice significant build-up of tar, bugs, or other contaminants.
Q: Can I use a tar remover on all parts of my car?
A: Always check the product label for compatibility with different surfaces (paint, glass, plastic, chrome, etc.).
Q: What if the tar remover doesn’t work the first time?
A: For stubborn tar, you may need to apply the product multiple times or let it soak longer. You may also need to use a detailing brush or clay bar to help remove stubborn residue.
Q: Can I mix different tar removers?
A: No, mixing different products is generally not recommended, as it can lead to unexpected chemical reactions that may damage your car’s finish.
Q: What should I do after using a tar remover?
A: Rinse the treated area thoroughly with water and then wash and wax your car as usual to protect the finish.
Q: Are all tar removers equally safe for the environment?
A: No, some contain harsher chemicals than others. Look for eco-friendly options if this is a priority. Always follow the product’s instructions for proper disposal.
Q: Can I use a tar remover on my motorcycle or RV?
A: Yes, many tar removers are safe for use on various vehicles, but always refer to the product label for specific compatibility information. The surface material and finish are key considerations.
