Safe tar and grease removers?

[imported_RedlineIRL]

What are some safe, yet effective grease and tar removers that you all reccomend? I know that some stuff out there can be pretty harsh on the paint, so I'd prefer to use something that poses no threats. Any reccomendations?

 

[az57chevy]

WD 40

3M adhesive remover

Tarminator

 

[togwt]

Heavier surface contaminates (bituminous asphalt (tar), traffic film, etc) can build up on the paint surface over time, which will require a stronger solvent than just soap and water; you may want to utilize a safe degreaser. Wurth Citrus Degreaser is a multi-purpose, citrus base, concentrated degreaser that emulsifies grease and oil without harsh acids or alkalis, 100% biodegradable formula out performs hazardous solvent degreasers, which can be diluted with distilled water to the desired strength, to break up and loosen dirt, tar, sap, bird droppings, and other stubborn forms of surface contamination.



It's should be carried out prior to washing your vehicle, this will ensure that all residue and the degreaser is washed and rinsed away. It's important to note that degreasers will usually remove surface protective layers of sealant or wax, so it’s important that you re-apply your paint protection product(s)

 

[Accumulator]

What are some safe, yet effective grease and tar removers that you all reccomend?

I bet that 99% of the time I just remove tar with clay. If I'm lucky (which I usually am) I get the tar off without it, or my cleaning approach, having messed up the LSP.

 

[Concourswanna b]

Recently used some Surf City Road Trip I had on my shelf for about a year on my tarred up lower rockers, and it worked surprisingly well. Something "whitened" my plastic fender wells though, and it may have been that. On paint though, Road Trip is an amazing tar remover.

 

[imported_RedlineIRL]

Recently used some Surf City Road Trip I had on my shelf for about a year on my tarred up lower rockers, and it worked surprisingly well. Something "whitened" my plastic fender wells though, and it may have been that. On paint though, Road Trip is an amazing tar remover.

Thats what worries me about tar removers, you have to be careful about what they come in contact with.



Overall, is WD40 safe to use on paint to remove tar and grease, even though it will remove LSPs? If so, I may just use it instead of spending on a product not needed

 

[Ron Ketcham]

Mineral spirits, that is the base of most grease-tar removers.

It will remove any wax/sealant, but of course it would, that is what those types of products are made for.

It is about a safe as you can get and can get it at any hardware store.

Grumpy

 

[imported_RedlineIRL]

Thanks, I will try that then since its just in a few places on the lower rockers that I can get with mineral spirints and a MF towel

 

[SpoolinNoMore]

CarPro Tar-X has had very good reviews. It's pretty expensive (as is everything CarPro puts out) for the amount you get, but I was moderately underwhelmed by Meg's Body Solvent at removing tar, so I picked up some Tar-X from AG from their DetailFest sale since it was BOGO.

 

[TGates]

I like the Duragloss Bug Remover. Works great on bugs and tar, and it's pretty gentle.

 

[Phishy4]

I really like Tar X for tar and adhesive removal. I've even had good luck with it taking off transfer.

 

[Ron Ketcham]

A "chemical tip" for all.

Read the label, it will have any "warnings" of health on it.

If there is a "skull & cross bones" on it, if it warns of "toxins", if it says it contains "xylene", do not use on any trim, do not allow to dwell or set on paint.

Do wear chemical proof gloves and DO NOT breath the fumes.

Xylene is a clorinated solvent.

I suggest that if you have any questions regarding this solvent component, you Wiki or Google it.

Toxic by skin, inhaltion, etc to humans.

It is in most bodyshop products for removal of waxes, silicones, grease, etc, but should not be used without total understanding of what it is, what it can do.

Grumpy

 

[togwt]

^^^Good advice...

 

[rdorman]

I have always used the 3M stuff.

 

[tom weed]

+1 on the Tar-X, just make sure you shake it well first, it's great at clogging the sprayer!

 

[Leadfootluke]

CarPro Tar-X has had very good reviews. It's pretty expensive (as is everything CarPro puts out) for the amount you get, but I was moderately underwhelmed by Meg's Body Solvent at removing tar, so I picked up some Tar-X from AG from their DetailFest sale since it was BOGO.

Same here, I am waiting for my Tar-X in the next day or two. I "had" used Tarminator, and although I didn't like it at first, the more dwell time it had, the less effort was needed to remove the tar.