October 22, 2022
3 Ways to Remove Tar Safely and Effectively
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Seeing road tar on your precious car can ruin your day. Perhaps you’re traveling near a construction site where new tar is being laid down, or you’re driving on a newly paved road when a passing driver suddenly kicks up tar onto your vehicle’s exterior panel.
Regardless of the circumstances, getting tar on your car can cause headaches and frustrations. Besides ruining the appearance of your automobile, tar can also damage your paint if you allow it to sit there for a long time. The longer you leave it on your vehicle, the harder it becomes to remove.
Upon seeing tar on your car, you’d probably want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Keep in mind though that you should be extra careful when doing the removal process, as you might mar the paint. With the sticky substance designed to bind road materials together, you’ll need to use special materials and methods to effectively remove tar.
To help you safely get the tar off your car, Veteran Car Donations shares three methods that have worked well for most drivers. Before we do that, however, let’s talk about safety first.
Safety First
It’s no secret that working on your car can get messy and dangerous, which is why you should take the necessary precautions.
If you’re using chemicals, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in toxic fumes. Always wear eye protection and gloves when removing tar. There’s a possibility that it could chip off and get inside your eyes.
These 3 Options Won’t Fail You
So, how do you get dried tar off your car? Here are your three options:
- WD-40 or Goo Gone
WD-40 and Goo Gone are two of the most popular cleaning products that can also be used as tar removal solutions. Both can penetrate tar and lubricate the affected area with oil, which then slides the tar off your vehicle’s paint with less pressure.
Spray a clean microfiber cloth with either WD-40 or Goo Gone OR apply a little bit of either solutions directly onto the tar spots. Rub them into the tar more deeply using the towel. Let the solution soak into the tar for 10 to 30 minutes. Then, use the microfiber to rub the area until you can no longer see any signs of tar.
If you’re applying WD-40, wash and wax your car thoroughly once you’ve removed the tar. You should do this to remove any chemical residue. It’s because leftover substances or chemicals may cause long-lasting damage to your car’s paint job.
- Tar removal spray
As the name implies, a tar removal spray is a specialized solution that removes tar. It uses a chemical that breaks down tar without harming your paint. You can find sprays like this at automotive retailers.
Aside from the tar removal spray, have the following items ready: bucket, car wax, car wash soap, and a microfiber towel or cloth. Wet the cloth or towel with a few pumps of the spray, or spray the tar remover directly onto the tar. Just don’t use too much at once.
Lightly rub the damp cloth over any tar spots in a circular motion to break down the tar over time. Repeat the step with the other side of your cloth if necessary. Keep on cleaning the tar off of your car until all of it is gone. Use as many cloths as needed, and see to it that they’re clean.
After all the tar is removed, give your car a wax job to give your paint a nice, quality shine.
- Peanut butter
Who says peanut butter is only there to make our tummies happy? Since it’s an oily product that can penetrate through sticky substances and separate different molecules, it can also double as a tar remover!
Spread the peanut butter on the areas with tar stain. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes. Then, use a clean wet cloth to rub the peanut butter in circles. Repeat the process until there’s no tar to be found.
Unless you don’t mind your car smelling like peanut butter, make sure to get a quality car wash after you’re done.
Transform Your Tarnished Car into Something Worthwhile
Do you have an old car that’s tarnished not just by numerous tar spots but also by spreading rust? If it’s just an eyesore in your garage or backyard, dispose of it in a way that will give it a new and worthy purpose.
Hand it over to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll transform that vehicle into a tool for uplifting the lives of the struggling veterans and their families in your community. Moreover, we will provide you with the most rewarding giving experience that will gladden your heart.
Our team will have your donated vehicle fixed before putting it up for auction. We will then hand over the proceeds to our veteran-focused and IRS-certified 501(c)3 charity partners. These reputable nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping former U.S. service members who have become homeless and impoverished, those who can’t find decent jobs, and those who are suffering from service-connected disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health issues.
Our nonprofit partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with housing assistance, financial support, employment and livelihood opportunities, free comprehensive health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, family support, educational scholarships, and many other benefits.
You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle at no cost to you anywhere in the country. You’ll also have the privilege to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
However, these material rewards may pale in comparison to the priceless joy of knowing that you’re doing something that will give the disadvantaged veterans in your area the help they need to get back on their feet.
Since we’re willing to accept nearly all vehicle types, feel free to donate whatever vehicle you have regardless of its age and condition.
To learn more about Veteran Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or message us here.
Ready to Part Ways with Your Unwanted Car?
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What better way to dispose of your old ride than by donating it for the benefit of our nation’s hurting heroes? Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023