removing traffic film and tar

StevenWilliams · 21st April 2009, 16:46

Whats the best stuff for removing the traffic film and tar spots that inevitably end up on the car after a drive on a hot day?

I've seen some that are based on citric acid but I don't want to hurt the chrome trim etc..

deano78 · 21st April 2009, 17:17

TFRs espescially strong ones could be a minefield for us 75 owners as you rightly point out, the chrome is susseptable (sp) to heavy chemicals. I know that aluminium running boards on bmw X5s deteriorate badly when hit with strong TFR. If you wash and clay your car and follow with a good wax (finish kare 1000p is awesome for performance and value for money) it should come off easy during a wash. for tar spots, if you can try and locate an autosmart dealer who'll sell to the public and get some TARDIS. its brilliant for tar spots, i've used it on tar thats welded itself to cars and TARDIS gets rid of it. its about 20quid for 5 litres. Autoglym tar remover is ok but not as good or as cost effective as buying in a bulk can.

StevenWilliams · 21st April 2009, 17:40

Thanks.

I'll see if I can find somewhere that will sell TARDIS.

I've noticed that around the wheel arches and the points of the car where the mudguards would protect (If I had them) are getting little bits of tar stuck to the paintwork along with the bonnet.

Only a small amount now and most of it comes off with some good rubbing but why rub when you can buy a chemical for the job. :lol:

I use tutlewax at the moment after each polish and while it's OK it does not seem very good at protecting the car for long if it rains and to be honest does not prevent watermarks in any way. The water just stays on the car as if the wax is not there.

Dave***t · 23rd April 2009, 07:07

It's probably not a bad idea to use a proper product instead of hard rubbing, even if the latter works. Imagine that little bits of tar/debris are coming off as you rub - you're then rubbing them hard against the paint surrounding the remaining deposit.

I've found AG intensive tar remover to be ok, but I always try to be really careful/gentle when using it.

windrush · 23rd April 2009, 07:37

I have used WD40 its an oil so wont scratch

StevenWilliams · 23rd April 2009, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by windrush

I have used WD40 its an oil so wont scratch

Not that makes a lot of sense. It's also very cheap.

empsburna · 24th April 2009, 22:18

Tardis direct from the autosmart rep is around £14.

I've used a lot of Tar removers and this beats them all by far!

StevenWilliams · 24th April 2009, 23:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by empsburna

Tardis direct from the autosmart rep is around £14.

I've used a lot of Tar removers and this beats them all by far!

Thanks for that. The cheapest I've found is £18 + postage.

empsburna · 25th April 2009, 17:00

If you are ever in the area you can happily have a glug of mine

StevenWilliams · 25th April 2009, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by empsburna

If you are ever in the area you can happily have a glug of mine

Thanks.

I'm going to try and find a local supplier over the next few days.

I'm going to get all the bits ready and then give the car a full back to showroom workout.

21st April 2009, 16:46	#1
StevenWilliams This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon 2.5 V6 British Racing Green. 81,000 miles and counting Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 6,183 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	removing traffic film and tar Whats the best stuff for removing the traffic film and tar spots that inevitably end up on the car after a drive on a hot day? I've seen some that are based on citric acid but I don't want to hurt the chrome trim etc.. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Rover 75 2.5 2000 Club SE. British Racing Green. MEMBER NUMBER: MMMDCCXXVI Looking for: 7 seater

21st April 2009, 17:40	#3
StevenWilliams This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon 2.5 V6 British Racing Green. 81,000 miles and counting Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 6,183 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks. I'll see if I can find somewhere that will sell TARDIS. I've noticed that around the wheel arches and the points of the car where the mudguards would protect (If I had them) are getting little bits of tar stuck to the paintwork along with the bonnet. Only a small amount now and most of it comes off with some good rubbing but why rub when you can buy a chemical for the job. :lol: I use tutlewax at the moment after each polish and while it's OK it does not seem very good at protecting the car for long if it rains and to be honest does not prevent watermarks in any way. The water just stays on the car as if the wax is not there. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Rover 75 2.5 2000 Club SE. British Racing Green. MEMBER NUMBER: MMMDCCXXVI Looking for: 7 seater

23rd April 2009, 07:07	#4
Dave*t Gets stuck in MG ZT+ 180 SE** Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Birmingham Posts: 646 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	It's probably not a bad idea to use a proper product instead of hard rubbing, even if the latter works. Imagine that little bits of tar/debris are coming off as you rub - you're then rubbing them hard against the paint surrounding the remaining deposit. I've found AG intensive tar remover to be ok, but I always try to be really careful/gentle when using it. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

23rd April 2009, 07:37	#5
windrush This is my second home December 2004 Rover 75 2ltr CDTi Connoisseur SE HL Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aldershot Posts: 74,464 Thanks: 2,431 Thanked 3,015 Times in 2,347 Posts	I have used WD40 its an oil so wont scratch __________________ ][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] My Pearl Black Beauty Best regards Lilian and Derek Club Member No. 96 / Forum User No. 111 REGISTRATION to the club as a member FREE, FULL MEMBERSHIP is £10 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

21st April 2009, 17:17	#2
deano78 Loves to post Audi A4 (formerly 75 cdt saloon) Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: chorley Posts: 493 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	TFRs espescially strong ones could be a minefield for us 75 owners as you rightly point out, the chrome is susseptable (sp) to heavy chemicals. I know that aluminium running boards on bmw X5s deteriorate badly when hit with strong TFR. If you wash and clay your car and follow with a good wax (finish kare 1000p is awesome for performance and value for money) it should come off easy during a wash. for tar spots, if you can try and locate an autosmart dealer who'll sell to the public and get some TARDIS. its brilliant for tar spots, i've used it on tar thats welded itself to cars and TARDIS gets rid of it. its about 20quid for 5 litres. Autoglym tar remover is ok but not as good or as cost effective as buying in a bulk can.

24th April 2009, 22:18	#7
empsburna Gets stuck in Other Manufacturer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Black Country Posts: 716 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 3 Posts	Tardis direct from the autosmart rep is around £14. I've used a lot of Tar removers and this beats them all by far!

25th April 2009, 17:00	#9
empsburna Gets stuck in Other Manufacturer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Black Country Posts: 716 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 3 Posts	If you are ever in the area you can happily have a glug of mine