Tips on cleaning tar/soot off paintwork?

[Marekdawg]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better
Rob

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it.

[bob4333]

If you want to be totally safe and avoid all solvent based cleaners take a look at Surfex from Bilt-Hamber.

https://www.bilthamber.com/car-cleaning ... /surfex-hd

Been using it for years on wheels, paintwork, glass etc. Removes squashed bugs, tar, grease, brake dust - I've yet to see it fail. Does your annual barbecue clean as well.

I'm sure I read it's citrus based and can be diluted with water for regular washing if required. Won an Auto Express "Best Buy" award a few years ago.

[PinkPineapple44]

I'm still using my trusty Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that i bought a couple of years ago, hardly use any on application and has never let me down.

if not the above - use Autosmart tardis - that will shift anything.

I'm looking to buy a new bottle of tar remover soon, do you know how Autosmart tardis compares? Would work out cheaper in the long run

mate its night and day! Was an AG fan up until I discovered AS - they are trade products and more hard to come by now as they have stopped 'decanting' small quantities on ebay -however you can still get hold of it - it just dissolves anything , its highly rated on detailing world , one of my staple products.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autosmart-Tar ... Sw44BYH0~b

dear- but it'll probably last you years as a hobby detailer

Sweet thanks, I'll look into some of that stuff then! Is it too strong for an all over panel wipe?

[GusM]

I need to get some tar remover. Have clayed it back in May when I bought it but have picked up tar during the summer and it’s really noticeable when your car’s white!

[NickDE]

..dare I say regular petrol works a treat on tar spots too if you have nothing else to hand.

I’ve heard v-power is better
Rob

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it.

I filled my Z4C with v-power last night, and the pump said 'recommended by BMW M' on it....

[Busterboo]

I’ve heard v-power is better
Rob

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it.

I filled my Z4C with v-power last night, and the pump said 'recommended by BMW M' on it....

For tar spots?

[john-e89]

Petrol shifts tar spots like nowt else, cheaper too. A fivers worth gets you one of those green plastic cans almost full, 5 litres, a fiver of tar spot remover is about a fiver for what...500ml or so..?

Just keep your benson and hedges at arms length applying it...

[NickDE]

So have I, but BMW don't recommend it.

I filled my Z4C with v-power last night, and the pump said 'recommended by BMW M' on it....

For tar spots?

I didn't say what for. Maybe they recommend it to be used in Mercedes !

[thanatu55]

A lot of the household cleaners are quite strong alkalines which whilst fine on paint / enamel etc can react with bare aluminuim. If your wheels are powder coated / lacquered you will be fine. My E46 are just bare polished aluminium which it would wreck.

Dragons breath is the best ph neutral wheel cleaner by a country mile. Stinks, but my god it is amazing.... http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro ... _1238.html

Bilt Hamber Auto Wheels is very highly regarded and smells lovely

[thanatu55]

In fact I'd recommend any Bilt Hamber product for their results and safety on your paintwork. Korrosol on the bodywork, Auto Wheels on the wheels, Auto Wash for general every day washing, Cleanser Fluid for stripping previous waxes and sealants, Clay Bar for ease of use - just add water... All of their stuff is top notch!