Above photo is of tar on a ute. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between tar and sap. Sap tends to be yellow/brown (can burn in and be black) and is typically thicker on the top (roof) and thins out when you get to the lower parts of the car. Tar is the opposite. Tar is thicker by the wheels, and gets thinner as you progress up the car. All this is out the window if you're a tradie on or near a construction site (then who knows).
Types of Tar removers
The most safe and effective way to remove tar is with a dedicated tar remover. There are two types of Tar remover - Professional and consumer. Professional Tar removers will require you to follow the instructions (and typically come in a reinforced plastic container or metal). Consumer tar remover will come in a typical spray bottle. Consumer tar removers will require more work, cost more, but are easier to find (any Auto Store will have them). Professional tar removers must be applied to a clean (or near clean) surface and will need to be removed. Professional tar removers can be harder on plastics avoid getting them on plastics and rubbers.
I should mention, methylated spirits and some engine degreasers can remove tar but they are extremely dangerous to your clear coat, rubbers and plastics. In my experience its truckers who prefer to use methylated spirits on their semi trucks. But when they use it on their car disastrous things happen.
How to use
First read the instruction. Most likely they will tell you to do this in a controlled environment (out of the wind and sun light). The reasons is wind will blow debris on your car (possibly scratching it when you wipe) and the Australian sun will super heat the surface baking the product into your clear coat. First wash your car but don't wax it. Make sure theres no wax in the soap. Wax will form a barrier around the tar; protecting the tar from the tar remover. Wash and dry your car. Take your time and find all the tar spots. To prevent waste, spray the tar remover on the tar. Let it sit:
Professional tar removers - a few seconds 45 seconds
Consumer tar removers 2 - 5 minutes (read the instructions)
When the tar starts to dissolve it will make a drip line. Check image below:
At this point the tar is almost ready or ready to remove. You don't need to scrub it. The Tar remover chemicals are scrubbing for you, by breaking it down. If you scrub you will scratch the car (this is because the surface is not lubricated). Use a microfibre towel to gentle wipe off the tar. Side note microfibre towels typically have a high side (plush) and a low side. In this case the low side would be better to use; because we are leveling (sanding high spots aka tar down).
What happens if it doesn't work?
Try a few more times. Let the tar remover rest on the surface (but control the dripping) for two minutes. If you've done this a few times and it's still not working congratulations its not tar its sap.
Sap quickly explained
To remove sap use a clay bar or clay mitt. Clay bars are more aggressive at removing embedded debris. Clay mitts are so much faster to use. When you clay a car you will need to use a lubricant. I would suggest using a product called Bowden's Own Three Way - It's a Fallout remover and clay lubricant. The Threeway (and all Fallout removers) will slowly destroy the clay bar but will not harm the clay mitt. If you go with the clay bar expect to use 100 grams or so.
What not to do
Don't try to sand sap or tar the particles will stuck in the paper creating something called pig tails.
Don't rub the effective area hard
Don't be in a rush or cut corners
What to buy
Tar removers have a standard price you should pay $20 - $40 avoid things that are cheaper (they are most likely watered down) avoid paying more Tar Removers will remove Tar. Which products do I recommend?
3d Tar Remover (professional)
Bowden's Own Tar Tar (consumer)
Places to buy detailing products
VG Paints (Blacktown area)
Autowest (few locations but Penrith)
Detailing Shed (The Shire) really friendly
Car Car Products Liechhardt area
The video to this topic can be found below. The sound quality does improve after the first minute of the video.
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