At The Detailing Company @ V8 Roadhouse, we deal with this kind of grime daily, and trust us: removing tar properly requires technique, the right products, and a whole lot of patience.
Here’s how we do it—the safe and professional way.
What Is Road Tar and Why Is It a Problem?
Tar is a thick, sticky petroleum-based substance often found on newly surfaced roads, highway construction zones, or hot tar repair patches. When your tyres roll through it, the heat and friction fling tiny bits of tar up onto your car’s bodywork, where it sticks—baking into your paint over time.
The danger?
It bonds tightly to your clear coat.
Regular washing won’t remove it.
Scrubbing or scraping can cause permanent scratches.
If left untreated, tar spots can stain or even etch into your paintwork, causing long-term cosmetic damage.
Our Step-by-Step Tar Removal Process
- Pre-Wash Inspection
We start by walking around the vehicle to inspect the location and severity of the tar contamination. We usually find it behind the wheels, on the side skirts, and lower bumpers.
We make sure the paint is cool to the touch before beginning—you should never remove tar on a hot panel.
- Gentle Rinse and Foam Pre-Wash
Before tackling the tar directly, we rinse the vehicle and apply a snow foam pre-wash to loosen general dirt and debris. This prevents us from rubbing loose grit into the paint during tar removal. - Application of a Dedicated Tar Remover
This is where the magic happens.
We apply a professional-grade tar remover—not some harsh chemical cleaner, but a product designed specifically to break down petroleum-based contamination without damaging the clear coat.
We let it dwell for a few minutes, allowing the formula to chemically dissolve the tar spots, which begin to “bleed” or streak as they soften.
- Safe Wipe-Down Using Microfiber Cloths
Once the tar remover has done its job, we use soft microfiber cloths to gently wipe away the residue.
Important:
We never use force. If a tar spot isn’t ready to come off, we reapply the remover and wait. Rushing this step or using rough materials could mar the paint or leave fine scratches.
- Repeat if Necessary
In some cases—especially with older or baked-on tar—we need to repeat the process on problem areas. Our aim is complete removal without any compromise to your paint’s finish. - Cleanse and Neutralise
After the tar is gone, we rinse and wash the treated areas again to remove any chemical residue left behind by the tar remover. This step is crucial if you’re planning to apply wax, polish, or ceramic coating afterward. - Paint Decontamination and Protection (Optional but Recommended)
Tar removal often reveals that the paint could use further love. Many clients opt for a clay bar treatment or paint correction right after, followed by a ceramic coating or sealant to prevent future contamination from sticking so easily.
Why Not DIY?
We get this question a lot:
“Can I just remove tar myself with a bit of petrol or spirits?”
Technically, yes—you can.
But we don’t recommend it.
Petrol-based DIY methods:
Can strip off wax or protective coatings
May stain or damage plastic trims and rubber seals
Are highly flammable and unsafe to use in warm weather
Often leave residue that attracts even more dirt
Plus, without the right technique, you’re far more likely to damage the paint.
At The Detailing Company @ V8 Roadhouse, we make sure tar removal is done safely and thoroughly—no shortcuts, no harsh abrasives, no guesswork.
Our professional-grade products and meticulous methods ensure your vehicle is left looking clean, glossy, and contaminant-free—with the paint protected, not punished.
Come See Us If You Notice:
Sticky black dots behind your wheels
Grainy, rough textures on your lower body panels
Stains that won’t come off after a normal wash
Faded or stained paint near the sills or bumpers
Don’t wait until that tar starts eating into your clear coat. Bring your vehicle in, and we’ll get it sorted the right way.
📍 Visit The Detailing Company at V8 Roadhouse, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort
📞 Book your tar removal treatment today – your paint will thank you later.