Community Forums

scottandanna · 10-26-2015, 02:02 AM

Not sure if they use this stuff nationwide or not, but here in Texas, when cracks appear in the road surfaces, they squirt hot rubber sealant into them. If you are lucky, it cools before you drive over it. If not, your tires grab it and fling it up the sides of your vehicle, trailer, etc.

I have tons of it on one side. Been there for almost 2 years, and I have no idea how to remove it.

Anyone ever dealt with this stuff? Successful removal without removing or damaging the paint?

jettyjock · 10-26-2015, 03:52 AM

Years ago before painting a car we would wipe the car with a product called Pre Kleen O . It removes wax and tar. get it at auto body supply store

Afubar · 10-26-2015, 04:02 AM

Have you tried WD40? I've used it for removing duct tape residue from my car and to remove linoleum glue from the hard wood flooring in my motor home.

whem2fish · 10-26-2015, 04:30 AM

ACDelco makes a product

dabrooks · 10-26-2015, 05:20 AM

I also use WD-40 to remove road tar on the lower part of vehicles. The follow with a quality wax.

IC2 · 10-26-2015, 06:22 AM

I have some of that crap on the front of our 5er. One side has been cleaned with 91% alcohol that I got at Walmart. The 50% doesn't work well. WD-40 on mine didn't work but might on your if that stuff has a asphalt base and a rubber binder. Since yours has been on there for a couple years, you might find some paint staining once it's off.

Now, if I could find some road center line paint remover ......

powercat_ras · 10-26-2015, 10:17 AM

You might try some brake cleaner, too.

Ray,IN · 10-26-2015, 07:04 PM

Turpentine. It is not petroleum-based, but is a great solvent. It must be safe for clear-coat because I used it 2 years ago on my MH to remove road tar. It did a quick and easy job, but it removes all wax too. I re-waxed with nano-wax and it still shines like new.

krivanj · 10-26-2015, 07:17 PM

Gasoline is a good solvent for tar.

azSkier · 10-26-2015, 11:09 PM

I live in Phoenix with the same tar problem. I learned long ago to use detailing clay bar. Its about 4oz of clay that you run on the problem area with lots of water. The clay just absorbs the tar or oil.

I always bought my clay online. Zaino Store: Preparation

Look around your auto stores for a simple clay bar. Works great.

scottandanna · 10-27-2015, 06:57 AM

This is not tar. This is a very hot molten rubber that they squirt into the cracks that form in the highways. Never seen it used anywhere but texas. It expands and flexes with the road, but does not ever get soft and melt like tar.

There might be some petroleum products mixed into it, but it is primarily rubber or silicone.

So tar removers don't even touch it.

IC2 · 10-27-2015, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottandanna

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There might be some petroleum products mixed into it, but it is primarily rubber or silicone.

So tar removers don't even touch it.

Why not call or drop in at your local DOT facility - not their office but where the actual workers are. They must have some suggestions. Their equipment needs an occasional clean up as well.

Karl0525 · 10-27-2015, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

Why not call or drop in at your local DOT facility - not their office but where the actual workers are. They must have some suggestions. Their equipment needs an occasional clean up as well.

Yes that might work / but more than likely it is a (crack seal contract) and has been contracted out to a 3rd party. I would stop in and get a msds sheet from the local txdot office for the product there using that way you could find out what the product is and if you raise enough hell they might even file a claim for removal from your vehicle

KT4Wextra · 10-27-2015, 09:21 PM

You might try a heat gun/hair dryer and soften the rubber/tar material (without melting it) and get the big stuff off enough to then use a solvent like WD-40 or automotive products that will remove tar and bugs.