Washing/Detailing Question

[RobbyKlotz]

My ex is white, along with my wifes Van, which is a pain to keep them clean.

My question, what you guys use to get off road tar and those 80 MPH bugs that can't simply be wiped off when your soft sponge when washing, elbow grease simply doesn't do the trick.?

I am afraid to use something to course and scar the paint, so I figured I would ask the Gods here.

Living in middle Tennessee we get a lot of 80 MPH bugs.

 

[guilateen]

The clean car Gods are on the meguires forum check it out I found it extremely helpful. I've used bug n tar removed with no ill affect on black paint. On the windshield I've used alcohol or alcohol based cleaners like rainx.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Good suggestion, guilateen... We love us some detailing over at MOL...

One nice trick is to use a wet dryer sheet for those pesky bugs.

Windshield- use Bon-Ami (non-abrasive, do NOT use cleaners like Comet) wet the windshield, sprinkle on some Bon Ami, form a paste, and use your hand or a sponge to completely wipe down the windshield. Rinse well, might run your hand over a few times when rinsing also. Gets them very clean. I use it every 2-3 washes to combat road grime. Make SURE you're not using an abrasive cleaner like Comet or Soft Scrub. You want a non-marking product like Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend. Heck- GM used to sell a "windshield cleaning powder" that was actually repackaged Bon Ami.

 

[Flounder]

The best solvent for tar is gasoline. Using rubber gloves, soak part of a microfiber and lightly rub until it is all gone. Of course, wash the area thoroughly after.

 

[ninobrn99]

I would suggest using goo-gone or an APC (all purpose cleaner). Something else that helps is properly detailing your vehicle. Claying/paint cleaning, then polishing, then sealing (I like a paint sealant as my first coat, then a wax as my second for longevity). That will keep almost anything from sticking. If you search MOL for my screen name, you'll see some of the vehicles I detailed and my process and products.

 

[BigRondo]

I use WD-40 to remove tar!