October 22, 2022

3 Ways to Remove Tar From Your Car Safely and Effectively

Photo by Karolina Grabowska under Pexels License

Here, you’ll find simple and safe ways to get tar off your car without damaging the paint. We’ll walk you through three easy methods using things you might already have at home or can buy nearby. You’ll also get smart tips on staying safe, protecting your car’s finish afterward, and even using peanut butter as a tar remover. And if your sedan, pickup truck, or other motor vehicle has too much wear and tear, we’ll show you how donating it can help struggling veterans in your area. Let’s get started!

Seeing road tar on your precious car can ruin your day. Perhaps you’re traveling near a construction site where new tar is being laid down, or you’re driving on a newly paved road when a passing driver suddenly kicks up tar onto your vehicle’s exterior panel.

Regardless of the circumstances, getting tar on your car can cause headaches and frustrations. You need to tend to cleanup as soon as possible because tar can damage your car paint if you allow it to sit there for a long time. The longer you leave it on your vehicle, the harder it becomes to remove.

Keep in mind that you should be extra careful when doing the removal process, so you don’t damage your car’s surface. The sticky substance is designed to bind road materials together, so you’ll need to use effective materials and proper methods to remove tar.

To help you safely get the tar off your car, Veteran Car Donations shares three methods that have worked well for most drivers. As with any endeavor that involves chemicals, however, you need to keep safety first.

Are You Putting Your Safety First?

It’s no secret that working on your car can get messy and dangerous, which is why you should take the necessary precautions.

If you’re using chemicals, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in toxic fumes, and wear gloves when removing tar. Your eye safety is paramount: Always wear eye protection to avoid injury from a loosened tar chip landing in your eyes.

Do You Need Options That Won’t Fail You?

So, how do you get dried tar off your car? Here are your three options:

1. WD-40® or Goo Gone®

Your hardware store likely carries two of the most popular cleaning products that can also be used as tar removal solutions. WD-40 and Goo Gone can penetrate tar and lubricate the affected area with oil, which then slides the tar off your vehicle’s paint with less pressure.

Spray a clean microfiber cloth with either WD-40 or Goo Gone OR apply a little bit of either solution directly onto the tar spots. Rub them into the tar more deeply using the towel. You’ll let the solution soak into the tar for 10 to 30 minutes. Then, use the microfiber to rub the area until you can no longer see any signs of tar.

If you’re applying WD-40, wash and wax your car thoroughly once you’ve removed the tar. You should do this to remove any chemical residue to avoid damage to your car’s painted surface from leftover substances or chemicals.

2. Tar removal spray

As the name implies, a tar removal spray is a specialized solution that removes tar. It uses a chemical that breaks down tar without harming your paint. You can find sprays like this at automotive retailers.

Aside from the tar removal spray, have the following items ready: bucket, car wax, car wash soap, and a microfiber towel or cloth. Wet the cloth or towel with a few pumps of the spray, or spray the tar remover directly onto the tar. It’s best if you avoid using too much at once.

Lightly rub the damp cloth over any tar spots in a circular motion to gradually break down the tar. Flip your cloth to the other side and repeat the step if necessary. Keep on cleaning the tar off of your car until all of it is gone. Use as many cloths as you need — make sure they’re clean to begin with.

After all the tar is removed, wax your car to give it a beautiful shine.

3. Peanut butter

Yes, your food cabinet might just have what you need. Since peanut butter is an oily product that can penetrate through sticky substances and separate different molecules, it can also double as a tar remover!

Spread the peanut butter on your vehicle’s soiled areas. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes. Then, use a clean wet cloth to rub the peanut butter in circles. Repeat the process until there’s no tar to be found.

Eliminate any odor and greasy residue and get a quality car wash after you’re done with your cleanup … and your PB&J lunch!

How Can You Transform a Damaged Car into a Positive?

Do you have an old car that’s tarnished not just by numerous tar spots but also by spreading rust? Or have you noticed mounting engine problems? If your auto is an eyesore or storage hassle, dispose of it in a way that will give it a new and worthy purpose.

You’ll be impressed with our donation program at Veteran Car Donations. We transform vehicles into tools for uplifting the lives of struggling veterans and their families in your community. You’ll experience peace of mind, knowing your donation helped improve the lives of our servicemen and servicewomen.

Our team will have your donated vehicle fixed before putting it up for auction. We will then hand over the proceeds to our veteran-focused and IRS-certified 501(c)3 charity partners. These reputable nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping former U.S. service members who are experiencing homelessness and financial hardship, an inability to find sustainable jobs, and suffering from service-connected disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health issues.

Your donation assists our nonprofit partners who use the funds from your sold vehicle to provide their beneficiaries with housing assistance, financial support, employment and livelihood opportunities, free comprehensive health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, family support, educational scholarships, and many other benefits.

You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution. We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle at no cost to you anywhere in the country. You’ll also have the opportunity to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

However, these material rewards may pale in comparison to the priceless joy of knowing that you’re doing something that will give disadvantaged veterans in your area the help they need to get back on their feet.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, so clean up your garage, driveway, and storage unit. Feel free to donate whatever vehicle you have regardless of its age and condition.

To learn more about Veteran Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or message us here.

Ready to Part Ways with Your Unwanted Car?

Photo by Pixabay under Pexels License

What better way to dispose of your old ride than by donating it for the benefit of our nation’s hurting heroes? Your call to Veteran Car Donations can help so many. Call us at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now!

Last Updated: July 27th, 2025