The 10 Best Tar Remover for Your Car of 2025

Below is a rundown of the top 5 products for which we spent the most time researching, along with a summary of their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Best Overall: McKee's 37 Road Kill Remover Combo

2. Best Budget: Chemical Guys CWS_104_64 Concentrated Tar Remover Car Wash Soap

3. Best Material: The Incredible Off Citrus Based Ink, Tar, Glu, Gum, and

4. Best Durability: Rain-X 620107

5. Best Versatility: Chemical Guys CWS_104_16

1. McKee's 37 Road Kill Remover Combo

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Product Summary

A well-known brand when it comes to removing tough stains and adhesives, and their automotive tar remover is no exception. It is formulated to quickly dissolve and remove tar, asphalt, and other stubborn contaminants from your car's finish without damaging the paint.

Specification

• Dissolves bug guts
• Use the sponges (2 of them included with kit) for stubborn bug stains more

Reasons to buy

• Removes stubborn tar, asphalt, and other contaminants that regular car washing and detailing may not be able to remove.
• Can improve the appearance of your car's finish, making it look clean and shiny.
• Easy to use, with most products simply requiring spraying on the affected area and wiping away with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

Reasons to avoid

• They can also cause damage to delicate surfaces like rubber seals or plastic trim. 

2. Chemical Guys CWS_104_64 Concentrated Tar Remover Car Wash Soap

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Product Summary

This is a heavy-duty tar remover that can also be used on other surfaces like plastic, chrome, and glass. It is a fast-acting formula that quickly dissolves tar and other contaminants, making it easy to wipe away.

Specification

• Excellent for dried, squashed bugs on windshields, grilles, hoods, bumpers and headlights
• Quick and easy way to loosen debris and wash them away without laborious rubbing and scrubbing more

Reasons to buy

• Helps to protect your car's finish by removing harmful contaminants that can cause damage over time.
• Can be used on a variety of surfaces besides your car's finish, such as tires, rims, and other areas with tar buildup.
• Can be used to remove other types of stubborn contaminants, such as bug residue, tree sap, and brake dust.

Reasons to avoid

• You may need to apply the tar remover multiple times to completely remove the substance.

3. The Incredible Off Citrus Based Ink, Tar, Glu, Gum, and

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Product Summary

This is a trusted brand in the car care industry, and their heavy-duty bug and tar remover is a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It is formulated to dissolve and remove tough contaminants like tar, bugs, and bird droppings from your car's finish.

Specification

• Removes Marker
• Removes Ink more

Reasons to buy

• Safe for use on clear coats, paint, and plastic trim, making them versatile and convenient to use.
• Can help to prolong the life of your car's finish by removing harmful contaminants that can cause rust or other damage.
• Helps to restore your car's finish to its original condition, making it look newer and more attractive.

Reasons to avoid

• Tar remover often come with a strong smell which might not be pleasant for some people, so bear this in mind when choosing a product.

4. Rain-X 620107

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Product Summary

This is another trusted brand in the car care industry, and their bug and tar remover is a top-rated product. It is formulated to dissolve and remove stubborn contaminants without damaging your car's finish.

Specification

• Removes tough stains quickly and easily
• Ideal for cleaning your vehicle after long road trips more

Reasons to buy

• Can be used as a pre-treatment before waxing or polishing your car, as it can help to remove contaminants that may interfere with the wax or polish.
• Can be used as a spot treatment for stubborn areas of tar buildup.
• Have a pleasant scent, making the cleaning process more enjoyable.

Reasons to avoid

• If used incorrectly, tar removers can cause discolouration or dullness on certain areas of your car's paintwork due to their powerful chemical ingredients.

5. Chemical Guys CWS_104_16

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Product Summary

This is a popular brand among car enthusiasts, and their tar and adhesive remover is a highly effective product. It is formulated to quickly dissolve and remove stubborn tar, adhesives, and other contaminants from your car's finish.

Specification

• A must own for commuters, truckers, couriers, and fleet vehicle owners
• Safely removes bugs, tar, grime, tree sap and bird droppings more

Reasons to buy

• Can save you time and money compared to taking your car to a professional detailing service to remove stubborn contaminants.
• Can be used in conjunction with other car cleaning products, such as car shampoo or degreasers, to maintain your car's appearance.
• Can be purchased in a variety of sizes and prices, making it accessible for car owners with different budgets.

Reasons to avoid

• Tar remover may contain hazardous chemicals that are bad for the environment.

Easy to use: 

Find a tar cleaner that is simple to administer and employ. The simplest products to use are spray-on ones, whereas gel and liquid products demand more work.

Safe for your car's finish:

Look for a product that is safe for your car's finish as tar removers can be hard on the paint finish. Look for a product that is safe to use on clear coats, paint, and plastic molding by closely reading the package.

Effectiveness: 

Find a tar cleaner that can get rid of tar and other tough pollutants. Look for a product with a high success rate and read reviews.

1. Can tar remover be used on other surfaces besides my car's finish?

   Yes, some tar removers can also be used on tires, rims, and other surfaces that may have tar or other stubborn contaminants.

2. How do I apply tar remover to my car?

   The application method may vary depending on the product, but most tar removers are applied by spraying the product onto the affected area and allowing it to soak in for a few minutes before wiping it away with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

A car tar remover is a helpful item to have in your cleaning supplies. It can successfully eliminate tenacious tar, asphalt, and other impurities from your car's surface, giving it a clean, glossy appearance. When selecting a tar remover, it's crucial to take into account aspects like the product's type, usability, safety for the finish of your car, efficiency, adaptability, cost, and company notoriety. To avoid harming the surface of your car, always read the label closely before using the product and follow the directions. Although tar remover is a helpful instrument for keeping the appearance of your vehicle, it's essential to remember that it's not required to use it frequently. 

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