Clay Bar or Tar Remover

[Pamster]

I've noticed lots of small black spots on my Pepper White These can only be seen when you're eye's are within a few inches. I assume these must be tar spots as they don't wash off but am a bit puzzled as it's not been exactly tar melting weather yet!

How do I get rid of the things? I've wondered about clay bar or tar remover. What do you others do and how often?

Cheers

[GR33NIE]

I use Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that works well for me on my Pure Silver One

[Pamster]

Quote: Originally Posted by GR33NIE

I use Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover that works well for me on my Pure Silver One

Is it likely they are tar spots then?

How often do you use it? Every time you wash/notice some? Do you have to wax after?

Sorry about all the questions

[Root Ginger]

They are tar spots, but tar spots don't have to be tar really. Can be bit's of melted tyre, hot flecks of brake dust.

Best thing to do is try a clay bar system first. Meg's Quick Clay is ideal as a first clay system (available from Halfrauds). Wash your car thoroughly first, then use the clay with the lube provided. You might as well use it over the whole car while your at it to get the paint back as smooth as glass. You'll be shocked at the amount of dirt attached to your paint even after washing.

Guide to clay:

Snip clay into thirds to use. Use one side and once dirty fold over to create two clean sides (DO NOT turn it over as you will have no clean side fold over).

Regularly check the clay and pick out any bits of grit that get onto it.

If you drop it, discard it.

[Pamster]

Quote: Originally Posted by Root Ginger

They are tar spots, but tar spots don't have to be tar really. Can be bit's of melted tyre, hot flecks of brake dust.

Best thing to do is try a clay bar system first. Meg's Quick Clay is ideal as a first clay system (available from Halfrauds). Wash your car thoroughly first, then use the clay with the lube provided. You might as well use it over the whole car while your at it to get the paint back as smooth as glass. You'll be shocked at the amount of dirt attached to your paint even after washing.

Guide to clay:

Snip clay into thirds to use. Use one side and once dirty fold over to create two clean sides (DO NOT turn it over as you will have no clean side fold over).

Regularly check the clay and pick out any bits of grit that get onto it.

If you drop it, discard it.

Thanks

My car's only 2 months old - is it still worthwhile using clay bar?

As I noticed these things only after the first wash (when only a few days old) is it something to do every time I wash or use the tar remover in between?

[GR33NIE]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pamster

Is it likely they are tar spots then?

How often do you use it? Every time you wash/notice some? Do you have to wax after?

Sorry about all the questions

Could be tar spots I still get the occasional ones, now and again I use it not every wash though.

Yeah your meant to wax the area after it's been applied

[JohnJohnnyhnnynnyhn1]

Hi,I have the same problem with my Pepper White Cooper and I use a product called TurtleWax,Bug&Tar Remover.All you have to do is spray it on , rub it in & buff to a high shine.The product has a wax component built in.

[zyo]

As regards whether its okay to use the clay bar with your car being new, it will make a difference.Even from new my paintwork never really felt smooth and glassy like it should ,it always felt a little rough.I used a clay bar and could not believe the difference.Even if your not trying to shift tar spots i'd get a clay bar anyway.

[Root Ginger]

Yeah, the car's are usually covered in a fair layer of grime by the time you pick them up so claying is good, even the day you pick the car up.

A tar remover can be used also but it is a bit harsher than using a clay bar IMO. Basically try whatever you are comfortable using and get's the best results for you.

[Hat]

tar remover is ok for small individual bits of contamination but it also strips off the wax so if you have to do large areas you end up having to re-wax as well. the clay bar is much better if the problem is wide-spread along the car.

it also depends on whether you have polished/waxed over the tar spots previously - if you have you will need the tar remover to get through the wax to the contamination. the clay bar will only remove what's on the top surface.

its a problem on all cars but it obviously looks worse on lighter colours. on the plus side at least we can see it & do something about it - owners of dark cars have a much harder job spotting & removing tar