Best method to remove road tar on rims

[Wayfinder]

What do you use to remove road tar from the aluminum rims?  Other than a little elbow grease. 

Thanks, 

Chris

[topgun2]

My first approach is to use "Bug and Tar Remover" from any of the major brands sold at WalMart, Auto Zone, Murpheys, etc.

If that doesn't work then I'll go after it with Acetone.  However, if you go this route - be very careful in that acetone will take the coating off those nice wheels if rubbed too hard and/or if left on one spot for too long.

Bill

[John E Davies]

This is pure magic for tar, bugs and tree sap: ... 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. Body shops use it for body prep before painting, you can buy a quart can for $14 at any auto body supplier, that is half what it costs online. A good coat of wax applied semi-annually will help to keep the tar and grime from sticking too badly.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Townesw]

I’ve removed a lot of tar with WD40 sprayed on a rag. 

[katanapilot]

Inexpensive mineral spirits will probably remove road tar and be safe for the wheel clear coat. As JD said, the 3M adhesive remover is excellent as is WD-40. 

[KeysConchs]

On 6/20/2021 at 5:57 AM, katanapilot said:

Inexpensive mineral spirits will probably remove road tar and be safe for the wheel clear coat. As JD said, the 3M adhesive remover is excellent as is WD-40. 

That's what they recommend using to remove tar from your feet at the beach.

[Hokieman]

The primary ingredient in WD-40 is mineral spirits.   At home I always have a gallon can of mineral spirits around.  Many years ago I had a friend that worked as a chemist at a DuPont.   One time we were hanging out, and another friend asks him the best chemical to use to dissolve old duct tape stuck to aluminum.  He explained that he frequently got questions like that, everyone always looking for the quick chemical fix, the magic bullet.  His answer was…….heat & time.   Don’t rush the job, just use inexpensive mineral spirits, or diesel fuel.   Warm the sticky substance to be removed with a heat gun if needed, and let ‘er soak.   Wrap a rag or paper towel soaked in it on the stuff to be cleaned, and go find something else to work on.   That advice has worked countless times for me since.  

[Mike and Carol]

I’m in the WD40 camp.  I always carry a can in the truck so it’s handy when I need it.  Mike

[JRK]

My mom used gasoline or paint thinner when we got home from the beach (1959-60), pre offshore drilling days along souther california beaches.

Today I would use mineral spirits. Acetone is highly flammable.