Wayfinder Posted June 19, 2021 Share Posted June 19, 2021 What do you use to remove road tar from the aluminum rims? Other than a little elbow grease. Thanks, Chris Chris 2016 Legacy Elite II o--o Hull #110 o--o Wayfinder o--o Twin Bed o--o 2020 RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L Augusta, Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators topgun2 Posted June 20, 2021 Moderators Share Posted June 20, 2021 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 1 2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist" Near Asheville, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 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 SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townesw Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 I’ve removed a lot of tar with WD40 sprayed on a rag. 1 Bill and Martha 2018 LEII Hull 313 Original owners 3/14/2018 2019 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katanapilot Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 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. 1 2020 Elite II Hull #628, Houghton Heat Pump, Victron MP2, SmartSolar, Orion, Cerbo, Lynx install in progress... TV - 2011 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Platinum 4WD, Magnuson Supercharger, OME suspension Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeysConchs Posted July 2, 2021 Share Posted July 2, 2021 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. 2020 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel. LE2 hull# 344. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hokieman Posted July 4, 2021 Share Posted July 4, 2021 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. 3 “Ramble” - 2021 Legacy Elite II #797; 2020 Ford F-250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Mike and Carol Posted July 4, 2021 Moderators Share Posted July 4, 2021 I’m in the WD40 camp. I always carry a can in the truck so it’s handy when I need it. Mike 1 Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRK Posted July 5, 2021 Share Posted July 5, 2021 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. 2022 Ford F150 4x4 2021 Elite I #758 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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