How to Remove Bugs and Tar from Your Vehicle

November 18, 2024

Bug splatter and tar? Yeah, they’re not just gross—they can damage your car’s paint. Left untreated, those bug guts pack enough corrosive punch to eat away at your clear coat and leave permanent scars. Making time to remove bugs and tar keeps your paint fresh and helps you avoid deeper damage down the line.

This guide’s got your back. We’ll show you how to kick those bugs and tar to the curb and keep your ride looking fresh while saving you from some seriously expensive paint repair nightmares down the road.

Prepare Your Gear

Ready to give those bugs and tar the boot? Here's what you'll need to do it right:

Chemical Guys Detailing Bucket
Keeps your cleaning solution in check and lets you rinse off tools without dragging contaminants back into the mix.

Cyclone Dirt Trap
This little guy traps dirt and debris at the bottom of your bucket, keeping it far away from your mitt so you don’t scratch up your ride.

Bug and Tar Remover
This bad boy is designed to break down those sticky residues and bug guts without wrecking your paint. Bye-bye, bugs!

Microfiber Wheel Wedge
A soft, textured mitt that scrubs away bugs without turning your car into a scratchy disaster.

The Dually Wash Mitt
Dual-sided magic with mesh and microfiber to handle the toughest grime without going full Hulk mode on your paint.

Mr. Sprayer Foamer
For a nice, even, controlled application of cleaner—because nobody wants half-done work.

Miracle Dryer Microfiber Towel
Absorbs like a champ and leaves your car streak-free after drying. You’re welcome!

Step 1: Pre-Rinse the Vehicle

First things first—get your ride rinsed off in the shade. You don’t want the cleaning products drying faster than you can say "streak city," or you’ll end up with a mess of spots that’ll make you wish you never started.

Grab a garden hose or a pressure washer and give the affected area a good rinse. This step gets rid of loose dirt and any bug leftovers that could scratch up your paint while you scrub.

Rinsing also preps the surface so your bug and tar remover can actually do its job—no dirt smearing around and ruining your hard work.

Step 2: Prepare the Cleaner

For maximum bug-busting power, mix your Bug and Tar Remover at a 6:1 ratio (six parts water to one part cleaner) in your Mr. Sprayer Foamer. That’s the sweet spot—effective but gentle on your paint.

Next, pour a little of that magic mix into your Chemical Guys Detailing Bucket with the Cyclone Dirt Trap at the bottom. This will whip up some nice suds, giving you that extra lubrication to scrub away without leaving scratches in your wake from rough wiping.

The dirt trap’s got your back, keeping all the gunk at the bottom of the bucket, so it doesn’t make its way back onto your mitt.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner and Let It Sit

Once your bug and tar remover is all mixed and ready, spray it generously on the affected areas—don’t be shy! Spray liberally and be sure to get the surrounding area in case of any unseeable splatter.

Now, let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds, aka “dwell time.” This gives the cleaner time to work its magic, breaking down the gunk so you don’t have to scrub & possibly cause damage.

Trust us, this step is crucial. It’s the difference between a painless clean and a paint-chipping disaster. Let it work, and your ride will thank you.

Step 4: Scrub with a Microfiber or Mesh Mitt

Alright, the solution had its time to work, now it’s wiping time. Grab your microfiber or mesh mitt—like the Microfiber Wheel Wedge or Dually Wash Mitt—and dunk it in the soapy bucket. Let that sudsy goodness give you some slip to avoid friction burn on your paint.

Wipe with straight, linear motions—no circles, unless you want swirl marks. Stick to the basics and keep it smooth.

After each section, rinse your mitt or wheel wedge by pressing it against the dirt trap in the bucket. That’ll release all the grime you just picked up, so you’re not smearing it back on your ride.

This step keeps things clean and scratch-free, so you’re not just moving dirt around like an amateur. Keep it fresh.

Step 5: Rinse Off Residue and Dry the Vehicle

After you’ve given all the messy spots a good wipe down, it’s rinse time. Rinse your car with a hose or pressure washer to wash off any leftover cleaner and gunk.

Take a closer look and make sure you didn’t miss any sneaky bug guts or tar. If you see any stragglers, hit them with a bit more solution and go back for a quick cleaning.

Once you’re bug-free, grab a microfiber towel like the Miracle Dryer, and dry off the cleaned spots. This prevents water spots and leaves things looking streak-free and ready to shine.

Follow these steps with the right tools, and those tough bug and tar stains won’t stand a chance—plus, your paint stays flawless.

Make bug and tar removal a regular thing in your car-care routine, and you’ll keep that paint looking fresh and protected for the long haul.

Now get out there and stay bug-free!

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Take your bug and tar removal game up a notch with these pro tips and steer clear of rookie mistakes:

First up, ditch the harsh chemicals that aren’t made for cars—unless you want to turn that glossy paint into a DIY science experiment gone wrong.
Always throw a dirt trap in your bucket to keep the grime from hitching a ride back onto your car’s surface.
Stick to shaded areas so your cleaner doesn’t dry faster than you can say "streak city."
And whatever you do, don’t go overboard on your paint—no over-scrubbing or scratchy tools allowed. Stick to soft, quality mitts and towels for a job well done.

Frequent Questions about Bug & Tar Removal

Is it safe for vinyl wraps?

Yep, Bug and Tar Remover is safe for vinyl wraps—as long as you apply it the right way!

Can I use bug and tar remover daily?

Yup! When used as directed, Bug and Tar Remover is safe for regular use. However, we recommend using it only when necessary—like for stubborn, embedded stains—so your car's finish stays in top shape.