I was about to clean/polish/wax my car with Meguire's 3-stage Deep Crystal system. However I found lots of tar specks on the car...

Do you think the first stage cleaner will take care of the tar, or should I use something else?

What do you guys use? I'd like to pick up something today, so Zaino's out...

 

I use mineral spirits to remove tar, works great!

 

Isn't mineral spirits used to take paint off brushes? It won't damage the finish on the car?

 

Yes, mineral spirits is used to clean brushes but it won't remove paint once it's dried. I've used it for years as a degreaser and tar remover and never noticed it dull the finish.

From the experts at Better Car Care.com (http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=7)

ROAD TAR
As you drive, your car is bombarded with small specks of asphalt, tire rubber, grease and oils kicked up by the cars and trucks in front of you. Left on your car's finish, these petroleum based contaminants will firmly affix themselves to every exterior surface. Soap and water washing will do little to remove these ugly black spots.

To remove road tar you need a solvent. Most commercial tar removers contain kerosene, mineral spirits or another petroleum distillate combined with lubricants to surround and buffer the road tar from your paint. I'm not fond of these products, as they are bad for the environment. The petroleum distillates go right down the storm drain. I prefer to use surfactant cleaners where possible. If you have a stubborn tar problem, I recommend Autoglym Tar Remover.

 

I kid you not, the tar will literally run down the paint and you can wipe it right off with Tarminator

You can probably find it at a decent auto care retailer as well.

 

Try Stoners Tarminator, WD-40, or a clay bar for small specks...

 

Thanks guys... I'll start with the mineral spirits and go from there...

 

If you check the MSDS for WD-40 you'll see that it contains the two products that make up mineral spirits. I'd guess that Tarminator contains the same things too.

 

Walmart has bug and tar remover . works great I have used it for years no issues , no problem to clear coat what so ever.

 

Soap/water and a few strokes works for me.