How to scrub bitumen from a car
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid bituminous stains on the car body. And every motorist knows this. What can be done to effectively remove these contaminants? How to scrub bitumen from a car?
Where do bitumen stains come from?
We note right away that bituminous resin is not only an aesthetic problem. Bitumen has a very negative effect on the paintwork of the body, corroding it. And in order not to have to do expensive work, you need to get rid of stains as soon as possible.
Asphalt pavement that is laid on roads is a multi-component material. Bitumen acts as an adhesive. When heated, it becomes a viscous black substance. And when it cools down, it becomes hard and tenaciously grasps with the surface on which it fell.
In the warm season, especially in summer, bitumen always softens, clings to the wheels of cars, and, flying off, falls on the body of cars walking nearby. By the way, heat and surface heating are not the only way bitumen gets on the body. Often, repair work is carried out on the tracks, in which this material is also used.
Bitumen is especially "dangerous" for light cars, because if you do not remove the substance from the body in a timely manner, then later it will not work without harm to the paintwork.
Prophylaxis
As you know, the best repair is prevention. There are some simple rules that can help you reduce the risk of unpleasant and tough stains from the body of the "iron horse".
The fact that bitumen melts on the road can be seen with the naked eye in the summer heat, so try the following:
- If you are driving on an area with just paved asphalt, slow down to 40-50 kilometers per hour.
- Make as few steering movements as possible.
- Stay as far away from the vehicle in front as possible.
- Do not go near specialized vehicles that are transporting bitumen.
- Do not drive on the rolled track, as the asphalt melts faster on it.
How to scrub bitumen
To date, there are enough tools with which you can independently solve the problem with the appearance of bitumen on the body of your car.
However, be careful. If the manufacturer promises that with a slight movement of your hand, without any effort, you will remove the bitumen and not damage the paintwork, believe me, this is more like a fairy tale. And many car enthusiasts were disappointed in such promises.
Very conditionally, the means available for sale are divided into two categories: universal and special.Special formulations are just designed to get rid of bituminous stains. Universal preparations allow you to remove stains of different origins. They contain not only surfactants, but also chemical additives and alcohol components, thanks to which any substances dissolve.
But universal compounds are often powerless against bitumen, since this substance literally eats into the body paint over time. So the station wagons are not heavy artillery, but the removal of surface contamination.
What will help in the fight against bitumen?
Professional remedies
Such products often contain petroleum fractions and various active additives, so they can even rid your car of bitumen and tar spots. And this is an indisputable advantage of such funds, however, this is also their disadvantage.
They are too aggressive and can damage the paintwork, especially if used ineptly or ignored the instructions for use.
If you have never used such strong remedies on your own, it may be better to seek professional help.
LIQUI MOLY Teer Entferner
This product is formulated with a combination of solvents. It can be used for glossy surfaces. It removes tar, tar and paint well. Available as a spray bottle. Shake the can before use, apply the product to the contaminated area, wait 3 minutes and remove the remaining contamination with a soft cloth.
Cleaner with fresh citrus scent No. 7535
Swedish product that allows you to get rid of tar and bitumen stains on the car body in 1 minute. Useless for stubborn stains.
Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover
The product made in Great Britain is perfect for removing bituminous stains from glass and bodywork. The substance is retained even on a vertical surface, it carefully "works" with a paint-and-lacquer coating. Method of application: spray on a dirty area, leave for 1 minute and wipe off with a soft cloth.
Agate
Domestic tar stain cleaner. Easily removes tar, grease and oil stains.
Doctor Wax DW5628
A very effective remedy. Able to penetrate small cracks and micropores. Removes even invisible to the eye, but chemically active impurities. The drug not only removes stains, but also leaves a protective coating on the surface.
Improvised means
If there is no special tool at hand, and the bitumen stain needs to be removed, try using the tools at hand, which are always available in the home arsenal.
Diesel fuel
Cheap and effective. The main thing is to observe safety measures. Put on gloves and treat the car body. After the bitumen stains have been removed, it is recommended to wash the car at a car wash or at home with karcher and soapy water. If there is no diesel fuel, it can be replaced with kerosene or gasoline.
Margarine
Yes, you are not mistaken! The oily substance is able to soften and remove the stain just obtained.
With a soft cloth or rag, margarine is applied to the dirt and wait for the bitumen to dissolve. This can take from 1 to 3 hours.After that, the remnants are removed with a soft cloth.
Vegetable oil
Works the same way as margarine. Effective only on "fresh" stains.
Abrasive clay
Such clay will also cope with bituminous stains. The contaminated area is abundantly soaked with water, then the clay is crushed, a cake is made from it, applied to the stain and the dirt is gently wiped off.
White Spirit
The tool is quite controversial, but many argue that it is effective in the fight against bitumen. The main thing is to use it correctly. Before removing the stain, wash your car with a special shampoo. Let the body dry well.
After that, apply white spirit to the stain, but do it gently, with a cotton pad or foam rubber. Leave the product on the surface for about 5 minutes. Then rub lightly.
Rules for the use of cleaning agents
Although there are instructions for each drug, there are a number of rules that apply to any cleaning product.
- Before handling contaminated areas, the body must be washed.
- Any product is best applied to a cold surface. This is due to the fact that on a warm body, the substance will evaporate faster, which means that the action will not be so active.
- If you are using the cleaner for the first time, it is better to check it on an inconspicuous area of the body, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Bituminous spots are rubbed off gradually, layer by layer. Do not try to remove the entire thickness of the stain at once.
- Never use a knife or other sharp objects.
- The best cloth for bodywork is microfiber.
- After removing the stain, wash the car and be sure to wipe it dry to be sure to remove any remaining cleaning agent.
Bitumen on the car body is a headache for many drivers. However, if you try to solve the problem immediately, and not wait for the stain to completely dry out, you can even cope with improvised means.
Video: how to quickly wash bitumen from a car yourself
