Those small black specks on the lower doors and behind the wheels are road tar. Your tires fling it up, and it sticks hard.
- Black specks behind the wheels are usually road tar.
- Wash the lower panels before treating tar.
- Dissolve X2 handles tar on paint, wheels and trim.
- Protected lower panels release tar more easily.
Where road tar comes from
Fresh or patched asphalt, hot road surfaces and construction zones all release bits of tar that tires pick up and fling. It lands on the lower doors, behind the wheels and on the rear bumper, and it sticks hard as it cools.
Light-colored cars show it most, but every car collects it.
Where to look
- Lower doors and rocker panels
- Behind the front wheels
- Rear bumper and lower quarter panels
How to remove it
Use Dissolve X2: it’s made for tar, sap, bugs and water spots on paint, wheels and trim.
Dissolve X2 is a strong acid cleaner: its Safety Data Sheet lists it as causing severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear gloves and eye protection, keep it off your skin, and read the label before you start. Every sheet is on our SDS page.
What you’ll need
- Dissolve X2
- Microfiber applicator or towel
- Clean, damp microfiber towels
- Car wash soap and mitt
- Nitrile gloves
- Eye protection
- Wash and dry the area and work on a cool panel in the shade.
- Apply a small amount of Dissolve X2 to a microfiber applicator or towel.
- Work it over the stain. Older, heavier spots may need a second pass.
- Wipe clean with a clean, damp microfiber towel and check it in good light.
Wash the lower panels first. They carry the most grit, and you don’t want to drag it around while you work on the tar.
Tar on wheels and tires
Wheel faces and inner barrels catch tar too. Clean wheels when they’re cool, with separate towels from your paint. Dissolve X2 works on painted, chrome and matte wheels. Leave tire sidewalls for a tire cleaner.
Common mistakes to avoid
Scrubbing tar with a rough sponge. It smears and scratches.
Skipping the wash first. Lower panels are the grittiest part of the car.
Using fuel or harsh solvents. Use a product made for paint.
Ignoring it for months. Tar picks up grime and gets harder to remove.
A simple care schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After construction zones | Check the lower panels. |
| Every wash | Wash the lower panels last, with a separate mitt. |
| Monthly | Spot-treat tar with Dissolve X2. |
Frequently asked questions
What are the black dots behind my wheels?
Usually road tar flung up by the tires.
Is Dissolve X2 safe on the lower panels?
Yes. It is safe on clear coat and works on paint, wheels and trim.
Should I wash first?
Yes. Lower panels carry the most grit, so wash them before you treat the tar.
Is tar bad for paint?
Left on, it bonds harder and can stain light paint.
Can I use Dissolve X2 on wheels?
Yes, it works on paint, wheels, chrome and trim.
Tar off the lower panels
Dissolve X2: one bottle for tar, sap, bugs and water spots.
