10 Best Tar Removers 2025 in the UK

The Gtechniq W7 Tar and Glue Remover is designed for car enthusiasts seeking an effective solution to remove tar and glue residues. It stands out with its powerful cleaning capabilities, swiftly dissolving tough spots from paintwork, wheels, and exhausts. A significant advantage is its compatibility with various surface coatings such as waxes and sealants, ensuring it won't damage these finishes. However, it should not be used on PPF, smart repairs, wrapped vehicles, or any plastic surfaces, which may limit its versatility for some users.

Ease of use is a highlight, as it comes in a spray form that you simply apply to the affected area and rinse off after a few minutes, making the cleaning process straightforward. The product's formulation reflects advanced molecular nanotechnology, promising a high level of performance, and it has a strong reputation among high-end vehicle care, backed by a high customer satisfaction rating.

In terms of safety and environmental impact, while the product claims not to harm coatings, there's less information available about its environmental friendliness. Users conscious of eco-impact may wish to inquire further into its ingredients. As a UK-based product, delivery is mostly limited to mainland UK, which could be a drawback for international customers. Its high ranking among automotive cleaners and a solid customer feedback score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 3,600 reviews highlights its reliability. This product is ideally suited for car owners who frequently deal with tar and glue spots and wish for an efficient and easy-to-use solution that maintains their vehicle's finish.

The Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover is a versatile cleaning product designed to tackle tough sticky substances such as tar, oil, grease, gum, tree sap, and adhesive residues on car paint and plastics. It’s especially handy if regular car shampoo isn’t enough to remove stubborn spots, offering a straightforward and quick solution. One of its strong points is the broad surface compatibility—it works not only on exterior paint but also on interior fabrics and hard surfaces, making it useful for cleaning ink, chewing gum, and oil stains inside the vehicle. This multi-surface capability is a big plus for those looking for an all-in-one product.

The product is fairly easy to use, providing a hassle-free experience for most users. It also effectively removes polish and wax residue from rubber and plastic trims, which is an added benefit for a thorough clean. While the product information does not detail its ingredients or eco-friendliness, Autoglym is generally known for quality car care products that balance effectiveness with user safety. It is advisable to use it in a well-ventilated area and follow instructions carefully to avoid any potential damage to sensitive surfaces or skin.

The 500ml size is practical, and customer ratings averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars suggest reliable performance. Delivery restrictions to locations outside mainland UK could be a limitation if you live elsewhere. This tar remover is a solid choice for car owners needing a dependable and easy-to-use cleaner for tough stains and sticky residues, suitable for both exterior and interior use.

Meguiar's G1116EU Quik Clay Bar Starter Kit is designed as a comprehensive solution for removing surface contaminants like tar, tree sap, overspray, and industrial fallout. One of its main strengths is its non-abrasive clay bar, which effectively cleans the surface without causing damage to the paint. This makes it highly suitable for those who want to maintain their car's finish without scratching or dulling the paint. The inclusion of a 473ml Quik Detailer is a bonus, as it assists in the clay bar process, making it easier to glide over the surface while lifting contaminants.

The clay bar's coarse grit type and its material, comprised primarily of aluminium oxide and glass tree resin, suggest it is robust enough to tackle tough contaminants, which is crucial for effectively removing tar. The ease of use is enhanced by the straightforward process, although some might find the manual effort required to be somewhat labor-intensive compared to spray-on products.

On the downside, while effective, the product may not be the quickest solution for someone looking for a fast, casual clean without much physical exertion, due to the nature of using a clay bar. Additionally, despite being generally safe, users should still ensure the product is compatible with their specific car’s paint, as with any detailing product. Environmentally conscious users may appreciate that this product is non-abrasive, which typically indicates a lower risk of harmful chemicals compared to harsher alternatives, though it’s always good to verify the environmental impact of specific ingredients. In terms of popularity and customer satisfaction, it holds a solid reputation, evidenced by its high ratings and ranking in the automotive care category. This suggests it is a well-regarded choice for those serious about maintaining their vehicle's appearance.