Every car owner at least once noticed on the paint coating of his car strange black dots or divorces that can not be washed with ordinary car shampoo. Most often, this phenomenon is observed after long trips along the tracks in hot weather, when the asphalt is melted and sprinkled by the wheels of oncoming cars. These sticky contaminants, known as bitumenNot only spoil the appearance of the machine, making it sloppy, but can also cause serious harm to the protective layer of paint if you do not take measures in time.
The problem lies in the chemical structure of bitumen, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons and has a high adhesion to metal and plastic. Once on the body, it quickly freezes, forming a strong bond with the lacquer layer, and attempts to tear it mechanically often lead to scratches. In this article we will discuss in detail the nature of the origin of these contaminants, consider professional and folk ways of their elimination, and also discuss what mistakes should not be allowed in the cleaning process.
Ignoring the problem can lead to the fact that after a few months or years under the layer of bitumen, the oxidation process of the varnish will begin, microcracks will appear, or the color of the coating will change. Therefore, understanding how to properly and safely deal with road tar is a must-have skill for any motorist who wants to keep the presentable appearance of his vehicle. Next, we will proceed to a detailed analysis of the causes of the appearance and methods of combating them.
The nature of the origin and impact on LCP
Bitumen, or tar, is a product of petroleum refining and is widely used in road construction as a binder component for asphalt pavement. On hot summer days, the temperature of the road can reach 60-70 degrees Celsius, which leads to softening of the asphalt base. When driving a car, especially at high speeds, the wheels, under the influence of centrifugal force, throw out microscopic drops of molten matter, which settle on the body, bumpers and rapids.
The danger of such pollution lies not only in their appearance. Road bitumen contains aggressive chemical compounds that, with prolonged contact, are able to penetrate the structure of the varnish. If you leave stains on the car for a long time, for example, for the whole winter, they can “eat” so deeply that it will be almost impossible to remove them without damaging the paint coating (PIC). In addition, the rough surface of contaminants contributes to a faster accumulation of dirt and moisture.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to scrape off the frozen bitumen with a knife, blade or hard brush. You are guaranteed to leave deep scratches on the varnish, the elimination of which will require expensive polishing or even repainting the element.
The degree of impact depends on the time of the spot on the body and the quality of the lacquer coating itself. On modern cars with quality factory paint, the risk of damage is lower, but older or repainted cars can be more affected. It is also important to consider that bitumen stains often contain dust and abrasive particles, which, when washed carelessly, work like sandpaper.
Professional Autochemistry for Removing Geldrone
The most effective and safe way to clean is the use of specialized chemicals designed specifically for dissolving bitumen resins. The automotive chemistry market offers a wide range of cleaners, which are divided into several categories: universal cleaners, specialized bitumen removers and cleansing polyroly. The main active ingredient in such formulations are usually organic solvents or surfactants (surfactants).
When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer's labeling. Quality bitumen-cleaner It must not contain aggressive acids or alkalis that may damage rubber seals, plastic moldings or chrome-plated elements. Many modern drugs have a neutral pH and are safe for all types of surfaces, including matte varnishes and vinyl films.
Popular among professionals use aerosol cylinders, as they allow you to apply the tool point and dosed. Liquid concentrates require dilution with water and the use of a spray gun, which is convenient for treating large areas, but less economical for removing single spots. Before buying, it is worth researching the composition and making sure the product is suitable for your type of contamination.
Secrets of the composition of cleaners
Most quality cleaners are based on petroleum distillates, citrus oils (d-limonene) or special synthetic solvents. They work on the principle of “like dissolves like”, softening the structure of bitumen and allowing it to be easily washed away with water.
It is worth noting that even expensive chemistry requires proper application. Applying funds to a dry and hot body can lead to its rapid evaporation, which will reduce the efficiency of the active components. The optimal surface temperature for working with chemistry is from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius.
Folk methods and their effectiveness
In situations where there is no professional chemistry at hand, or you want to save money, many drivers turn to time-tested folk methods. One of the most common means is conventional kerosene or diesel fuel. These liquids perfectly dissolve petroleum products, but their use carries certain risks. Kerosene can be too aggressive to some types of rubber and plastic, and also has a persistent unpleasant odor.
Another popular option is vegetable oil or margarine. The principle of operation here is based on the fact that fats are also a product of organic origin and can soften bitumen. However, this method requires a long exposure time (from 30 minutes to several hours) and leaves behind a greasy film, which then will have to be thoroughly washed with a degreaser or shampoo.
- 🛢️ White Spirit - an effective solvent, but requires caution, as it can matt the varnish with long contact.
- 🍊 Orange oil - a natural remedy containing limonene, copes well with fresh spots, but weakly against old ones.
- 🧈 Butter An extreme method that can help in a hopeless situation, but creates a lot of dirt.
⚠️ Note: The use of acetone, Kalosha gasoline or solvent 646 to remove bitumen from the body is highly discouraged. These substances can instantly dissolve not only bitumen, but also the lacquer layer itself, leaving undetachable matte spots.
The effectiveness of folk remedies depends greatly on the age of contamination. If bitumen is fresh, even sunflower oil can do the job. For old, fossilized spots that have been on the body for months, homemade recipes are often powerless, and one has to resort to "heavy artillery" in the form of professional chemistry or clay.
Mechanical cleaning: clay bar and polishing
In cases where the chemical means do not cope completely or ideal surface smoothness is required, a mechanical cleaning method using a special autospersing clay (clay bar) is used. It is an elastic material that is able to pull stuck bitumen particles, resins and metal dust from pores of varnish, making the surface perfectly smooth to the touch.
The claying process requires lubrication (detailer or soap solution) to make the clay slide easily across the surface and not leave scratches. Abrasive clay It works softer than polished pastes, but more effective than chemistry in removing ingrained contaminants. It is important to constantly smear the clay to use a clean working surface and not scratch the body with already collected garbage.
☑️ Algorithm of working with clay
After removing the main contaminants, light polishing is often required. Even if the bitumen is removed, there may be a trace or slight roughness left under it. Polishing abrasive paste with fine grain allows you to remove the microscopic layer of lacquer, eliminating defects and returning the coating to a deep shine. It also restores the hydrophobic properties of the surface.
It is worth remembering that mechanical action, even such a delicate one as clay, is still an interference with the structure of the LCP. Therefore, after such procedures, it is highly recommended to apply a protective layer - wax, sealant or ceramic coating to close the pores and protect the body from new bitumen attacks.
Comparison of cleaning methods: table
To make it easier for you to choose the right way to deal with pollution, we have prepared a comparative table of basic methods. It will help to assess the cost of time, money and risks for paintwork.
| Cleaning method | Efficiency | Safety for LCPs | Time spent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special. chemistry (aerosol) | Tall. | High (if the instructions are followed) | Low (10-15 mins) |
| Auto-sperm clay | Very high. | Medium (requires skill) | Medium (30-60 min) |
| Folk remedies (oil/kerosene) | Medium/Low | Low/Wednesday |