Yum Cars Yum Tar & Residue | Citrus Tar & Glue Remover

Yum Tar & Residue is the first step of a proper decontamination. It dissolves tar spots, adhesive residue, tree sap and other sticky contamination so they wipe or rinse away — without you having to grind them off with clay.

The chemistry

Tar and adhesives are non-polar, so water-based cleaners and shampoos barely touch them — they need a solvent. The Safety Data Sheet shows a low-aromatic hydrocarbon solvent base with citrus terpenes (limonene), which is where the citrus comes from. Like dissolves like: the solvent softens and dissolves the tar so it releases from the clear coat. Yum Cars describe the blend as derived from citrus fruits, non-corrosive, and gentle on paint yet strong against contaminants.

Use it for

Tar, glue and sticker residue, sap and traffic film on lower panels. Yum Cars state it can be used on paint, glass and plastic trim. Test first on resprayed panels, fresh paint and soft plastics, as any solvent cleaner can affect them.

Dilution guide

Solvent-based tar removers are used exactly as they come. Water and solvent do not mix, so adding water does not thin this product — it separates it and stops it working. Yum Cars publish no dilution for it, and there isn't one. Spray it neat, let it work, wipe, then neutralise the area by re-washing with Yum Wash.

How to use

Yum Cars' decontamination order: tar first (this product), then iron fallout with Yum Wheels, then clay with the Yum Clay Block, then re-wash with Yum Wash. Apply to a clean, dry, cool panel, give it a short dwell while the tar softens, wipe gently with a microfibre towel, then rinse and re-wash the area. Do not let it dry on the panel and do not use in direct sun.

Common questions

Can I dilute Yum Tar & Residue?
No. It is a solvent product and is used neat, straight from the bottle. Diluting a solvent cleaner with water does not weaken it evenly — it simply stops it working.

Do I use tar remover before or after iron remover?
Before. Yum Cars' decontamination order is tar first, then iron fallout with Yum Wheels, then clay, then a re-wash.

Will it remove sticker and badge glue?
Yes. Adhesive residue is one of its main jobs. Let it dwell briefly so the glue softens, then wipe gently.

Is it safe on plastic trim?
Yum Cars state it can be used on paint, glass and plastic trim. Test first on resprayed panels, fresh paint and soft plastics.

Good to know

Available in 500ml and 5 litre. This is a flammable solvent product: use it outdoors or with good ventilation, away from heat and naked flames. Wear gloves, keep it well out of reach of children, and if swallowed seek medical advice immediately — do not induce vomiting.

See the full Yum Cars range laid out in wash order.

Genuine Yum Cars, supplied through the Australian distributor · Alpha Details Melbourne