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During spray-patching operations, a small amount of asphalt emulsion may occasionally come into contact with a vehicle travelling through or near an active work area.

No. It is not tar.

What may appear to be black tar on a vehicle is typically asphalt emulsion, a water-based road-maintenance material containing a bituminous asphalt binder. Asphalt emulsion is commonly used in
highway and pavement maintenance, including spray patching.
Because of its appearance, motorists sometimes refer to it as “tar.”

However, the material used in spray patching is asphalt emulsion, not traditional tar.

Spray patching involves the controlled application of asphalt emulsion followed by aggregate. Although traffic-control measures and reasonable operating precautions are used to minimize contact with passing vehicles, incidental overspray or transfer of asphalt emulsion can occasionally occur during road-maintenance operations.

This is a recognized consideration in highway spray-patching operations.

Asphalt emulsion is a road-maintenance material and may adhere to the exterior of a vehicle, leaving a noticeable dark residue. The presence of asphalt emulsion on a vehicle does not necessarily mean that the vehicle’s paint has been damaged. Asphalt residue can often be softened and removed from painted surfaces using an
appropriate cleaning product and a gentle cleaning process.

No.

Fresh asphalt emulsion may be easier to remove, but it does not necessarily have to be removed immediately. Asphalt residue can often be softened and removed even after it has remained on a vehicle for an extended period.

The time required for removal will depend on factors such as the amount of material, the vehicle’s finish and how long the residue has been present.

There are several products that may be effective in softening and removing asphaltic residue.

One commonly used product is WD-40 Multi-Use Product. WD-40 states that its Multi-Use Product is safe for use on painted metal when used as directed and specifically identifies removal of tar and
asphalt-related residues among its automotive uses.

Baby oil (mineral oil) is another commonly suggested household option. Mineral oil has been documented as capable of softening and removing asphalt because of the compatibility between the oil and asphaltic material. However, Dynamic Asphalt Services Inc. is not recommending or guaranteeing the suitability of any particular cleaning product for an individual vehicle. Vehicle finishes, coatings and aftermarket treatments can vary considerably.

If you choose to use WD-40, baby oil or another product, do your own research first and follow the product manufacturer’s directions. Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to a
visible surface.

A simple approach to removing the residue:
1. Work on a cool vehicle surface, preferably out of direct sunlight.
2. Apply a small amount of the selected product to the affected area or to a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
3. Allow the product some time to soften the asphalt residue.
4. Gently wipe the residue away. Avoid aggressive rubbing, scraping or abrasive materials that could scratch the paint or clear coat.
5. Repeat as necessary rather than increasing pressure.
6. Once the residue has been removed, wash the area with normal automotive soap and water to remove any remaining product or residue.

Automotive sources similarly recommend allowing a solvent or cleaning product to soften asphaltic residue before gently wiping it away rather than aggressively scrubbing it.

Avoid scraping hardened residue with a sharp or abrasive object and avoid aggressive rubbing. Asphalt residue can contain small particles that may scratch a vehicle’s finish if they are rubbed forcefully across the surface.
Also avoid experimenting with strong solvents such as gasoline, acetone or paint thinner. Some solvents can damage automotive finishes even though they may dissolve asphalt.

Asphalt emulsion can look alarming when it appears as a dark streak or spot on a vehicle, but the appearance of the residue does not by itself indicate permanent damage.

Asphalt residue can sometimes be removed even after it has remained on a vehicle for a considerable period. The appropriate cleaning method will depend on the vehicle’s finish, the amount of material and how long it has been present.

Spray patching is a preventative road-maintenance technique used to repair pavement deterioration such as potholes, cracks and localized areas of surface failure.

The objective is to extend pavement life and maintain the road surface while minimizing the disruption associated with more extensive repairs.

A note to motorists:
We understand that finding dark asphalt residue on a vehicle can be frustrating. Every reasonable effort is made during spray-patching operations to control the application of material and minimize incidental contact with passing vehicles. If your vehicle does come into contact with asphalt emulsion, there is no need to assume that you have permanent paint damage or that the material is traditional tar. The material is asphalt emulsion — a normal road-maintenance material used in spray-patching operations. With an appropriate cleaning method and reasonable care, the residue can often be removed from the vehicle’s exterior. Asphalt emulsion is not tar, and its presence on a vehicle does not necessarily mean that the vehicle has been damaged.