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Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash 16 oz

Curated from 85 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 7, 2025

Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash 16 oz

Brand: Chemical Guys
Price: $14
Snoop Score:
8.0
Sentiment
7.7
Popularity
8.3
Technical
7.6

Snoop's Take

Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is a specialized cleaning solution designed to effectively remove tough contaminants like bugs, tar, grime, tree sap, and bird droppings from all exterior surfaces of vehicles. Safe for use on paint, glass, chrome, and plastic, this heavy-duty cleaner is a must-have for commuters, truckers, and fleet vehicle owners looking to maintain their vehicle's appearance without causing harm. Consumer feedback highlights its effectiveness, with users stating that it "practically melts the bugs off" and is effective for quick cleaning. However, there are mixed reviews regarding its efficacy on well-worn tree sap, with some users noting that it did not help much with heavy contamination. Overall, the product is generally praised for not damaging paint or plastics, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Given the positive sentiment around its effectiveness and safety for various surfaces, Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is recommended for those seeking a reliable solution in the bug and tar removal category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Bug, Sap & Tar Removers

Word, doesn’t damage paint or plastics either.

Positive Feedback

Tried Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash but had no luck with that.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.0
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash 16 oz
Daily Commuter Maintenance
5 / 10
Pre-Wash Treatment
5 / 10
Restoration of Vehicle Appearance
5 / 10
Commercial and Fleet Applications
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Bug, Sap & Tar Removers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Doesn't damage paint or plastics
Word, doesn’t damage paint or plastics either.
Bug and tar remover? Preferences? Looking for gallon+ sizes.
Best way to get tree sap off car?
Effectively removes tough contaminants
this seems much easier and less risky, thanks for the tip!
Works amazingly for getting rubber of quarter panels as well.
90% IPA works great.
3d bug remover works so good i wouldnt try anything else.
Affordable compared to alternatives
the Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover is CHEAP!!! It is less than $4 from Amazon for 16Oz.
Best bug remover? Does anyone know a good bug detailer (that’s not breaking the budget) for a mobile detailer?
Effectively melts bugs off surfaces
Spray it on and it practically melts the bugs off.
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Remover is effective on insect residues.
it gets bug guts off really quickly too
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Remover can be effective for quick cleaning.
It got the crap off my car and I didn't notice anything bad immediately but then overtime the spots showed up.
Effectively removes bugs and grime
Gets about 99% off, the other 1% comes off during the shampoo.
Effective for spot cleaning tough contaminants
I need something that's strong since I don't know the detail history of the car.
I then use bug and tar to spot clean the front end, side mirrors, side skirts, etc.
Recommended for cleaning cars before detailing
Bug and tar is more of a heavy duty car wash.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Ineffective on well-worn tree sap
Tried Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash but had no luck with that.
Some chemical removers, including Chemical Guys products, may damage paint.
it absolutely obliterated the paint on the bumper of my old car.
Chemical Guys bug and tar remover is ineffective on tree sap
I tried Chemical Guys bug & tar and also their butter wax but it won’t budge.
Why would you use bug and tar remover? Those are three completely different things.
Tree sap. lacquer thinner will remove this.
Less effective on well-worn contaminants
After a proper clay bar sealant and wax, I never have bugs stick to my car.
Did not help much with bug and tar removal
I've tried chemical guys bug and tar wash but it didn't help much.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
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9.0
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Formula 1 Bug and Tar Remover - 16 ouncesFormula 1 Bug and Tar Remover - 16 ounces$13
8.8
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CARPRO TarX Tar & Adhesive RemoverCARPRO TarX Tar & Adhesive Remover$37
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Evo Dyne Bug Remover for Car DetailingEvo Dyne Bug Remover for Car Detailing$13
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H.O.W SHINE SERIES Bug & Tar RemoverH.O.W SHINE SERIES Bug & Tar Remover$13
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Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash 16 ozChemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash 16 oz$14
8.0
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Meguiar's Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover SprayMeguiar's Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover Spray$4
7.7
DetailsBuy
Rain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar and Adhesive RemoverRain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar and Adhesive Remover$7
7.6
DetailsBuy
PROSOL WORKS Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & DegreaserPROSOL WORKS Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & Degreaser$18
7.6
DetailsBuy
Meguiar's G180515 Bug & Tar Remover, 15 Ounces (Pack of 2)Meguiar's G180515 Bug & Tar Remover, 15 Ounces (Pack of 2)$9
7.5
DetailsBuy
Adam's Car Bug Remover (16oz)Adam's Car Bug Remover (16oz)$12
7.1
DetailsBuy
Griot's Garage Tar & Sap Remover 22ozGriot's Garage Tar & Sap Remover 22oz$15
6.7
DetailsBuy
Blask Tree Sap Removers for Cars ExteriorBlask Tree Sap Removers for Cars Exterior$14
6.5
DetailsBuy
BMW Bug, Tar and Tree Sap RemoverBMW Bug, Tar and Tree Sap Remover$13
5.4
DetailsBuy
Nanotech Surface Solutions Bug & Tar RemoverNanotech Surface Solutions Bug & Tar Remover$13
5.2
DetailsBuy
Relentless Drive Bug and Tar Remover Sponges - Pack of 6Relentless Drive Bug and Tar Remover Sponges - Pack of 6$14
4.7
DetailsBuy
Gyeon Tar Redefined 500 ml - Tar Remover for CarsGyeon Tar Redefined 500 ml - Tar Remover for Cars$26
4.5
DetailsBuy
Carfidant Bug and Tar Remover for CarsCarfidant Bug and Tar Remover for Cars$13
4.1
DetailsBuy
Gliptone Sap Off, Fast Acting Sap and Bug RemoverGliptone Sap Off, Fast Acting Sap and Bug Remover$19
3.1
DetailsBuy
Armor All Extreme Bug and Tar RemoverArmor All Extreme Bug and Tar Remover$12
1.4
DetailsBuy
Mothers Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover AerosolMothers Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover Aerosol$9
0.8
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on cleaning methods and materials
If that doesn't work, come to terms with the fact you're probably going to have to buff afterword.
Acetone - even diluted/'nail polish remover' - is still a strong solvent that can do irreversible damage to your paint.
Yes. It gets to work immediately upon contact.
It won’t harm the paint, might need to do it a few times to get it all off.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on alternative products for bug and tar removal
Mineral Spirits is way cheaper and very useful for many things detailing related and the basis of a ton of products.
Also wax is not made to remove things off of a vehicle.
Discussion on alternative bug removers
Griot's garage bug and smudge is my go to.
Discussion on alternative methods for removing tree sap
I’d try 91% ipa, if that doesn’t work plastic razor blade and then compound/polish.
I'm getting sick of this shit and will remove these comments when I see them.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Recommendation to wax after cleaning
once its all removed and cleaned, wax your car. it will make cleaning things like this or sap, bird shit, etc. wayyyy easier to clean off.
Availability at parts stores
Bug and tar remover, it's available at any parts store.
Advice on cleaning method and materials
Holy Crap. This stuff is amazing.
Advice on cleaning methods and tools
Helps soften them up alot.
Using the sponge with a liner to scrub on a black car will leave a bunch of scratches.
Discussion on cleaning methods for tree sap
I didn’t move my car for the past 2 days and was parked under a pine tree 😭 big mistake, i know.
A rag and some rubbing alcohol takes sap right off.
Should i be spraying it all over the car?
I just went to the touchless carwash and it washed off a weeks worth of crap plus all the pollen.
Discussion about alternative products for bug and tar removal.
There’s also products specific for cars like tarminator or chemical guys bug and tar remover.
There’s a special version of Goo Gone for cars…
Discussion on dedicated vs general cleaners
Dedicated bug wash/remover worth it, or is a good APC good enough?
Discussion on alternative bug and tar removers
I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the best but I've been pretty successful with Stoners Tarminator.
I've actually had really good luck with turtle wax's bug remover.
not sure where you stay but here i use tardis from autosmart.
Lately I like Poorboys Bug Wash.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Various brands offer bug and tar removers
Best products to remove tar? Self explained in the title!
Pretty much all of the major car care manufacturers have a "bug and tar remover"... meguiars, turtle wax, chemical guys, etc.
Turtle wax bug and tar remover works good
I tried using a bug/tar remover and the sap just laughed at it!
Observations about paint damage from bug residue
I see cad with bug etching in the clear coat every day , brand new car with 100miles on em … paint is so cheap nowadays.

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