I'll vent a little bit, then ask for help.

In the last 24 hours I guess I somehow drove over a newly paved road, or got behind a truck because I've got tar all over the front half of my white 07 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not knowing what it was, because I don't remember any tar, I took it to a car wash. They ran it through the machine and the machine broke my rear windshield wiper. So now I have to go to two different places to get quotes to fix it. That will be a bit of a pain in the ass. Complete coincidence, but this same day, today that is, somebody backed in to me and drove off. The damage is minor, but a dent and paint scrape. Not quite sure if it is enough to pay the deductible and raise my rates but it's very noticeable.

Needless to say I'm having a shitty day. Two weeks ago, somebody broke in to my car and took my gps while I was in a parking deck downtown.

Here's where you guys can help: The tar that the sun has baked in to my paint. Is this paint permanently ruined after the sun has gotten to it, or will tar remover/peanut butter/mayo or whatever other trick the internet says to do work? The rear windshield wiper, should I take that to a body shop to fix and get estimate or a mechanic?

8/10/2011 8:41:57 PM

If it hasent sat longer than a week, its not baked into the paint. Use goo-gone or Stoners Tarminator to remove. Not a big deal at all, matter of fact, if you are willing to drive to my detail shop, I'll do it for free.

8/10/2011 9:23:05 PM

^^Unless it's a big claim you shouldn't worry about your rates going up. I've had 2 windshields replaced and some front end damage fixed in 3 separate claims over 1 year and my rates haven't increased at all. Then again maybe you have shitty insurance

8/11/2011 8:45:30 AM

to remove the tar simply spray with WD-40 and wipe off with a rag.

8/11/2011 8:29:01 PM

I second goo-gone, ideal for something like that tar.

8/11/2011 10:01:47 PM

^^^ Right, those are comprehensive claims, not collision.

8/11/2011 10:34:00 PM

Thanks guys.

8/11/2011 10:52:11 PM

Go buy some paint thiner from an automotive paint supply store and soak the area real well with it. It will not fuck upp your paint on the body.

8/11/2011 11:51:08 PM

diesel or kerosene on a rag and some elbow grease will get it off too. shouldnt do anything to the paint

8/13/2011 2:13:17 PM

Don't know if the sell it anymore but my grandfather swears by this stuff (works like magic as well). He had a few cans in his garage a few years ago when we got tar on our car going to visit.

8/13/2011 4:27:00 PM