We are all too familiar with the frustrating splatter of bugs hitting our windshields while driving at high speeds. The next time you encounter this, we recommend trying the Family Handyman Approved Bug and Tar Remover.
After returning from a weekend summer road trip covering approximately 300 miles, the front of our family vehicle resembled an entomology exhibit rather than a means of transportation. You know the scene. Regrettably, I procrastinated on cleaning it up.
A few days later, I made a quick stop at the local auto parts store and purchased a can of Mother’s Speed Foaming Bug and Tar Remover, hoping it would restore our eight-year-old Subaru to its presentable state.
What is Mother’s Speed Foaming Bug and Tar Remover?
Mother’s Speed Foaming Bug and Tar Remover is a high-quality, no-drip spray foam car cleaning product designed to effectively eliminate bugs, tar, bird droppings, tree sap, and other stubborn substances from your vehicle’s exterior. It can be used on various exterior components, including paint, glass, chrome, plastic, and vinyl.
To swiftly remove spots, simply spray the product on and wipe it off. Alternatively, you can use it as a pre-wash to penetrate and loosen dried-on residue and debris before proceeding with a thorough car wash.
Our Testing Process
Our testing involved using the product as a spot treatment on the Subaru to gauge its effectiveness in removing bugs and road debris. Additionally, as a pre-wash step, we sprayed it on the front of my pickup truck before taking it through a touchless car wash at the nearby gas station. Our aim was to observe how well it tackled weeks-old grime stuck to the grill.
Performance Evaluation
The Mother’s Bug and Tar Remover demonstrated exceptional performance when used on our Subaru’s heavily impacted front grill.
I generously applied a thick layer of the product across the car’s front surface. After approximately thirty seconds, I used a clean microfiber cloth to wipe off the foam, effectively removing most of the bugs and grime.
Repeating the process two more times proved to be worthwhile. After a few minutes of scrubbing off the most stubborn stains, the front end of the Subaru appeared significantly improved, surpassing its condition from previous months. While the product claims to be drip-free, I found that a thick application is more effective, although it may result in some minor dripping.
However, when attempting to remove bugs from my infrequently washed pickup truck, the Bug and Tar Remover was not as successful. Once the sun had baked the acidic remains of the squashed insects, the product struggled to remove them. Despite three applications, only about half of the dead bugs were eliminated. I even allowed a full minute for the foam to work its magic before wiping it off.
On the other hand, the pre-wash test produced better results. After queuing in line at the car wash with my pickup, I applied the Bug and Tar Remover generously from the hood to the tires. Minutes later, after completing the wash, the front end of my truck appeared as good as new. It was undoubtedly the most satisfying car wash experience I had at a seven-dollar gas station.
To further validate the product’s efficacy, I requested permission from neighbors and coworkers to test it on their vehicles as well. This time, I focused on different types of stains, such as bird droppings and tree sap.
I discovered that this product excels at removing bird droppings, requires some effort when dealing with tree sap, and evaporates almost instantly when applied to hot, sun-soaked cars in the office parking lot.
