Red Rider S2K

Last week I picked up some tiny road tar globules on my windshield, front end paint, and clear plastic headlight covers. I picked them up doing about 75, so they're stuck on pretty good. Windex and elbow grease took them off the windshield,and I guess conventional bug and tar remover will take it off the paint. But I don't want to scratch, discolor, or disolve the clear plastic over the front lights. Can somebody tell me what has worked well for this problem?

wanabe

autoglym makes a product that should do the trick:

http://store.bettercarcare.com/ag-19325.html

be sure to test it on an edge, or other small area, before doing the whole lens-
and post back results (and pics if possible)
good luck!!

animeS2K

why not clay? I've clayed plenty of plastic headlights and if you use the same gentle technique you use on your paint, I don't think you have anything to fear.

petraidm

Red Rider S2K

Thanks for the replies!
I've never used clay on my car, but wouldn't it scratch or scuff the plastic lenses?
Does anyone know what they're made out of? Are they a polycarbonate material?

wanabe

dont think they are polycarbonate... but can not really tell from any of the info that i have.

my preference would be a product that is made for the task- which is why i like the autoglym. and especially since you have not clayed before.

clay might also work and is worth trying... my only suggestions (especially #3):

1. first clay a portion of your car so that you are comfortable with the process
2. use a brand new clay on the lenses (not one that might have embedded materials)- if you happen to use bad clay on the paint it is not hard to repair (polish will do that)... but that is not the case on plastic.
3. try it on a small area of the lens first- if you like the results then go for it-
[one of my primary concerns with clay on tar is that the tar might contain abrasives which could turn your clay into sandpaper.]
4. last, but very important- make sure that the lights have not been on for awhile before doing this- you want them cool, imo.

btw, i would trash the clay after using it to pick up tar-