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Turtle Wax

Bug & Tar Remover

solvent-basedready-to-usewarning-labelconsumer-gradesurfactant-based

Best Value

$0.44/oz

A consumer-grade solvent-based bug and tar remover with dual surfactant chemistry for removing stubborn organic contaminants from vehicle surfaces.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

N/D

Active Mechanism

solvent dissolution

Surfactants

2 (anionic, nonionic)

Dean
Dean's TakeJan 22, 2026

I first tried this in a pinch while on a road trip through New Hampshire. Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover worked well on fresh splatter but was weaker on caked on guts.

Expert Analysis

Uses a combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants to tackle both protein-based bug residues and petroleum-based tar deposits. The dual surfactant approach allows the formula to emulsify different types of contaminants while maintaining stability in a ready-to-use format.

Key Differentiators

  • Dual anionic and nonionic surfactant system for versatile contaminant removal
  • No-drip spray formulation for controlled application on vertical surfaces

Potential Concerns

  • Warning signal word indicates moderate hazard potential requiring proper ventilation
  • Unknown solvent chemistry makes material compatibility assessment difficult

Ingredients

25 disclosed
Petroleum distillates, hydrotreated light<35
CAS: 64742-47-8Solvent
Amides, tall-oil fatty, N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl)<3
CAS: 68155-20-4Emulsifier
Isopropyl alcohol<3
CAS: 67-63-0Solvent
2-Butoxyethanol<2
CAS: 111-76-2Solvent
Diethanolamine<0.2
CAS: 111-42-2unknown
Quartz<0.06
CAS: 14808-60-7Polishing agent
Sodium hydroxide<0.008
CAS: 1310-73-2pH adjustment
Ethylene glycol<0.003
CAS: 107-21-1unknown
WaterN/D
CAS: 7732-18-5Solvent
N/AN/D
CAS: N/ASurfactant
PolydimethylsiloxaneN/D
CAS: N/ASilicone
OrganoclayN/D
CAS: N/APolishing agent
DipenteneN/D
CAS: 68956-56-9Solvent
TriethanolamineN/D
CAS: 102-71-6Detergent Additive
Dipropylene GlycolN/D
CAS: 25265-71-8Solvent
TerpineolN/D
CAS: 98-55-5Fragrance
BenzoisothiazolinoneN/D
CAS: 2634-33-5Preservative
Carnauba WaxN/D
CAS: 8015-86-9Wax Additive
Hydrogenated Tallow AminesN/D
CAS: 61790-59-8Surfactant

Source: sds section 3 plus ca disclosure

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Warning
Eye Hazard
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation
Skin Hazard
H315 - Causes skin irritation
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No

Contains diethanolamine (carcinogen) and ethylene glycol (reproductive toxin)