How to Remove Tar and Asphalt with Xylol

Road tar on a car, roofing asphalt on tools, a bituminous smear on a driveway edge: these are jobs xylol (xylene) does well, because tar and asphalt are petroleum products and xylol dissolves them. It works where water and mild cleaners just smear the mess around. The method is simple, but the surface underneath decides how careful you need to be.

1. Test first. Dab xylol on a hidden spot to be sure the surface itself, paint, clearcoat, or plastic, can take it before you commit.
2. Soften the tar. Wet a clean cloth with xylol and lay it on the spot for a minute or two so the solvent can work into the deposit.
3. Wipe, do not grind. Wipe the softened tar away with the cloth, turning to a clean area often so you lift it off rather than smearing it back on.
4. Repeat on stubborn spots. Reapply and wait again for thick or old deposits instead of scrubbing hard.
5. Wash the area. Clean the spot with soap and water afterward, since xylol leaves its own residue and can dull a finish if left on.

A few cautions matter more here than usual. On a car, work fast and rinse, because xylol will soften automotive paint and clearcoat if it sits, so it is for quick tar spots, not general washing. Keep it off asphalt and anything rubber or plastic you want to keep, since the same action that removes tar will damage those. And treat the basics as non-negotiable: gloves, ventilation, and no open flame, because the solvent and its vapor are flammable throughout the job.