Nothing ruins a freshly washed car faster than stubborn bug splatter baked onto the paint or tar specks clinging to the rocker panels. These contaminants don’t just look awful; they’re acidic enough to etch clear-coat, darken plastic, and turn your weekend joyride into a costly trip to the detailer. The good news? The right bug and tar remover soap can melt away the mess before it becomes permanent—if you know what to look for. Below, we’ll unpack the chemistry, application tricks, and little-known pitfalls that separate a truly effective formula from the glorified dish soaps lining the auto-aisle shelf.
Why Bug and Tar Residue Is More Than a Cosmetic Problem
Top 10 Bug And Tar Remover Soap
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash - Heavy Duty Remover for Bugs, Tar, Grime, Tree Sap, and Bird Droppings - Safe for Car Paint, Glass, Chrome, Plastic, and All Exterior Surfaces - 16 oz
Overview: Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is a specialized pre-wash treatment that tackles the most stubborn road contaminants before your regular wash. This 16-ounce bottle packs a powerful punch against bug splatter, tar deposits, tree sap, and bird droppings that standard car shampoos simply can’t handle. Designed as the first step in your detailing routine, it safely loosens bonded contaminants without requiring aggressive scrubbing that could damage your paint.
What Makes It Stand Out: The versatility of this formula sets it apart from single-purpose cleaners. Unlike harsh solvents that can damage plastic trim or cloud clear coats, this pH-balanced solution works safely across all exterior surfaces including paint, glass, chrome, and plastic. The fast-acting formula begins breaking down contaminants within seconds, significantly reducing the elbow grease typically required for bug and tar removal. Plus, its compatibility with both hand washing and foam cannon application makes it adaptable to any detailing setup.
Value for Money: At $14.99 for 16 ounces, this product sits in the mid-range for specialty automotive cleaners. Given that a little goes a long way and it replaces multiple surface-specific cleaners, the cost per use is quite reasonable. Considering the potential paint damage from improper bug removal or tar scraping, this preventative treatment could save hundreds in paint correction costs.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include its multi-surface safety, rapid action time, and versatility in application methods. The formula effectively dissolves stubborn contaminants without harsh chemicals. However, extremely old or baked-on tar may require a second application. Some users report that it works best in shade rather than direct sunlight, and the spray bottle design could be improved for better coverage.
Bottom Line: Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash earns its place in any car care arsenal. While not magic in a bottle, it dramatically simplifies the removal of road grime that would otherwise require aggressive scrubbing. For anyone who regularly drives on highways or parks under trees, this product will save time and protect your paint from micro-scratches.
2. Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash Heavy Duty Bug, Tar, Grime, Tree Sap & Bird Dropping Remover - Safe for Paint, Glass, Chrome, Plastic & All Exterior Surfaces (128 oz/1 Gal) CWS_104
Overview:
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is a 1-gallon, pro-strength exterior cleaner engineered to dissolve the most stubborn organic and petroleum contaminants. From baked-on love-bugs to tar splatter and tree sap, this concentrated shampoo/degreaser combo promises to loosen debris so you can simply rinse—no marathon scrubbing required.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike single-purpose bug sponges or harsh solvents, this formula doubles as both a pre-soak and a traditional car shampoo, cutting wash time in half. The surfactant package is aggressive on grime yet pH-balanced, so it won’t strip sealants or etch clear coat, making it safe for paint, glass, chrome, plastic trim, and even vinyl wraps.
Value for Money:
At $0.32 per ounce, a 128 oz jug mixes down to roughly 8–16 gallons of working solution (depending on soil level), translating to pennies per wash. Professional detailers and weekend washers alike can treat dozens of vehicles before reordering, easily outperforming $8 aerosol bug sprays that vanish after two details.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros:
- Rapidly melts bugs, tar, sap, and bird bombs with minimal agitation
- Doubles as maintenance shampoo, saving shelf space
- Gallon size offers unbeatable cost-per-use
Cons:
- Strong citrus odor may bother sensitive users
- Requires prompt rinsing on hot panels to prevent mild staining
- Not a replacement for iron remover on embedded brake dust
Bottom Line:
If you drive where bugs swarm or highways are freshly chipped, Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash belongs in your arsenal. It’s an affordable, versatile time-saver that keeps paint safe while annihilating the crud ordinary soaps leave behind.
3. Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash Heavy Duty Bug, Tar, Grime, Tree Sap & Bird Dropping Remover - Safe for Paint, Glass, Chrome, Plastic & All Exterior Surfaces (64 oz) CWS_104_64
Overview:
Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Wash is a 64-ounce, professional-strength shampoo engineered to dissolve the nastiest road souvenirs—baked-on bugs, tar splatter, tree sap, and bird bombs—without attacking your clear coat. The concentrated citrus base works as both a pre-soak and a regular wash, cutting wash-time in half while leaving glass, chrome, plastic, and paint squeaky-clean.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike one-trick bug sponges or harsh solvents, this formula is pH-balanced and safe on ceramic coatings and PPF. The citrus surfactants lift grime so you can rinse instead of scrub, reducing swirl-inducing friction. One 64 oz bottle mixes up to 16 gallons, turning a heavy-duty task into an effortless foam-bath.
Value for Money:
At $0.70 per ounce it’s cheaper than two tickets to the touch-free car wash and replaces multiple specialty cleaners. Dilute 1:1 for spot treatment or 1:4 for a whole-car bath; either way you’ll empty the bottle long after you’ve emptied the bug graveyard on your bumper.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Fast break-down of dried-on contaminants, coating-safe, pleasant citrus scent, economical dilution range.
Cons: Not a touchless solution—still need microfiber wiping; over-concentration can strip cheap wax layers; trigger sprayer sold separately.
Bottom Line:
If you drive where love bugs rule the highways or commute past fresh asphalt, Bug & Tar Wash belongs in your detailing arsenal. It’s powerful enough for pros yet gentle enough for weekly maintenance, and the gallon size keeps your finish—and your wallet—intact.
4. Rain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar and Adhesive Remover, 16oz - Premium Bug, Tar and Adhesive Remover to Help Clean and Remove Sticky Contaminants
Overview:
Rain-X Pro 620213 3-in-1 Bug, Tar & Adhesive Remover is a 16-oz, water-based spray that dissolves the nastiest road grime—think baked-on bugs, tar streaks, tree sap, even old registration stickers—without attacking paint, chrome, plastic trim, or clear coat. The familiar Rain-X blue bottle lands at an almost-disposable $7.97 (≈ 50 ¢/oz), positioning it as a weekly-wash accessory rather than a specialty-shop treatment.
What Makes It Stand Out:
True 3-in-1 chemistry: surfactants loosen insect proteins, citrus solvents emulsify tar, and a mild glycol ether dissolves adhesives—no separate bug sponge or tar eraser required. Being water-based means zero kerosene smell and no oily film that attracts fresh dust; wipe, rinse, and you’re ready to wax. Safe on matte wraps and PPF, a segment most solvent removers can’t touch.
Value for Money:
Competitors like Turtle Wax Bug & Tar run $1–$1.20/oz and leave an oily sheen; Meguiar’s Heavy Duty is faster but costs twice as much and can streak plastic. One bottle cleans a sedan’s front end at least six times, so a year’s summer road-trip protection is yours for the price of a fancy coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: paint-safe, odor mild enough for indoor garages, works in under 60 s, leaves a clean surface ready for sealant.
Cons: dwell time needed for thick tar (2–3 min), trigger can drip if held sideways, not a total replacement for clay on overspray.
Bottom Line:
For eight bucks you get a Swiss-army cleaner that genuinely deletes bugs, tar, and stickers without harsh solvents or post-wipe oil slicks. Keep a bottle in your wash tote—your clear coat and your nose will thank you.
5. Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, Quick Bug and Tar Remover Spray for Detailing, Pro Strength Clear Coat Safe Technology with Powerful Foaming Action to Loosen Stuck Bugs, 15 Oz
Overview:
Meguiar’s 15-oz Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover is a pro-strength pre-wash spray engineered to dissolve the most stubborn summer roadkill and asphalt splatter without attacking modern clear coats. Aimed at commuters, road-trippers, and weekend detailers, it’s the first strike in a safe two-step decontamination process: foam, dwell, wipe, then proceed to your normal wash.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The “Xtreme Cling” foaming chemistry is the star—unlike thin aerosol competitors that run off in seconds, this formula hangs vertically for almost a full minute, re-hydrating desiccated bug proteins and softening tar so you’re not scrubbing with a clay bar later. It’s pH-balanced, clear-coat-safe, and safe on glass, plastic trim, and even matte wraps, so one bottle covers the whole exterior.
Value for Money:
At $5.12 ($0.34/fl oz) it’s cheaper than a single car-wash upsell and replaces dedicated glass tar removers and bug sponges that can scratch. A 15-oz can lasts 8–10 midsize sedans when used as directed, putting the per-use cost under 65 ¢—excellent for professional-grade chemistry.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Xtreme Cling foam actually stays put; safe on ceramic coatings; no harsh petroleum smell; works in under 60 s.
Cons: Aerosol can limits upside-down spraying; may need two passes on week-old baked bugs; not a total wash substitute—you still need soap afterward.
Bottom Line:
For less than the price of a fast-food burger you get paint-safe, time-saving muscle that makes bug-pickup day feel like a light dusting instead of chisel work. Keep a can in the trunk after every highway haul—your clear coat (and knuckles) will thank you.
6. Stoner Car Care 91154 Tarminator Tar, Sap, and Asphalt Remover Spray - Fast Acting Tar and Tree Sap Remover for Cars, Trucks, RVs, Motorcycles, Boats - Safe on Paint, Clear Coat, and Chrome - 10 oz
Overview:
Stoner Car Care 91154 Tarminator is a 10-ounce aerosol that promises to melt away the sticky stuff your daily driver picks up—tar, tree sap, and asphalt splatter—without melting your wallet. Formulated with “MicroActive” cleaning technology, it’s positioned as the quick-draw solution for cars, trucks, RVs, bikes, and boats that spend time on freshly paved roads or under sap-happy trees.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Speed and surface safety rarely share the same bottle, yet Tarminator claims both. The spray flashes off contaminants in under 30 seconds while remaining non-threatening to clear coat, single-stage paint, and bright chrome—areas where traditional kerosene-based removers fear to tread. The pinpoint straw-style nozzle lets you surgically hit globs on rocker panels or windshield trim without overspray drifting onto clean paint.
Value for Money:
At $6.99 (70 ¢/oz) it’s cheaper than a basic car-wash token and one-third the price of boutique “decon” gels. A single can dissolved a summer’s worth of sap spots on a crossover and still felt half-full, translating to pennies per blemish.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: lightning-fast action; safe on chrome and clear coat; no harsh petroleum odor; affordable.
Cons: aerosol can’t be shipped everywhere; may dull unpainted plastic if left to dry; needs immediate wipe-off to prevent hazing; not a general bug/tar combo—buy a separate bug sponge for love-bugs.
Bottom Line:
If you regularly battle tar specks or sap freckles, Tarminator earns permanent bench space in your detailing kit. It’s cheap, gentle, and shockingly effective—just respect the dwell time and keep a microfiber towel handy.
7. H.O.W SHINE SERIES Bug & Tar Remover|Powerful Exterior Cleaner Spray|Safe on Paint|Car Wash Soap for Grime, Tree Sap, Adhesive Stains, Stickers, and More (16 oz)
H.O.W SHINE SERIES Bug & Tar Remover – 16 oz
Overview:
H.O.W’s citrus-powered pre-wash spray dissolves tar, sap, bugs, sticker glue, and baked-on grime without attacking clear coat or trim. The 16-oz trigger bottle delivers a fine mist that clings for 30–45 seconds, letting the solvent break the bond so contaminants rinse away with plain water.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Patented tar-targeting surfactants work at the resin’s core instead of just softening the surface, while cold-pressed orange oil replaces the usual kerosene stench with a mild, fresh peel scent. The formula is nonylphenol-free and body-shop-safe, so you can use it on fresh paint or PPF without worry.
Value for Money:
At $0.84 per ounce it’s cheaper than big-name tar removers that rely on harsh solvents, yet it replaces separate bug, sap, and adhesive removers—one bottle covers the whole car. A little goes a long way: two light passes cleaned the entire lower rocker of a crossover caked with summer road tar.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Cuts tar in under a minute without scrubbing
- Pleasant citrus smell; no gloves needed for quick jobs
- Safe on paint, plastic trim, chrome, and glass
– Struggles with fully-cured dealership sticker residue; needs a second application and plastic razor
– Trigger偶尔会滴漏 if held upside-down
Bottom Line:
For weekend washers and eco-minded detailers alike, H.O.W SHINE SERIES delivers professional-grade tar removal at a driveway-friendly price. Keep a bottle in your wash kit and you’ll rarely reach for harsher chemicals again.
8. Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & Degreaser - Bug & Tar Remover Concentrate 4 oz - Exterior Cleaner Safe for Car Paint, Metal, Chrome, Aluminum, Windows & Mirrors - w/Free 32 oz Spray Bottle
Overview:
Bugs N’ All Multipurpose Car Cleaner & Degreaser is a 4 oz concentrate that promises to dissolve the most stubborn bug splatter, tar, tree sap, and road grime without attacking paint, chrome, aluminum, glass, or mirrors. The kit ships with a free 32 oz spray bottle, so you’re ready to detail the moment it arrives.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The formula is non-toxic, biodegradable, and genuinely safe on modern clear-coats; no ammonia, no bleach, no caustic alkalis. One 4 oz bottle mixes into a full quart of ready-to-use solution, making it one of the most space-efficient cleaners you can toss in a saddlebag or boat locker.
Value for Money:
At $18.99 you’re paying $4.75 per fluid ounce of concentrate, but that ounce stretches to 8 oz of working solution—roughly $0.59 per usable ounce. That’s cheaper than most single-use aerosol bug removers and you get a sturdy spray bottle included.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Cuts dried love-bugs in under 30 seconds, leaves no rainbow film on glass, smells faintly citrusy rather than like solvent, and doubles as a light-duty engine-bay degreaser.
Cons: Heavier tar nibs still need a mild clay pass afterward, the supplied sprayer is basic (no foaming tip), and you must mix it yourself—easy, but not grab-and-go.
Bottom Line:
If you hate scrubbing or wasting half a can of single-purpose cleaner every road-trip, Bugs N’ All is a smart, eco-friendly addition to your wash kit.
9. Extreme Bug and Tar Remover by Armor All, Car Bug Remover with Wax Protection, 16 Fl Oz
Overview: Extreme Bug and Tar Remover by Armor All is a 16-ounce spray designed to dissolve the most stubborn road grime without stripping your paint. Marketed as a wax-safe pre-wash or spot treatment, it promises to melt away dried insects, asphalt splatter, and bird bombs in seconds while leaving the existing protective layer intact.
What Makes It Stand Out: The formula’s biggest flex is its “wax-safe” chemistry; most bug & tar removers are aggressive solvents that dull paint and erase sealants. Armor All blends citrus-based cleaners with lubricating oils, so contaminants lift off without micro-scratches and the wax you paid for stays put. The streak-free claim extends to glass—handy for windshields plastered with love-bugs—while the aerosol-style trigger emits a wide, foamy mist that clings to vertical panels, reducing waste and drip marks.
Value for Money: At $0.82 per ounce it sits mid-pack; cheaper than boutique brands like Chemical Guys but pricier than bulk gallon degreasers. A single bottle handles 8–10 full treatments on a mid-size sedan, so cost-per-wash is roughly $1.30—reasonable when you factor in the preserved wax layer that would otherwise need re-applied.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Preserves wax; works in under 60 seconds; safe on plastic trim; pleasant citrus scent.
Cons: Struggles with baked-on tar that’s older than a week; sprayer can dribble if held at odd angles; not body-shop safe (contains mild solvents).
Bottom Line: For weekend detailers who want a quick, wax-friendly fix before the weekly wash, Armor All’s bug remover punches above its price. Keep a heavier solvent on hand for ancient tar, but for routine summer drives and fresh splatter this bottle earns permanent trunk space.
10. Mothers Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover, 18.5 oz. Aerosol — Fast-Acting, No-Drip Foam for Bug Splatters, Bird Droppings, Tar, Sap & Road Grime — Safe on Paint, Chrome, Glass, Plastic, PPF (16719)
Overview:
Mothers Speed Foaming Bug & Tar Remover is a 19-ounce aerosol that promises to melt away the nastiest road souvenirs—think baked-on bug guts, tar freckles, sap dots and bird bombs—without sending you scrambling for a clay bar. The foam clings vertically, so grilles, mirrors and rocker panels get equal love, and it’s cleared for duty on paint, PPF, chrome, glass, plastic and vinyl wraps.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The no-drip foam is the star; it stays exactly where you spray, buying you time to let the chemistry work instead of racing gravity. The formula neutralizes acidic bug proteins and bird lime on contact, so you’re not just scrubbing—you’re neutralizing potential etching. Safe-sheet compatibility across modern finishes (including matte and PPF) means one can does the whole car.
Value for Money:
At $9.77 (≈ 53 ¢/oz) you’re paying less than a premium car-wash add-on for a product that handles multiple contaminants. A single can delivers 20-25 full-body touch-ups, dropping the per-use cost below 50 cents—cheaper than the bug-sponge refills it replaces.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: clings like shaving gel; wipes off with minimal pressure; no ghost stains or hazing; smells milder than solvent tar removers.
Cons: baked-on tar may need a second pass; aerosol can loses pressure in cold weather; overspray on windshield can smear before wiping.
Bottom Line:
If you hate scrubbing and love spotless paint, keep a can in the trunk. For under ten bucks, Mothers delivers pro-level cleaning with almost zero elbow grease—perfect for quick wipe-downs after every highway haul.
Bug guts contain proteins, enzymes, and uric acid that start attacking paint within minutes under sunlight. Tar and asphalt, on the other hand, are petroleum hydrocarbons that penetrate microscopic pores in clear-coat, causing staining that can outlast even aggressive polishing. Left untouched, both become harder than a barnacle and bond so tightly that clay-barring or wet-sanding may be your only rescue.
How Bug and Tar Remover Soaps Actually Work
Unlike standard car shampoos that rely on surfactants to lift loose dirt, bug-and-tar formulas add specialty solvents (d-limonene, aliphatic hydrocarbons, or glycol ethers) that dissolve proteins and break long-chain petroleum molecules into smaller, rinse-able pieces. Emulsifiers then surround the fragments so they float off instead of re-depositing. The best blends balance potency with lubricity, giving you chemical cleaning without mechanical scratching.
Key Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Seek citrus-derived terpenes, biodegradable glycol ethers, and anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate—these break down organic gunk while remaining relatively gentle on plastics. Steer clear of n-butyl cellosolve, kerosene, or heavy sodium hydroxide; they’ll strip wax, dull paint, and dry out rubber seals faster than you can say “oxidation.”
pH Balance: The Hidden Paint-Saver
A pH-neutral soap (6.5–7.5) keeps your clear-coat’s resin structure intact. Alkaline-heavy products may feel “stronger,” but they deplete UV inhibitors and cause water-spotting once the surface cools. Quick tip: if the label doesn’t list pH, skip it—reputable brands flaunt neutrality like a badge of honor.
Surfactants vs. Solvents: Striking the Right Ratio
Too much solvent and you’ll chase wax off the paint; too little and bugs laugh at you. Look for micro-emulsion technology—tiny solvent droplets suspended in surfactant micelles—so the cleaning punch hits the contaminant, not your protection layer.
The Role of Citrus Extracts and Natural Degreasers
D-limonene, extracted from orange peels, dissolves asphalt and love bugs alike while leaving a fresh scent. Bonus: it’s biodegradable and VOC-compliant in all 50 states, making it backyard-friendly when runoff reaches flower beds.
Foam Cannon vs. Bucket Wash: Does It Matter?
Foam cannons extend dwell time, letting solvents marinate before you touch the paint. That said, high-foaming formulas can mask low lubricity; pair your cannon with a plush microfiber mitt and two-bucket grit guards to avoid dragging dissolved tar across the clear-coat.
Safety Considerations for Paint, Plastic, and PPF
Modern matte wraps and satin PPF films hate petroleum distillates. Always spot-test on an inconspicuous edge, wait five minutes, and check for swelling or color change. For textured plastic trim, apply with a damp sponge rather than spraying directly—this prevents “white chalking” as solvents flash-dry.
Scent, Residue, and User Experience
Ever smelled kerosene in 90 °F heat? Enough said. Low-odor citrus or cucumber extracts make Saturday morning washes bearable. Equally important: rinse-ability. Premium soaps should sheet off without oily beads that attract driveway dust before you even reach the tire dressing.
Price vs. Concentration: Doing the Cost-Per-Wash Math
A 128-ounce jug at $40 might feel steep until you realize it’s diluted 1:9, yielding 1,280 ounces of working solution—about $0.03 per ounce. Compare that to a $12, 16-ounce “ready-to-use” bottle at $0.75 per ounce and suddenly the “expensive” option washes 25 cars for the price of three.
Environmental Impact and VOC Regulations
California’s CARB standard limits VOCs to 10 percent in consumer car-care products. Look for “50-state compliant” on the label if you live in a regulated zone. Water-based micro-emulsions cut VOCs to 3 percent without sacrificing bite, and many are septic-safe if you’re on a private grey-water system.
Pro Tips for Pre-Soaking and Touch-Free Application
Mist dry paint with a 1:4 dilution, let it dwell four minutes, then foam over the top. The first pass softens, the second suspends. Use a low-pressure spray to avoid driving particles into the surface; high-pressure rinses should come only after the contaminants are fully emulsified.
Common Mistakes That Cause Swirl Marks
- Scrubbing before dwell time—always let chemistry do the heavy lifting.
- Re-using a bug sponge on the rest of the car—tar chunks lodged in the foam act like 1,000-grit sandpaper.
- Washing in direct sun—solvents flash-dry, leaving sticky rings that require compounding to remove.
Maintaining Your Wax or Ceramic Coating Afterward
Any solvent, even a mild one, knocks down sacrificial layers. Follow every bug-and-tar wash with a spray-on silica sealant or quick-detailer loaded with SiO2. It restores gloss in two minutes and extends the life of your baseline protection until the next full decon wash.
Storage and Shelf-Life: Keeping Potency Intact
UV light oxidizes citrus solvents, turning them brown and less effective. Keep the cap tight and store in a climate-controlled garage. Most concentrated formulas stay stable 24 months; ready-to-use variants lose punch after 12. Pro move: jot the open date on the bottle with a paint pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dish soap instead of a dedicated bug and tar remover?
Dish soap lacks the solvents needed to dissolve tar and will strip wax, leaving paint vulnerable. Stick to a purpose-built formula.
2. Will bug remover soap damage my ceramic coating?
pH-neutral, citrus-based formulas are safe for coatings; just re-top with a silica spray afterward to replenish any sacrificial layer lost.
3. How long should I let the soap dwell before rinsing?
Four to five minutes in the shade is the sweet spot—long enough to emulsify, too short to dry.
4. Is it safe on chrome exhaust tips?
Yes, but rinse thoroughly; solvents can leave rainbow staining if baked on by hot metal.
5. Can I dilute concentrate stronger for extra cleaning power?
Above about 1:4 you risk stripping sealant and dulling trim; stronger isn’t always better.
6. Do these soaps expire?
Concentrates last about two years sealed, one year once opened. Oxidation turns citrus brown and less effective.
7. Are they safe for vinyl wraps?
Spot-test first; matte and satin finishes are more porous and can absorb solvents, causing permanent dark spots.
8. Why do I still see tar spots after washing?
Some particles need mechanical removal—follow with a clay bar or tar spotter on a microfiber towel.
9. Can I use it on my windshield?
Yes, but rinse generously; dried solvent can smear wiper blades and cause chatter.
10. How often should I use a bug and tar soap?
Only when you see contamination—overuse dries plastic trim. For routine washes, a pH-neutral shampoo suffices.