How To Remove Burnout Rubber From Car Paint | Step-By-Step Guide

When car tires become hot, they soften the rubber plasticizer, which leaves marks on your car paint when they come into contact. This is common if you drive your car on the race track regularly or are an aggressive driver. When the tires heat up, you predispose your vehicle paint to burnout rubber marks. 

These marks look unsightly, especially on a bright-colored car. It is therefore important to get rid of them as soon as possible so they don’t ruin your car’s beautiful paint. 

However, removing burnout rubber from car paint takes time, but with the right approach and products, it is not impossible. 

While no specific product is specially formulated for removing burnout rubber from car paint, there is a good variety of products that are effective and safe for this kind of job. Let’s take a look. 

5 Methods To Remove Burnout Rubber From Car Paint

In this section, we will share five simple yet highly effective methods to remove burnout rubber from the surface of your car paint. When you correctly use these products, you will be able to remove all the burnout rubber marks without damaging your car’s paintwork. 

1. Bug and Tar Remover

Bug and tar remover is often effective in removing burnout rubber from car paint due to its powerful solvent-based formula. The active ingredients work to break down and dissolve the rubber residue, making it easier to wipe away.

An effective Bug and Tar remover for auto detailing is the Chemical Guys Concentrated Bug and Tar Remover. Its advanced formulation effectively breaks the rubber marks’ bond and enables easy removal. 

Besides, this product is safe for virtually all types of car paints and works for single-stage and clear coats. Since it’s a concentrated product, remember to dilute it in six parts water and 1 part product before use.

Steps to Follow

• Dilute the bug and tar remover in a 6:1 ratio spray bottle. Spray it on the part of the car you are working on, cover it with a microfiber towel, and leave it to settle for some minutes.
• The ingredients in these water-based bug and tar remover will gently break down the rubber burnout and reduce the force needed to scrub and clean it. It also goes a long way to cut down the swirls and scratches that come with aggressive cleaning.
• Afterward, use a clean sponge to remove the residue left. Be cautious not to scratch the paintwork of your car. If all the burnout rubber marks don’t clear, repeat the process again.
• Remember to put on gloves, as bug and tar remover can leave sticky residue on your hands. Furthermore, apply the remover cautiously on the area you are working on so it doesn’t spread to other parts of your car and increase your workload even more. 
• After removing all the burnout rubber marks, rinse the part you were cleaning thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft and clean piece of towel or cloth.

2. WD-40

WD-40 is an all-purpose lubricant that works really well with removing burnout rubber on car paint. It is a fast-acting penetrant that gets deep into the burnout rubber and breaks the bonds that hold it together to enable easy cleaning. 

Moreover, this all-purpose cleaner leaves behind a protective layer that prevents rust and corrosion. For this method we will use the WD-40 Original Formula, multi-use product with smart straw sprays two ways 12 Oz (350ml).

Steps to Follow

• Spray the WD-40 on the entire burnout rubber mark and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes. As it sits, it weakens each bond of the burnout rubber, so it becomes easy to remove.
• When the burnout rubber is soft and weak, get a plastic scrapper and scrape it off. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber tower to remove the residue left if you don’t have a scrapper. 
• Depending on how long the burnout rubber has been on the car paint, you may need to repeat the process two or three times, ensuring that the rubber stays well lubricated.
• Given that WD-40 leaves behind a greasy film, you should follow it up with a thorough wash to prevent it from attracting dirt and grime to the area.
• Use clean water, detergent, and a sponge or soft piece of cloth to clean. Rub the sponge on the affected area in a circular motion until it’s sparking clean. This can take a few minutes, depending on the amount of residue you are dealing with.
• After that, rinse the area clean using water and dry it with a clean microfiber towel.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another classic dissolving agent that you can use to clean and remove burnout rubber on car paint. It is readily available in local stores near you or online. 

While it’s highly efficient for this kind of job, you should only use it for minor burnout rubber makes that are still fresh and small in the area. 

This is mainly because rubbing alcohol needs to be cleaned instantly after use to avoid damaging the clear coat. If you are working over a large area, it can be challenging to clean the whole area on time. 

Steps to Follow

• Mix water and rubbing alcohol in equal proportions and put the solution in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on the area you are working on and leave it to sit and soak in for a few minutes.
• The alcohol breaks the rubber burnout bonds and softens it for easy removal. When it softens fully, go over the area using a clean microfiber towel and elbow grease until all the burnout marks are removed. 
• If any marks are left behind, repeat the process once more until the car is sparkling clean.
• After that, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft piece of cloth or microfiber towel.
• Remember to wear gloves as a means of precaution and to be cautious when spaying the solution. If the rubbing alcohol accidentally lands on unintended parts of your car, it can damage the clear coat.

4. Goo-Gone Adhesive Remover

Goo-Gone Automotive Cleaner is another product you can use to remove rubber burnout from car paint. It works similarly to bug and tar remover, where it gets rid of the rubber burnout without damaging your car’s paintwork.

The Goo-Gone is an adhesive remover that is inexpensive and easy way to remove rubber burnout from the surface of any car paint. It is also readily available online or in the local store near you. 

Another impressive thing about this product is it works on both new and old rubber burnout marks. Its advanced formulation is specially formulated to penetrate deep into these unsightly burnt rubber, weaken their bonds, and make it easy for you to clean them up.

Since Goo-Gone automotive cleaner comes in a spray bottle, it is easier to use and reuse for future clean-ups. Below are the steps to follow for effective results.

Steps to Follow

• Spray a considerable amount of the solution on the part of your car with the rubber burnout and leave it to sit. After a few minutes of soaking in, the ingredients inside this cleaner will weaken the rubber burnout without harming your car’s paint. 
• Use a plastic scraper to remove the residue, and be careful not to cause any marks or dents on the paint. 
• Repeat the process once more if burnout marks are left until all the marks disappear. 
• Afterward, use a clean sponge to clean up the affected area and be careful not to damage the paint. 
• Rinse off the remaining Goo-Gone residue with clean water and dry the car using a clean and soft piece of cloth or microfiber towel.

5. Citrus Adhesive Remover

The 3M Industrial Cleaner and Adhesive Remover is a chlorine-free citrus-based cleaner. It is formulated to help dissolve and remove dirt, grease, tar, and other types of non-curing adhesives with ease.

Using this product to remove rubber burnout on a car has proven to be an excellent option, especially if you are dealing with new burnout marks. 

By being non-corrosive, it is safe enough for every car paint. Furthermore, it is an exceptional degreaser with industrial strength, yet it works without the need to soak.

Steps to Follow

• Apply the 3M Industrial Cleaner and Adhesive remover on the affected area. The unique formulation technology it boasts will weaken the rubber burnout in seconds and enable easy and safe removal.
• After application, use a clean sponge to remove the rubber burnout. If you are dealing with fresh rubber burnout marks, this citrus-based remover should work instantly.
• However, if you are dealing with old rubber burnout marks, you might have to repeat the process more than once to remove all the marks. 
• Wash off the remaining citrus adhesive remover and rinse the car thoroughly with clean water. After that, get a clean microfiber cloth and dry it to prevent dirt and grime from getting trapped.
• Remember to have proper skin protection when using the 3M Industrial Cleaner and Adhesive Remover as it can cause mild skin irritation. Proper eye care is also essential to prevent irritation when it comes into contact with your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions on removing burnout rubber from car paint.

• What is the best product to remove rubber burnout from car paint?

The best product to remove rubber burnout from car paint is one that makes the entire procedure quick and straightforward. Citrus-based removers and bug and tar removers are by far the best products to remove rubber burnout from car paint.

Citrus-based removers are non-corrosive and require no time to set. But they work well only on fresh rubber burnouts. On the other hand, bug and tar removers work on all kinds of rubber burnouts on car paint.

• Does rubbing alcohol damage car paint?

Yes, rubbing alcohol contains chemicals that can damage your car paint. Once it starts to dissolve, it will eat away at the top coat of your car paint. If you use rubbing alcohol to remove rubber burnout from your car’s paint, ensure that you wash it off and rinse it immediately with running water.

• Is removing rubber burnouts a tedious job?

It depends on the products you use and the nature of the rubber burnouts. Fresh rubber burnouts are very easy to remove with the right products. So, always make an effort to get rid of them immediately you spot them on your car. 

Conclusion 

Removing rubber burnout from your car paint doesn’t have to be a complex and tedious task. When you have the right products at hand, you are guaranteed easy removal of the rubber burnout in a manner that is also safe at the convenience of your home. 

Remember to use the product as instructed by the manufacturer and in portions relative to the area that you are working on. It is also wise to test a small portion first before applying the product on the entire surface affected. 

Regular washing and waxing of your car also serve as a precaution to prevent the rubber from sticking to the car paint.

All of the products we have mentioned above will help you remove the unsightly rubber burnout marks on your car and restore the paintwork to its original condition.

Last update on 2025-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API