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AutoBrite Just The Tonic Tar & Glue Remover

Solvent-based tar and glue remover

AutoBrite Just The Tonic Tar & Glue Remover

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£12.00

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Size 500ml

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AutoBrite Just The Tonic Tar & Glue Remover AutoBrite Just The Tonic Tar & Glue Remover £12.00
Click & Collect: Ilkeston · FreeMost eligible orders are ready within 5 minutes during opening times. Please wait for your collection-ready confirmation before travelling. Click & Collect: Ilkeston Not available for this option. Options that can be collected show it here. How it works
  • Dissolves tar on contact
  • Removes adhesive and sticker glue residue
  • Lifts transport wax, tree sap and fuel staining
  • Short 1 to 2 minute dwell
  • Works on paint, glass, chrome and wheels
  • Tackles ink, oil and gum on carpets
  • Free from chlorinated solvents
  • Chemical resistant trigger on 500ml and 1L
Read the full description

Full Description

Product Description

Just The Tonic Tar & Glue remover is an excellent, fast-acting solvent-based product that quickly dissolves tar upon contact. Removing even the most stubborn, heavy deposits of tar from the car exterior with ease. Its fast-acting formula works so well on contact the tar simply dissolves before your eyes.

This awesome product is effective at removing transport wax, and glue residue from window stickers. Just the Tonic is also ideal for removing ink or oil stains on the carpet of your car. It will even break down and remove chewing gum from carpets and interiors!

When used after a safe wash, as part of the decontamination process, Just the Tonic's quick reaction time allows for less contact when removing tar from your car, This means no heavy scrubbing or scraping is required. This is a huge bonus, as there is less chance of scrapes, scratches and inflicting damage to your car's paintwork.

Working on all modern paint finishes. Just the Tonic also works on clear-coated alloy wheels, steel wheels and powder coated alloy wheels. Plus, any glass, chrome bright-work, bare metal, painted solvent-resistant plastics, trims, and even rubber. It really is a multi-use product. However, please be aware that Just the Tonic is a solvent-based product, which on some surfaces, can cause issues and damage. (See important information below or contact a member of the team for more information).

Available in 500ml and 1 Litre sizes (both come with an upgraded chemical resistant trigger)

Important Information:

Surfaces to be cautious of are SMART repairs, improper finishes from body shop work, delicate vintage paintwork, and single-stage paint. If using the product on these surfaces proceed with caution and test Just The Tonic tar remover on an inconspicuous area.

Be aware of paint swelling, transfer of paint, or hazing. If none of these are present you can use Just The Tonic with confidence.

Do not leave on plastic parts for long periods

Avoid using Just The Tonic in extremely hot temperatures

Do not leave on the surface over the recommended time

More in Tar & Glue Removers.

Royal Mail Tracked 24 from £3.95, free over £100.Delivery details

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Key features

  • Tar Remover
  • Glue Remover
  • Solvent-Based
  • Short Dwell Time
  • Chlorinated Solvent Free

The Drivers HQ

Expert Notes

Just The Tonic is the Autobrite Direct solvent-based tar and glue remover. It is free from chlorinated solvents and dissolves tar on contact, so less scrubbing is needed on the paint. It also removes adhesive and sticker residue, transport wax, tree sap and fuel staining, and it can lift ink, oil and chewing gum from carpets. Use it after a safe wash in the decontamination stage, alongside an iron fallout remover and clay, with a 1 to 2 minute dwell and a clean microfibre towel. It is flammable, with a flash point of about 27°C, and it can remove wax, soften paint if overused and affect plastics, so test first and re-protect afterwards.

Perfect For / Suitable Surfaces

  • Painted bodywork
  • Clear-coated alloy wheels
  • Powder coated and steel wheels
  • Glass
  • Chrome brightwork
  • Solvent-resistant trims and rubber
  • Car carpets
  • Bare metal

Caution: Just The Tonic is solvent-based and flammable. Test on a hidden area first and take extra care on SMART repairs, single-stage paint and plastics.

Technical Specifications

Product Type
Tar And Glue Remover
Brand
Autobrite Direct
Suitable For
Modern Paint, Glass, Chrome, Bare Metal, Coated Alloy And Steel Wheels, Painted Solvent-Resistant Plastics, Trim, Rubber
Size
500ml, 1L, 5L
Formula
Solvent-Based, Free From Chlorinated Solvents
Colour
Green
Dwell Time
1 To 2 Minutes
Removes
Tar, Adhesive Residue, Transport Wax, Tree Sap, Rubber, Fuel Staining
Interior Use
Ink, Oil And Chewing Gum On Carpets
Use With Caution On
SMART Repairs, Body Shop Refinishes, Vintage And Single-Stage Paint
Dispenser
Chemical Resistant Trigger On 500ml And 1L Only
Flash Point
Approx 27°C, Flammable Liquid

How To Use

Application

  1. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area on a cool panel.
  2. Test on an inconspicuous area first, checking for swelling, paint transfer or hazing.
  3. Apply Just The Tonic directly to the tar spots or adhesive residue.
  4. Leave it to dwell for 1 to 2 minutes, gently rubbing if required.
  5. Wipe away the dissolved residue with a clean microfibre towel.
  6. Re-apply a second coat to heavy deposits rather than scrubbing hard.
  7. Pressure wash off any small remaining specks of tar.

Aftercare

  1. Wash the treated area with car shampoo to remove any solvent residue.
  2. Re-apply wax or sealant, as Just The Tonic can remove existing protection.
  3. Inspect the paint and trim for any softening or hazing before moving on.
  4. Ventilate the cabin well after using it on carpets or interior surfaces.
  5. Store the bottle sealed, upright and away from heat, sparks and flames.

Top Tip: Let the solvent do the work: allow the dwell time, then wipe gently instead of scrubbing or scraping tar.

Performance Benefits

  • Rapidly breaks down stubborn tar
  • Lifts tree sap and fuel staining
  • Removes transport wax residue
  • Clears ink, oil and gum from carpets
  • Less scrubbing on the paintwork
  • Removes brown tarnishing on exterior surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions

What can Just The Tonic remove?

It removes tar, adhesive residue, transport wax, glue from window stickers, tree sap, rubber and fuel staining. Inside the car it can also lift ink or oil stains and chewing gum from carpets.

Which surfaces can I use it on?

Autobrite Direct lists modern paint finishes, clear-coated, powder coated and steel wheels, glass, chrome brightwork, bare metal, painted solvent-resistant plastics, trims and rubber. Test on a hidden area first.

Are there surfaces to be careful with?

Yes, take care on SMART repairs, poor body shop finishes, delicate vintage paint and single-stage paint. Watch for swelling, paint transfer or hazing, and do not leave it on plastic parts for long.

How long should I leave it on?

Leave it to dwell for 1 to 2 minutes, gently rubbing if needed, then wipe off with a clean microfibre towel. Do not let it dry or leave it on longer than directed.

Will it remove my wax or sealant?

Yes, Just The Tonic can remove wax and sealant protection, so re-apply protection to treated areas afterwards.

Is it flammable?

Yes, the safety data sheet classes Just The Tonic as a flammable liquid with a flash point of about 27°C. Keep it away from heat, sparks and open flames and use it in a well-ventilated area.

Which sizes are available?

Just The Tonic is available in 500ml, 1L and 5L. The 500ml and 1L bottles come with a chemical resistant trigger.

Where can I buy it?

Order Just The Tonic from The Drivers HQ with UK-wide delivery, or visit our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

HQ Suggests Tips & Insights

  1. Use it after a safe wash as part of decontamination.
  2. Always test on a hidden area before full use.
  3. Wear gloves and keep the area well ventilated.
  4. Avoid hot panels and very hot weather.
  5. Do not let it dry or overstay the dwell time.
  6. Keep it off plastics for long periods.
  7. Re-apply wax or sealant to treated panels afterwards.
  8. Available with UK-wide delivery from The Drivers HQ.

The Brand

Autobrite Direct

Autobrite Direct is a UK car detailing brand founded in 2005 that describes itself as built by detailers, for detailers. Magifoam snow foam, Crystal glass cleaner and Tyregloss date from its early years. In 2026 the brand was relaunched by Technical Brands UK & Ireland Limited, of County Antrim, which had been the official Autobrite Direct reseller in Ireland; the earlier company, Autobrite Direct Limited, no longer trades. The new operator says it has brought back key legacy formulas and that the products are manufactured in the UK.

At The Drivers HQ we stock Autobrite Direct online with UK delivery and in our Ilkeston shop. Popular choices include Magifoam, Purple Velvet shampoo and Project 64.

Shop all Autobrite Direct
Autobrite Direct Project 64 Spray Gloss Enhancer, Ultraslick Paint Sealant, Crystal Glass Cleaner and Carbanuba Car Wax bottles on a black display plinth

Autobrite wash, wheels and decontamination

Pre-wash and snow foam. Citrus Wash is a citrus oil pre-wash and all purpose cleaner for paint, plastic, vinyl and rubber, diluted 100:1 for light cleaning, 50:1 for a general pre-wash, 30:1 for heavy grime and 10:1 for degreasing. Stronger mixes can reduce wax or sealant, so Autobrite suggests 50:1 or weaker for maintenance washes. Magifoam is a stable, wax and sealant safe snow foam: 100 to 200ml in the lance, topped up with water, left to dwell but never to dry. Custard Magifoam is the vanilla custard scented version, and the thick mousse style Jelly Bean and Parma Violet Super Foams suit lighter summer dirt.

Shampoos. Purple Velvet is a pH neutral shampoo with a Juicy Fruit scent that dilutes up to 1500:1, a 10ml capful in 15 litres. Banana Gloss is pH neutral and kind to existing wax, and Ceramic Infused Shampoo adds a slick, hydrophobic layer, used at 400:1 in the bucket or straight onto the mitt. Wash with the Synthetic Wool Wash Mitt and a 20 litre Detailing Bucket in black or clear, each with a Gamma Seal lid and Dirt Guard; the Bucket Organiser fits most 20 litre buckets and holds bottles, mitts and brushes.

Wheels, tyres and decontamination. BriteGel is a lemon and lime scented, non-acidic wheel gel that clings to the wheel and tyre, and Very Cherry Non Acidic is a high foaming, acid free wheel cleaner for painted and clear coated wheels. Purple Rain is a ready to use gel fallout remover for wheels and bodywork that turns purple as it dissolves iron: do not dilute it, and keep it off damaged or unlacquered paint and alloys. Just The Tonic is a solvent tar and glue remover that also lifts sticker glue and, inside, ink, oil and chewing gum from carpets. Tyregloss is a cherry scented tyre dressing: a little for satin, more for high gloss.

Shop more snow foam, car shampoo and wheel cleaners.

Autobrite Direct Crystal Glass Cleaner being sprayed onto the side window of a black car

Autobrite polishing, protection, glass and interior

Paint correction. The Correct It compounds are made for modern ceramic and scratch resistant clear coats as well as hard German paint: Restore is the heavy cut, rated to remove 1500 grit sanding marks, Enrich is a medium one step cut and finish, and Final Finish is the anti-hologram finishing polish. The 135mm pads are colour coded: orange for cutting and green for polishing, both German open cell foam, with the Hybrid Wool Ultracut and Correct It PRO microfibre pads for faster correction.

Protection and gloss. Prep-It removes polishing oils and residue before a coating, sealant or wax. Ultraslick is a polymer sealant for paint, glass, chrome and unpainted plastics in a 250ml atomiser bottle, and Carbanuba is a banana scented cream wax of carnauba, montan and microcrystalline waxes. Magiseal is a water based, SiO2 infused coating: 100ml with 400ml of water in a foam lance, or 25ml with 475ml in a trigger, rinsed straight off, for two to three months of protection. Project 64 is a pH neutral spray, wipe and buff gloss enhancer, Quickshine works as a quick detailer, waterless wash or clay lubricant, and Top Gloss is a wax drying aid. Apply them with the foam applicators, six to a pack, and polish bright metal with Metalworx.

Glass. Crystal has been in the range since 2005: a fast flash-off glass cleaner, safe on glass, mirrors and window tints. Clear View polishes away bug splatter, fallout and watermarks with no silicones or waxes, ready for Repel, a rain repellent that Autobrite says beads water off from around 30mph. Buff with The Enforcer, a 55 x 63cm, 300gsm glass towel.

Interior and kit. Fab is a high foaming upholstery cleaner and pre-spotter, Magic Carpet a low foaming fabric cleaner with odour neutralisers, and the Alcantara Cleaner is solvent free and water based for Alcantara and suede. Jaffa Clean degreases and protects engine bays and door shuts, and the Soft White Drill Brush (5in) scrubs carpets and mats. Carry it all in the Detailing Holdall or Detailing Kit Bag, or start with the boxed Essential Detailing Kit.

Shop more paint sealants, glass cleaners and interior cleaners.

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