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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 £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.

Tracked UK delivery, or collect eligible orders from our Ilkeston store.

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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
Available Sizes
500ml, 1L, 5L
Formula
Solvent-Based, Free From Chlorinated Solvents
Removes
Tar, Adhesive Residue, Transport Wax, Tree Sap, Rubber, Fuel Staining
Dwell Time
1 To 2 Minutes
Suitable For
Modern Paint, Glass, Chrome, Bare Metal, Coated Alloy And Steel Wheels, Painted Solvent-Resistant Plastics, Trim, Rubber
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
Colour
Green

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 car detailing brand that describes itself as built by detailers, for detailers. It was originally founded in 2005 and, in its own words, grew from a small UK operation into a recognised name within the global detailing community. In 2026 the brand entered a new chapter, now operated by Technical Brands UK & Ireland Limited, and key legacy products and formulations have been brought back. Its range covers wheel and tyre care, interior and exterior cleaning, decontamination, and finishing polish, wax and protection, and the brand states that its products are formulated and manufactured in the UK.

The Drivers HQ stocks Autobrite Direct for the finishing stages. Prep-It removes polishing oils before protection, Ultraslick paint sealant and the banana scented Carbanuba wax protect the finish, Project 64 is a spray gloss enhancer, and Crystal Glass Cleaner looks after the glass.

Autobrite Direct suits enthusiasts finishing off a detail. After the wash and any polishing, Prep-It wipes the paint clean of oils, Ultraslick or Carbanuba then protects the finish, Project 64 adds gloss, and Crystal Glass Cleaner takes care of the windows.

Buy Autobrite Direct from The Drivers HQ with tracked UK-wide delivery, or use free Click & Collect from our walk-in store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Whether you are topping up a favourite sealant or adding a glass cleaner to your kit, you can combine Autobrite Direct products with the rest of your detailing and car care essentials in a single order.

Shop all Autobrite Direct
AUTOBRITE CRYSTAL GLASS CLEANER (500ml & 5L) - The Drivers HQ

Built by Detailers, for Detailers

Autobrite Direct says everything it does is driven by real-world experience: understanding what actually works, what consistently delivers results and what makes the process of car care better. Its stated aim is to create products that professionals can rely on and enthusiasts can enjoy using, combining performance, consistency and ease of use in every formulation.

The brand was originally founded in 2005 and built its reputation on high-performing products, practical solutions and a loyal customer base. In 2026 it entered a new chapter, now operated by Technical Brands UK & Ireland Limited. According to the brand, key legacy products and formulations have been brought back, manufacturing partnerships reinstated and production aligned with strict quality and regulatory standards.

Autobrite Direct states that its products are developed and validated in-house, and formulated and manufactured in the UK using high-quality raw materials. Its focus, in its own words, is UK manufactured products that work properly, every time.

AutoBrite Detailing Bucket Black - Bucket, Gemma Seal And Dirt Guard - The Drivers HQ

Glass Care, Wash and Paint Correction

Crystal Glass Cleaner has been part of the Autobrite Direct range since 2005 and, according to the brand, was one of the first products it developed. Its high flash-off formula is designed to be sprayed, wiped and buffed, and the brand describes it as safe for all glass, mirrors and window tints. For heavier contamination, Clear View Glass Polish removes bug splatter, grease, fallout and stubborn stains from glass, and contains no silicones or waxes.

On the wash side, Autobrite Direct describes Citrus Wash as a powerful yet gentle pre-wash and all-purpose cleaner infused with citrus oil, diluted to suit anything from light cleaning to degreasing. BriteGel is a sticky, non-acidic wheel cleaning gel that clings to the wheel and tyre with less run-off, and Ceramic Shield Magiseal is a water-based, SiO2 infused coating that can be applied through a foam lance or with a trigger sprayer.

For paint correction, the Correct It range pairs compounds and polishes with dedicated pads. The brand describes Enrich as a medium machine polishing compound that removes car wash scratches, swirl marks and light oxidation, and as a one-step cut and finish compound for most paint finishes.

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