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Total price R 1,670.00
Decon Done Right
D3 Tar uses a water-based, hydrocarbon-free formula to dissolve tar, road resin and adhesive without the aggression of traditional solvent removers. It's built for vehicles with ceramic coatings, PPF or nano-tech finishes where a harsh solvent would do more damage than the contamination itself.
Why D3 Tar
Purpose-built for modern vehicles with protective finishes.
No petroleum distillates means it cleans contamination without attacking existing coatings or films.
Water-based carrier extends dwell time so the formula fully penetrates tar and adhesive before you wipe.
Suitable for use on paint protection film, ceramic-coated surfaces, vinyl wraps and automotive glass.
Rated 5/5 for both cleaning action and tar decontamination in Innovacar's own technical data.
How does it stack up?
Solvent-based tar removers are widely available and do shift tar effectively. Where D3 differs is in its water-based, hydrocarbon-free formula, which matters most when your vehicle already carries a ceramic coating, PPF or vinyl wrap. Here is an honest look at where the two approaches compare and where they genuinely differ.
| Feature | DetailerSA | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Removes tar and asphalt from painted surfaces | Yes | Yes |
| Safe to use over ceramic coatings and nanotechnology protection | Yes | No |
| Safe on PPF and vinyl wrap | Yes | No |
| Removes adhesive, sticker and tape residue | Yes | Yes |
| Petroleum-distillate-free and hydrocarbon-free formula | Yes | No |
| Slow-evaporating carrier for longer dwell time on stubborn contamination | Yes | No |
The Water-Based Advantage
Because D3 is water-based rather than solvent-based, it takes longer to flash off the surface - and that extra dwell time is what makes it more effective on stubborn tar and thick adhesive residue. You're not racing the clock; the product is still working while you move to the next panel.
Reviews
I used this product once. No complaints about efficacy, but holy moly this stuff smells awful. Has an initial scent but then smells like puke mixed with chemicals. I am not even kidding. The rest of the Innovacar products smell fantastic. Don't know what went wrong here.
Great product.... Smells so good
Questions
Spray D3 directly onto the contaminated surface and allow it to dwell for 30-60 seconds - longer on heavy tar or thick adhesive residue. The water-based formula is slower to evaporate than solvent-based removers, so it keeps working while it sits. Wipe away with a clean microfibre, folding to a fresh face as you lift contamination. Repeat on stubborn spots.
Yes. D3 is free of petroleum distillates and hydrocarbons, so it won't strip or compromise ceramic coatings or other nanotechnological surface protections. Innovacar notes that the formula can actually improve coating molecule adhesion after treatment, making it a good decon step before topping up a coating.
Yes, D3 is suitable for use on PPF (paint protection film) and vinyl wraps. Because it contains no petroleum distillates or harsh solvents, it won't attack the film's surface or adhesive layer when used as directed.
Yes. D3 can be used on vehicle glass to remove tar, road contamination and adhesive or sticker residue. It won't etch or streak glass surfaces and is effective at lifting stubborn residue left behind after removing stickers or tint film.
Innovacar states an average consumption of approximately 100 ml per vehicle for a full decontamination pass. Heavily contaminated vehicles or targeted adhesive removal may use more. D3 is available in 500 ml, so a single bottle covers multiple vehicles.
After wiping the dissolved contamination away with a microfibre, rinse the treated area with clean water to remove any remaining product residue. If you're deconning before applying a coating or sealant, follow up with a panel wipe or IPA wipe to ensure the surface is fully clean and ready for the next step.
D3 is formulated primarily for bodywork, glass and film surfaces. While it can help dissolve tar and adhesive on wheel faces, it is not a dedicated wheel cleaner for brake dust and iron contamination - use a dedicated iron fallout remover for that. D3 works well to follow up and remove any tar flick or adhesive spots on alloys.
Absolutely - in fact, it's an excellent pre-coating decon step. Removing tar, resin and adhesive residue before coating ensures the ceramic bonds to clean paint rather than contamination. After applying D3 and rinsing, follow up with a clay bar or clay mitt if needed, then a panel wipe before applying the coating. Innovacar specifically notes that D3's formula supports better coating molecule adhesion after treatment.
