Yep, petroleum and kerosene will remove tar, but you have to clean and rewax the paint afterwards if you still want to see your reflection. Lotta work - especially since it seems like there's always new tar when you wash your car- which makes you want to put off removing it until NEXT time when you have MORE time.
You guys are going to be sooo happy I saw this thread, cause I'm going to share my #1 miracle product with you
It's TOL's SNAP SEAL. It is absolutely amazing and I'm not exaggerating! It removes baked on bugs, tar, road film, track rubber, exhaust stains, you-name-it, EASILY. And here's the kicker - it has carnauba wax suspended in it so you just buff when you finish. It is a very mild, food grade mineral oil (alphatic hydrocarbon) so it's not as harsh as other tar removers but just as effective.
I keep it in my wash bucket to spot clean with my drying towel.
You guys that detail professionally - you will be amazed at how easy it is - you can still make the same money for a job that takes a fraction of the time it used to.