[zetaxi165]

Well, this morning I noticed that some chewing gum has been kicked up by the tire onto the bottom part of the tire well. Basically it has gotten stuck to the paint.

I have tried to remove it the best I could but some of the residue is still stuck on the paint (pics will follow).

Can anyone suggest a method to remove this chewing gum from the paint?

[to_riffic]

use goo gone or goof off.

[ksfrogman]

You might try some Goo Gone.

[L~R~G nor cal]

The big question is if it is "sugar less" or not. Sugar less gum comes off quite easy and regular gum is a bitch.

You always want to start off with the least aggressive way as possible.

TRY:
1. Strong soap and water with light scrubbing
2. Clay
3. A degreaser like simple green "diluted"
4. Vinegar and water diluted
5. Goo Gone

[AJerman]

I agree with LRG, go with the least aggressive first, however, I will say that I've used Goo Gone on paint before with absolutely no ill effects. Just be sure to clean the area very well after you use it.

[zetaxi165]

Thanks for the tips.

I have also heard that I should use a bit of gasoline to remove the gum.

Is this recommended on paint?

[pander5]

I wouldn't recommend gasoline.

Like AJerman and the others above, I've used Goo Gone extensively on many different parts of vehicles with no issues. However, make sure you thoroughly wash off the area when you're done and then reseal or wax if painted.

However if that product (Goo Gone) is not available where you are a basic mild solvent based degreaser and some cotton swabs or similar applicator might work fine. If it's a single spot or only a few blobs you might try to freeze it until it becomes brittle and then with a gentle nudge or pop with a plastic credit card or something similar it might just knock right off.

I also like L~R~G's proposals too.

[mp0i]

Try WD-40, I find it works well to remove most things without harming the paint. Put a quick coat of wax on the area when you are done.

[Chockley]

Bug and Tar Remover works too. i happened to just help out a friend of mine by getting about a square inch of solid dried gum off her Acura MDX with the bug and tar. it took a little bit of elbow grease but it worked just fine and didn't harm the paint one bit.

[zetaxi165]

I am gonna go look for some Goo gone. But if it isn't available I guess its WD40

[zetaxi165]

update:

Went to a store called Yellow Hat (apparently a Japanese store - specialising in all car related stuff expecially ricers - they had a lot of those light kits there) and the guys there recommended some Pitch Remover.

Sprayed it onto the gum and 2 wipes the gum was gone. Got the car washed right after and the paint looks as good as new.

Awesome.

Would highly recommend Pitch Remover.

[sparkyg]

The pitch remover prob. removed the wax, better to re-seal the area.

I think the "pitch" term is the same as "tar" meaning it has solvents that pull off your wax/sealant.

[328i]

You should've washed the car before doing it, but good to hear it came off. Just remember that wiping anything on the paint when the car is dirty will cause marring.

[zetaxi165]

Thanks for the tip on re-sealing the area. I got it done yesterday.

And thanks 328i for bringing up the washing. I did wash the car before I applied the pitch remover. I just decided to wash it one more time after as well (got the interior cleaned as well this time).