CarPro TRIX Tar & Iron Remover
- Dissolves tar
- Removes iron fallout
- Colour-changing reaction
Tar spots and iron fallout are two of the biggest headaches when preparing paintwork. CARPRO TriX tackles both in one application, saving time without cutting corners.
Even after a thorough wash, there's often more contamination left on your paintwork than you'd expect. Tiny tar spots collect along the sills and lower panels, while iron particles from brake dust and other sources become embedded in the finish. Neither is particularly easy to remove with ordinary shampoo, and trying to scrub them away isn't something we'd recommend.
CARPRO TriX combines the iron-removing ability of CARPRO IronX with the tar-dissolving action of CARPRO TarX. Instead of reaching for two separate bottles, you can tackle both types of contamination in one treatment. We've been impressed by how useful that is, particularly when working on heavily contaminated lower panels or preparing a whole car for polishing.
The two cleaning actions work differently. The iron-reactive ingredients target ferrous deposits, producing that familiar purple colour change, while the tar-removing ingredients help soften and dissolve sticky road deposits. It's a clever combination, and a much more sensible approach than attacking stubborn spots with a clay bar before giving the chemicals a chance to do their job.
TriX is also particularly handy on alloy wheels, where brake dust and road contamination tend to build up together. CARPRO describes it as pH-balanced at approximately pH 7, but that doesn't make it universally suitable for every finish. We'd still take care around sensitive metals, damaged surfaces and delicate coatings, especially when dealing with a product containing active tar-removing ingredients.
We wouldn't say TriX completely replaces IronX and TarX. The dedicated products still make sense when you're dealing with one particular type of contamination or want more control over the cleaning process. But for a proper decontamination session, especially before polishing or applying protection, TriX is a fantastic time-saver. Spray it on, allow it to work, give stubborn areas a little gentle agitation and follow with a thorough shampoo wash. Simple, effective and genuinely useful.
CARPRO TriX Tar & Iron Remover is a powerful 2-in-1 chemical decontaminant that combines the iron-removing properties of IronX with the tar-dissolving capabilities of TarX. It removes two common types of stubborn contamination in one application, making it ideal for preparing paintwork and cleaning alloy wheels.
Its pH-balanced formulation targets ferrous particles, tar spots and other compatible road deposits without relying on aggressive scrubbing. As the iron-reactive ingredients get to work, the solution changes colour, providing a visible indication of the chemical reaction.
TriX is particularly useful before polishing, waxing, sealing or applying a ceramic coating. By removing contamination that ordinary washing leaves behind, it helps prepare a cleaner surface for the next stage of detailing.
Why you'll love it:
✓ Combines tar and iron fallout removal in one product
✓ Helps dissolve stubborn road tar deposits
✓ Reacts with embedded ferrous contamination
✓ Visible purple colour change during iron removal
✓ pH-balanced formulation at approximately pH 7
✓ Saves time during paintwork decontamination
✓ Particularly useful for heavily contaminated alloy wheels
✓ Suitable for many compatible exterior vehicle surfaces
✓ Helps reduce the need for aggressive scrubbing
✓ Useful before polishing and applying paint protection
✓ Ready to use without dilution
✓ Recommended reaction time of 5–7 minutes
TriX is a convenient alternative to using separate tar and iron removers when both types of contamination are present. For dedicated iron decontamination, CARPRO IronX remains an excellent option, while CARPRO TarX is better suited to treating isolated tar and sticky deposits.
For best results, apply TriX to clean, cool surfaces and allow approximately 5–7 minutes for the reaction. Gently agitate stubborn areas with a damp sponge or detailing brush, then wash thoroughly with car shampoo and rinse with plenty of clean water.
Please note: Although TriX is pH-balanced, it contains active cleaning ingredients and is not automatically suitable for every wheel or surface finish. Always check compatibility, avoid sensitive or damaged materials and never allow the product to dry.
| Agitation Required | Yes, gentle agitation as directed |
|---|---|
| Application Method | Spray, react, agitate and wash |
| Cleaning Strength |
|
| Dilutable | No, ready to use |
| Iron Fallout Removal | Yes |
| pH | Approximately 7 |
| Primary Application | Tar and iron decontamination |
| Reaction Colour | Purple when reacting with iron |
| Recommended Reaction Time | 5–7 minutes; do not allow to dry |
| Rinse Required | Yes, after shampoo washing |
| Suitable Surfaces | Most compatible exterior vehicle surfaces and alloy wheels |
| Tar Removal | Yes |
1) Prepare the surface:
Wash away loose dirt and road grime before treatment. Make sure the surface is cool and check compatibility with the material being cleaned.
2) Shake well:
Shake the CARPRO TriX bottle thoroughly before each application.
3) Spray evenly:
Apply TriX directly to the contaminated area, ensuring good coverage of tar spots, iron deposits and affected wheel surfaces.
4) Allow to react:
Leave the product to work for approximately 5–7 minutes. Iron contamination may produce a visible purple colour change. Do not allow the cleaner to dry.
5) Agitate gently:
Use a damp, soft sponge or suitable detailing brush to work the product over stubborn areas. Avoid unnecessary pressure or aggressive scrubbing.
6) Wash with car shampoo:
Thoroughly wash the treated area with a suitable car shampoo, as instructed by CARPRO, to remove the cleaner and loosened contamination.
7) Rinse thoroughly:
Rinse with plenty of clean water, paying attention to panel gaps, wheel recesses and areas where residue may collect.
8) Inspect the finish:
Check for remaining contamination. Repeat the process if appropriate, or use a dedicated specialist remover for persistent deposits.
Important Notes:
✓ Shake well before each use
✓ Ready to use; do not dilute
✓ Check compatibility with sensitive finishes
✓ Work on cool surfaces away from direct sunlight
✓ Allow approximately 5–7 minutes for the reaction
✓ Never allow TriX to dry
✓ Use gentle agitation with suitable wash media
✓ Wash treated surfaces with car shampoo afterwards
✓ Rinse thoroughly with clean water
✓ Avoid sensitive, damaged or unprotected finishes unless compatibility is established
✓ Wear suitable gloves and eye protection
✓ Do not mix with other cleaning chemicals
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
CARPRO TriX is a chemical decontamination cleaner combining iron-reactive ingredients with tar-dissolving components. Although the formulation is pH-balanced, it should be handled according to the current product label and Safety Data Sheet.
Important safety information:
✓ Wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves
✓ Wear appropriate eye protection
✓ Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact
✓ Avoid breathing spray mist or vapours
✓ Use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
✓ Do not swallow the product
✓ Do not mix with other cleaning chemicals
✓ Keep away from heat and ignition sources
✓ Store securely out of reach of children
✓ Prevent unnecessary release into drains and waterways
✓ Follow the current product label and Safety Data Sheet
Safety Data Sheet:
Refer to the current CARPRO TriX Safety Data Sheet for product-specific hazards, first-aid measures and safe handling instructions. The document should correspond to the formulation and market in which the product is supplied.