Traffic Film Remover or otherwise known as TFR is an essential part of the car wash process in the hands of a professional, but not many home users have embraced it yet.
You will find endless images of cars covered in snow foam on Instagram, but its more powerful and pragmatic brother does not get the same level of exposure.
CarBuyer.co.uk as recently as 2019 stated that Traffic Film Remover creates uncertainty among the public, but why is this?
What Is Traffic Film Remover?
A Traffic film remover Is it an essential part of the professional cleaning process, and is it suitable for the home car care enthusiast?
We all know that our cars don’t need to be muddy to look dirty, our vehicles pick up contaminants just sat on the driveway, and the everyday user will get a build-up of grime in no time.
Traffic Film Remover is formulated to break down dirt without having to apply much physical effort. It can remove substances that no amount of elbow grease in combination with a car shampoo will ever achieve.
It might sound simplistic but the application of Traffic Film Remover is the process before the car washing, or car polishing begins, it is an essential professional car cleaning product regardless of whether it is being applied via a pressure washer or an automatic car wash system.
A vehicle that has had an excellent Traffic Film Remover used first is receptive to every process after that, it should, however, be noted that if the vehicle is caked in mud, it should be rinsed off before applying the TFR.
How Do You Use Traffic Film Remover?
First of all, find the Traffic Film Remover that’s right for you and your business or personal use. There are excellent value non-caustic TFR solutions such as Caiman’s Super HP TFR which can be applied via a pressure washer with hot or cold water and does not leave a residue if removed quickly. While this will loosen the grime it might still need a bit of help from a soft brush and wouldn’t be suitable for heavily contaminated vehicles.
It’s a forgiving product and an excellent entry point in Traffic Film Removers.
It is often the case with Traffic Film remover that the more you spend, the stronger and more concentrated the product is.
This has to be balanced against potential residue being left on the vehicle though, as unwanted stains can mean repeating the process or removal by hand.
Regardless of the quality or strength of the Traffic Film Remover, it is best to get it washed off quickly and if in a hot climate this is even more important.
It is advisable not to apply Traffic Film Remover in direct sunlight. Caiman has come up with an ideal solution for hotter climates with their Hyper Foaming Pre Soak, and it’s a high foaming non-caustic Traffic Film Remover that gives the user a longer between application and removal.
It also ticks the boxes when it comes to the visual appeal, and it smells great, with a fresh lemon fragrance. Many Traffic Film Removers are designed for use via automatic car wash machines, but a good Karcher pressure washer would be sufficient to use for the professional detailer and home car care enthusiast.
It should only be used every few months. Excessive use can lead to a dulling of the paintwork, it is not to be used instead of a car shampoo or clay bar, and it is best to check the label if your car has been recently waxed as some of the more caustic Traffic Film Removers will remover the wax with the dirt.
Caiman has a dedicated team of professionals on hand to discuss what Traffic Film Remover is best for you, don’t be afraid to lean on the advice of a car care expert.
What Won’t Traffic Film Remover Do?
Traffic Film Remover, will struggle to remover tar and dead flies, it is best to use something like Caiman’s Tar Off as a panel wipe before applying your chosen traffic film remover. It is also best to remove any caked in mud at this time.
Is Traffic Film Remover Safe?
Traffic Film Remover is safe but contains a mixture of solvents and acids that needs to be treated with caution and respect, the higher the level of concentrate the greater risk of irritation to your skin and eyes.
The home user is safest with a pre-diluted mix, but in the hands of professional, any strength of TFR should be safe. If you have any concerns at all, speak to the manufacturer or wholesaler, they should know about their products and be able to guide you.
Can You Use Snow Foam Instead of a Traffic Film Remover?
Snow Foams are popular among professionals and public alike but should be treated as more of a wash and wax substitute rather than a replacement for TFR.
Something like Caiman Lava Red Foam is much milder than a Traffic Film Remover and while it will not be as effective on removing grime and contaminants, it can be left on the vehicle for minutes without damaging the paintwork and will leave a shine.
If your vehicle is cleaned regularly a snow foam will suffice, it will also complement a vehicle previous cleaned with a product such as Caiman Pre Soak TFR.
Should I Buy Traffic Film Remover?
I would not hesitate in recommending buying a TFR for you or your business, but there are many things to consider so that you can make the right choice for you.
There is a big difference in price between the entry and professional levels, there are some that are suited to hotter climates, and you must decide between caustic and non-caustic.
What equipment you have, or need will also be a and consideration. Traffic Film Remover is not an everyday product and should never be treated as such, but if you have a car wash business, it is essential.
If you are a dedicated home car care enthusiast who is prepared to research what product is best for your needs, it will soon become a crucial part of your care armoury.
For more information about the full range of Caiman Car Detailing Traffic Film Remover Products click HERE
