Can Cola Be Used to Wash Car Headlights?
3 Answers
Cola can be used to clean car headlights. Here are the methods for cleaning car headlights: 1. Wipe with a soft cloth; When washing the car, take the opportunity to wipe the headlights to remove dust and prevent it from accumulating into stubborn dirt. During the wiping process, avoid using rough cloths or applying excessive force, as the plastic surface of the headlights can easily be scratched. Once scratches appear on the headlight surface, it becomes difficult to clean and may affect the lighting performance. 2. Wash with soapy water; Since soapy water is weakly alkaline, non-corrosive, and gentle with strong cleaning power, it is suitable for headlight cleaning. 3. Clean the surrounding areas of the headlights with a cleaning agent. However, when choosing a cleaning agent, try to avoid high-strength detergents as they can strip the car's wax.
Using cola to wash car headlights? I don't recommend it. Those plastic lenses common on modern vehicles can be gradually eroded by the phosphoric acid and other acidic components in cola, leading to fogging or cracks that compromise nighttime driving safety. Plus, the sugar and dye residues won't rinse clean with water, attracting dust and grime. I've seen attempts in car owner groups where headlights dimmed, costing hundreds to replace. Opt for dedicated cleaners or mild soapy water instead, avoiding harsh acidic chemicals. Regular maintenance saves hassle—don't sacrifice long-term safety for momentary convenience.
I once tried cleaning my headlights with cola, thinking its rust-removing properties would brighten them. In reality, it left a sticky residue on the lens surface that turned tacky under sunlight, attracting bugs and trapping dust. Later, the yellowed lens became opaque—my mechanic explained the cola had degraded the plastic protective coating. Hard lesson: automotive parts require gentle care. A diluted neutral cleaner like dish soap with water, applied softly, is sufficient. Saving pennies isn't worth the risk—proper methods prevent costly mishaps.
