Can yellowed car headlights be cleaned with cola?
2 Answers
Yellowed car headlights can be cleaned with cola, as cola has certain cleaning effects. This is because cola contains acidic substances such as carbonic acid and citric acid, which can dissolve some rust and grease. When cleaning, pour cola onto the headlights and wipe them with a clean towel. If the effect is not noticeable after one attempt, repeat the process several times. Finally, rinse with clean water and dry. Nowadays, most car headlight covers are made of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate plastic through injection molding. Over time, they can become dirty, and if not cleaned promptly, they are prone to aging and yellowing, which reduces light transmission and dims the car's illumination, affecting driving. Additionally, the main cause of yellowing on car headlight surfaces is exposure to sunlight. Therefore, avoiding direct sunlight is a simple way to prevent headlights from yellowing. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas with cover.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and this topic often comes up among car enthusiasts. Cola does have some effect because it contains a small amount of phosphoric acid that can dissolve yellow stains on the surface of the headlight covers, providing decent short-term cleaning results. However, cola contains sugar and acidic components, which may leave behind sugar residues that attract dust and cause faster yellowing after wiping. Long-term use can also corrode plastic materials and damage the protective layer of the headlight covers. A safer method is to use professional headlight cleaners or apply toothpaste mixed with water for polishing, which protects the covers and extends their lifespan. Regularly cleaning the headlights during car washes can prevent yellowing, or installing protective films can save money and ensure safety. This experience is worth sharing.
