Markus Andrews

There are people out there who like it when their cars look beat up. Gambler racers, 24 hours of LeMons, your weird uncle who calls it “derelict style.” Most people don’t and would prefer their car to remain undented. Dents are an inescapable part of life, however. It’s a good thing that a bunch of companies make excellent products to unbend your car.

Tapping Out the Dent Repair Kit Basics
Traditionally, dent repair uses welders, grinders, and men with masks to cut out the offending panels and replace them. Fortunately, the modern era has brought us a ton of options for the home DIYer. Most of the options won’t even hurt your paint.
If you already know what you’re doing, you can jump straight ahead to our product list to find what you need.
PDR
PDR stands for paintless dent repair. That’s because you don’t have to repaint your car after you use the tools. There are two ways to do a paintless dent repair.
Push on the Dent From Behind
Take a tool, get it behind the dent, and pound the dent out. If you can get the piece of bodywork off the car, then hammers like the Neiko set on the list work great.
If you can’t, long thin tools like the Mookis are your answer. They can get in and behind dents. Then you either beat on the rods with a hammer or pry against things to give you a mechanical advantage.
Compared to the pulling tools, they take way more experience and practice to use right. You can use them to make any shape you want, which makes the training worth it if you are serious about doing a lot of bodywork.
Pull the Dent Out From the Face
The second style of dent removal comes in the form of pulling on the dent. Modern glues are fantastic. To grip the dent, so to speak, you glue studs to the surface.
You can also use a suction up. In traditional dent removal, you would weld studs onto the surface or drill holes to set anchors where you destroy the paint. Unless you really have a nasty dent, you don’t need to destroy the paint.
Kinds of Pullers
When you get a dent kit, it will come with some kind of tool for pulling on the dent out. There are four main types.
T-Bar or Slide Hammer
A T-bar or other style of slide hammer is used to apply a lot of force in a quick, sharp motion. When you slide the weight up the handle, it strikes a stop that jerks the tool away from whatever it’s attached to. It takes some practice to use right, but it can offer a lot more fine control and doesn’t require the amount of space that other tools need. The T-bar also doubles as a handle for pulling with good old manual force.
Bridge Type Puller
A bridge puller has two or more feet attached to stand-offs and holds a bolt suspended over your dent. It bridges the gap over the dent, hence the name. You glue the pad to the dent, attach it to the bolt, then start unscrewing the bolt. As it rises through the device, it will pull the dent out. These are very simple and intuitive; they just take a while to set up.
Squeeze Style
These tools go by many names, but basically, they have two arms that you squeeze together to pull up on the glued tab. You get more leverage than just pulling by hand, and it’s faster than a bridge-style puller.
Suction Cup
Suction cup style tools are the most basic, least effective tools on the market. They only work on dents that are a certain shape, and they will never have the control or versatility that other types have. They are ridiculously cheap though, so it doesn’t hurt to try them out.
What’s in the Box?
Kits never include absolutely everything. Even Ikea expects you to have a small hammer, so when you look for a PDR kit, you know that something is going to be missing.
The most complete kit on our list is the Anyyion – but they sell a kit that is even bigger and includes multiple sizes of hammer. It’s gigantic, yet it still doesn’t include a Phillips screwdriver for adjusting the puller tension.
The point is that you will have to choose what tools you are willing to source elsewhere. If the kit doesn’t include a glue gun, you will need to provide your own. If it doesn’t come with a slide hammer, you will have to decide if you need one or not.
Is it Easy to Use?
Let’s face it, the whole point of buying a kit is to make the dent disappear as easy as possible. Different types of tools are inherently more straightforward than others. Bridge type tools are easier to use than body hammers, but the easier it is to use, the less versatile it is. You won’t be able to fix as many types and kinds of dents with easier to use kits.
There are all sorts of kits that span the entire quality and price spectrum. One of the nice things about the kits on this list is that even the lower quality ones have a lot of value, so you can’t go wrong. If you get a kit that doesn’t do exactly what you want, it’s easy to simply add a few things here and there and make it perfect.

Top 10 Best Dent Repair Kits 2020

1. Best PDR Kit Overall: Gliston Auto Dent Puller Kit

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Gliston’s kit is the perfect balance between ease of use, price, and the completeness of the kit. If you only want to order one item and get right into repair, Gliston has you covered.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
Inside the box is everything you need to get straight to work, minus a few small hand tools. You get the glue gun, a squeeze type puller, a variety of pads, a hammer, glue, scrapers, and a few small punches.
You also get a cheap, nearly useless bridge tool that you probably won’t use. It’s not as complete as a monster kit like the Anyyion, but it doesn’t lack anything you need.
Our only suggestion is to pick up some better scraping tools, like these plastic chisels. The good news is that any extras will fit in the generous canvas bag they include with the kit.
How Easy Is It to Use?
We are confident anyone could get good results from this kit. The squeeze type “Golden Dent Remover” is about as easy to use as they come. Unless you need to do a lot of shaping, it is as easy as glue and squeeze. Just remember to work slowly; these types of dent pullers work best in small areas. It’ll work out big dents, but only if you do it a little at a time.
Our Thoughts
There are more complete kits, like the Anyyion, and there are less expensive kits, like the Arisd, but none have the value that Gliston brings. That value comes in two forms.
First, the quality is good. The tool is metal and well built, the tabs are thick and not likely to fail, and the glue gun melts glue. That’s honestly all you can ever really ask from a hot glue gun. The second thing that gives it value is the fact that it includes enough stuff in the kit to just get right into pulling dents.
We do have a few things to nitpick. We always do; being an expert nitpicker is in the job description, so don’t go thinking there’s something badly wrong just because we criticize it. The instructions that Gliston includes are garbage. Get online and watch other people use it on forums or youtube, and throw away the paper it comes with.
Also, the kit is complete, but it could really use a better scraper. Oh, and the bridge tool is not the best. That’s fine, honestly. Just use the Golden Lifter instead and get a Manelord bridge tool if you really need one.

Pros

Amazing value
Includes everything you need
Dent puller is super easy to use

Cons

Included instructions are garbage
It would be nice if they had better scrapers

2. Best Premium PDR Kit: Anyyion 69pc PDR Kit

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The Anyyion kit has absolutely everything you need, and a case to carry it in.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
Everything. Or rather, everything but a bridge puller. That’s fine because you get a squeeze puller and a slide hammer. Those tools, along with the massive selection of tabs, will cover any dent that can be fixed by a puller. The glue gun is good, the hammer and sets are good, and you get a toolbox to store it all in.
How Easy Is It to Use?
It may seem like the most challenging part of using this kit is choosing how to tackle the problem. There’s a lot of options, and knowing which method for which dent does take a lot of work. The truth is that the hardest part is getting familiar with the T-bar. The whole kit just takes more thinking and practice than the Gliston or Manelord bridge kit.
Our Thoughts
Excuse us for a minute while we talk about something incredibly boring. Keeping organized, especially when you have a set of tools with many tiny parts, is hard. It will ruin your whole day if you go to grab a tool and it’s missing a single nib that you need right now. The fact that Anyyion includes a nice toolbox to store their entire kit in says a lot about their product: they get it. They make sure there’s no excuse for not staying organized.
The big ouch moment comes when you see the price because it’s twice as much as everything else on the list. That can make it hard to justify. The AUTOPDR kit also has a case and a cheap bridge tool. It’s half the price and will work fine once or twice. If you need higher quality, especially if you plan on doing a lot of bodywork, you won’t be disappointed with this kit despite the cost.

Pros

Includes everything you need
Comes in a carrying case
Tools are high quality

Cons

Expensive
Not as easy to use as other kits

3. Best Bridge-Style PDR Kit: Manelord Auto Body Repair Tool

View on Amazon

Why we like it: This is the best bridge tool on our list. If you’re looking for that specific tool, this is the one to buy.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
You get a bridge tool and some tabs. That leaves you to source your own glue gun and glue, which is not ideal. The bridge tool is the best on our list, though. It’s well built and is more comfortable to use than other bridge tools, like the one included in our budget pick Yoohe kit.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Bridge tools are super easy to use already, but Manelord makes it even easier by designing a bridge tool with quick-connect tabs. The only reason it’s not the easiest thing to use on our list is because of the fact that you have to source your own glue and a glue gun. That can be tough; if you get the wrong glue, you won’t get the most out of the tool.
Our Thoughts
The Manelord bridge tool is high quality, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. It really demonstrates the best reasons to get bridge tools over other tools. There are better tools for big dents, but none are as easy to use or as inexpensive.
The fact it is so good at being a bridge tool also means that it also exemplifies the downsides of bridge tools. It takes forever to use compared to other tools, for one thing. It also isn’t good for spanning larger dents. If you have large dents, get a slide hammer kit like the Manelord one we recommend here. It’s not a coincidence that you see the brand Manelord a lot on our list. They make great quality bodywork tools.

Pros

High Quality
Well designed
Inexpensive

Cons

Does not include a glue gun. They do sell a kit with one, but it’s rarely in stock.
It’s not good for big dents

4. Best Hammer and Dolly Set: Neiko 20709A

View on Amazon
Why we like it: If you are serious about bodywork, you need a set of hammers. This one is great.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
A hammer is used to pound the metal against a shaped anvil looking thing called a dolly. The hammers have different shapes, so you can use them to stretch or dimple the metal in different ways. The dollies are curved to allow you to bend the metal into different shapes. This kit has 4 dollies and 3 hammers for a total of 8 dolly shapes and 6 hammer shapes. That should keep you busy.
How Easy Is It to Use?
The Neiko hammer set is not easy to use. Other than the fact that a hammer works like a hammer and everyone knows how to use one, there is nothing intuitive or straightforward about shaping metal. It takes practice, patience, and a willingness to mess up horribly for a while.
That being said, if you are serious about dent removal and are willing to take the time to learn, you can do anything with this set. For instance, tab pullers can’t do anything for a crease. A hammer can work it out, no problem.
Our Thoughts
The Neiko kit includes everything you need to get started in autobody work. In a case too, which is nice. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking that you will buy this and suddenly be the next Foose. It takes time to build up the skills to shape metal.
It’s also important to note that this is a good starter set, not professional tools. It’s cheap and works fine, but the quality is nowhere near acceptable for a full body shop.
You’ll also want to pair it with some dent removal rods. You don’t have to splurge on the Mookis rods we recommend; as there are plenty of cheaper ones that work ok. They are essential for working on the metal you can’t reach, though.

Pros

The set gives you a good amount of shaping options
Inexpensive
Comes in a carrying case

Cons

Not easy to use at all
Quality could be better

5. Best Budget PDR Kit: Yoohe 22pc

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Yoohe kit here comes with a bridge tool, pads, and a glue gun. That’s everything you need for basic dent repair.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
The kit includes a bridge tool, glue, glue gun, and some pads. That’s a pretty spartan kit compared to others, but it’s honestly all you need. If you already have a glue gun, save $5 and get a bridge kit without it. Although, $5 for a hot glue gun is a pretty good deal, so you might as well grab it.
How Easy Is It to Use?
It’s hard to find an easier kit, honestly. One of the biggest advantages of a bridge style tool over one of the squeeze tools is how intuitive they are to use. The main part of the device is a big screw. If you handed it to a toddler, they would figure out how to operate it. Except for the glue gun. Don’t give toddlers hot glue guns.
The downside is that it takes a long time. A squeeze tool is just like, click, and squeeze. A bridge tool is all like “turn, turn, turn, turn, dangit my wrist is tired.”
Our Thoughts
We’ll head off the first issue right out of the gate. There is a suction cup tool here that is way cheaper. So why is this our budget pick?
It’s because this kit is a complete kit, one, and it will actually work for a variety of dents, two. A suction cup device is cheap because it doesn’t work very well. You get what you pay for, as it were.
Speaking of which, we have another bridge style kit on our list here. That one is higher quality, easier to use, and not much more expensive. If you just want to test the waters, the Yoohe is fine. Just don’t expect Snap-On quality from Harbor Freight prices.

Pros

Complete kit with glue gun
Very easy to use
Inexpensive

Cons

Quality could be better
Takes a while to get dents out

6. Best Versatile PDR Kit: AUTOPDR 48pc

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This kit has both styles of easy to use dent puller and a hot glue gun. Then they stuff it into a soft case so you won’t lose anything.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
You get a punch, a glue gun, tons of tab shapes, a hammer, a bridge-style puller, and a squeeze style puller in the kit. That’s pretty much the entire range of tools in the PDR department. The only thing you might be left wondering about is where is the slide hammer.
If you really need a slide hammer, though, it’s not that this kit is missing it. It’s just that you should buy a different kit more suited for larger dents like the Anyyion above.
How Easy Is It to Use?
You honestly couldn’t ask for better. It has both the incredibly intuitive bridge puller and the clamp and squeeze type of puller. Like with the Gliston, you could stand to get a better scraper to make your life a little easier. This kit comes in a case, though, so not only is it easy to use, it’s easy to clean up.
Our Thoughts
We love it when tools come with their own case. We love it when PDR kits come with the glue gun. We love being able to choose between the ant jaw clamping squeezy tool and the traditional bridge puller. There’s just a lot to love when it comes to AUTOPDR’s offering.
The direct comparison for the AUTOPDR kit is the Gliston, and, unfortunately, that’s when our love runs out. It’s just not nearly as high quality, and it’s only a little cheaper. The bridge tool is better in the AUTOPDR kit, so if that’s important to you, then definitely go with this one. If you can get together another $10, though, the Gliston will last longer and be a little less frustrating.

Pros

It’s a very complete kit
The bridge tool is better than the Gliston kit’s
Very easy to use

Cons

The general quality isn’t very high
Not very good for large dents

7. Best T-Bar Puller Kit: Manelord T-Bar with Upgrade Tabs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A T-bar is a super versatile tool, and this kit comes with a bunch of tab options to make dent pulling easy.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
Inside this kit, you get a T-bar and some tabs to pull on with it. You don’t get an easy to use pulling tool, you don’t get glue or a glue gun, and you certainly don’t get a case to carry it around in. If you need a T-bar and want to make sure it includes some extras, it’s perfect. If you want the whole kit, the much more expensive Anyyion is up top.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Using a T-bar or any slide hammer takes some practice. It’s nowhere near as simple as using a bridge tool or a squeeze tool. It’s a lot more versatile, though. Slide hammers can be used in places where there is no other surface to pry against. That means, unlike bridge or squeeze tools, you can use them on large dents and work very quickly. Usually, you’ll want to glue on a lot of tabs ahead of time. You move the tool around a lot from tab to tab and slowly pull out a huge area.
Our Thoughts
Let us just come right out and say it, if you are serious about dent repair, you need a T-bar. They aren’t easy to use, and they aren’t as cool as one of the alien mandible-looking doohickies, but they work on areas where everything else won’t.
We do wish it had a glue gun and glue in the kit. It just makes things a lot nicer when you don’t have to source the glue. That being said, this isn’t really a beginner kit. This kit is more for someone that already has a beginner kit and wants to up their game, and in that regard, it’s fantastic.
Like, if you bought the Gliston and found a dent that’s just a little bigger than you want to tackle with the Gold Puller, pick up this one here. It’s still a little cheaper to do it that way than to buy the Anyyion kit that includes one. Plus, you can build your kit over time instead of relying on a random company to do it for you.

Pros

Great tool for tackling large dents
Includes high-quality pull tabs
Makes a great addition to other kits

Cons

Takes some time to learn to use
Doesn’t include glue

8. Best Inexpensive Complete PDR Kit: ARISD 32pc

View on Amazon
Why we like it: ARISD is a perfect kit for someone that is on a tight budget but still wants a squeeze style tool.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
The box contains an inexpensive puller, glue gun, bridge tool, and a handful of bits and pieces. It’s not as complete as anything else, really, even the AUTOPDR kit is more comprehensive. It does include everything you need to just jump in and do it though.
How Easy Is It to Use?
The ARISD kit is very easy to use except one thing: you might not have the tool you want to use in the kit. Not a total deal-breaker or anything. It’s just that you might find yourself reaching for a hammer that isn’t there, unlike more complete, more expensive kits. That can lead to some hair pulling, which is never easy to deal with.
Our Thoughts
This kit is cheap. If you’re wanting to fix a few dents on your daily and don’t really care about getting a high-quality tool, it’s perfect. The quality will really let you down if you want to do a lot of dent repair. The bridge tool is pretty bad, the squeeze tool rattles, and the scrapers aren’t great.
It’s still a better thing to buy than a suction cup puller, despite what the internet might tell you. You will really get a good feel for whether or not pulling dents is something you want to do, or if you should take it to a shop instead. This is one of the few budget kits that include a squeeze style dent lifter. It’s not great quality, but it will definitely work well enough for a few small jobs.

Pros

Inexpensive
Includes a glue gun
Generally easy to use

Cons

Some common tools are not included
Quality isn’t very high

9. Best Advanced Dent Removal Rod Kit: Mookis Rod Set

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Rod tools are indispensable tools for dent repair, and this set includes a ton of shapes and sizes for tackling all manner of dents.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
In a rolled-up travel bag, you’ll find ten differently shaped rods. You also get a hammer, some chain that you can use as a leverage device, and a small punch. That may not seem like a lot, but it really is a ton of versatility and use from a small kit. Dent rods allow you to reach into an area that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access and pound out a dent from behind. It’s not just the best tool for the job; it’s pretty much the only tool for the job.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Dent rods are not easy to use. The price of failure is not as high as it is with bodywork hammers, but it still takes a lot of practice to make them work for you. The big distinction between a hammer kit like the Neiko and a set of rods like this one is the amount of metal you shape per tap. A hammer moves a lot of material; if you strike it wrong, you can add a huge dent. Tapping on a rod only moves a bit of metal. It takes a long time to get a dent out, but if you miss it’s not a big deal.
Our Thoughts
These are expensive and hard to use. They have a gigantic learning curve. They are intimidating, and it is amazingly frustrating to work with a tool like this for hours and hours and see no results. Rod tools take a lot of time, no matter how you slice it. At least this kit is really, really good quality.
They are absolutely indispensable if you plan on making your car look the best it can. Sorry everyone that wants everything to just be cheap and easy, but pulling tools have their limitations. Don’t get us wrong, if you have some small dents, a tool kit like the Gliston is absolutely perfect. It will pop the dent, and you’ll be happy. For the few of you restoring a 69 Camaro and need to pop a crease out of the roof, though, you should pick up a set like this one.

Pros

Amazing for detail work
The best tool for reaching hard to reach areas
Great quality

Cons

Expensive
Hard to use

10. Best Cheap Suction Cup: ABN Dent Puller

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s everything that it says on the package. A cheap rite of passage dent remover that can work on very small, uniform dents.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get
A suction cup. That’s it. It’s just a suction cup in some clamshell packaging.
How Easy Is It to Use?
It’s really, really easy to use. You stick it to the dent and pull. That’s pretty much the end of it. The downside is that there are only a small range of dents that a suction cup puller works with. If you don’t have a dent that’s uniform, small, and in thin metal, then it doesn’t matter how easy it is to use in theory because it won’t work.
Our Thoughts
Here it is, the suction cup dent puller. It’s required to include one on any list discussing dent removal, and it’s the first thing that DIY car care people buy in hopes that it will work. We can’t stop you from getting one because it’s like a rite of passage. They are super cheap, and they all seem to have the same video of a really enthusiastic guy sporting a goatee happily pulling out a dent and showing the world how amazing and easy the suction cup puller is.
Then it arrives, you try it on your car, and 95% of you will come back and get the Gilston kit.
That’s because they just don’t work very well on most dents and dings. First, the dent has to be uniform so the suction cup can seal against it. Second, it has to be just a little bigger than the tool. Not too big or deep, you won’t have the strength to pull it out, and not too small, or you will pull on the metal around the dent instead of the dent.
This particular one from ABN is at least a good size. Most of the ones in discount stores are way too big to be useful for anything, but the ABN is only 2” in diameter. We know you’re curious about it and have the same morbid fascination with super cheap tools that we all do, so we won’t’ say anything when we see it sitting on your workbench collecting dust. Just maybe grab a bridge puller like this one too so that you don’t have to wait for it to ship.

Pros

Cheap
Good size
Owning one makes you part of a worldwide club of people who know better but do it anyway.

Cons

It only works in perfect conditions
Even when it works other solutions will look better

All About Paintless Dent Removal
Buying the dent removal tool is actually the easiest part of the process. Removing dents is fairly tricky no matter which tool you choose to use. That’s not awesome, we’ll admit, but don’t worry. Read through this and you’ll do great.
Types of Dents
The first thing you have to know is how your car is dented. It’s just like how a doctor has to know what kind of disease the snotty child next door had before knowing what medicine to give you.
Round Dents and Small Dings
Ever seen a car get hit by a golf ball? That causes a round dent. Round dents are easily removed by most pulling type dent removers, like the Manelord bridge tool above. Smaller round dents rarely take more than a couple of pulls and are the only time you’ll see a suction cup device like the ABN shine.
The good news is round dents are the most common dents. In fact, according to the internet, shopping carts are the single worst thing for cars ever. Round dents are also caused by hail, a light tap from a car backing into you, or your buddy headbutting your car after a long night at the bar. All those can be solved with most PDR tools.
Sharp Dents
As we move into sharper dings and dents, we start to move away from the world of pulling tools. They can do an ok job on smaller areas, but you’ll get better results by learning to use a set of rods like this kit we talked about. When metal takes a sharp object to the surface, it has a high chance of distorting. That means you stop being able to just pop the dent out and start entering the world of shaping metal.
Creases
Fixing a crease dent is about the extent of a DIY kit. Even with a combination of high strength PDR tools like the Anyyion and body rods like in the Mookis kit, you will have difficulty getting a creased panel to look like new. If you can remove the panels and pound on them, you can use hammers like these on our list to re-shape the metal. At that point, you are leaving the realm of paintless repair and entering the realm of having to repaint.
Serious Damage
Once you get into serious damage, you leave the world of dent repair kits behind. You have options still. Some are good options, like cutting out the damage and rebuilding it or using welded studs to do some serious shaping. Some are bad options, like using gallons of Bondo. Regardless, severe damage is usually best left to shops that specialize in repair.
Paintless Dent Repair Tips and Tricks
Once you know the symptom and have bought the medicine, here’s some info to get you started on the right foot.
Watch Some YouTube Videos
For some reason, car YouTubers love to show off dent repair. Take advantage of that and watch a few; it will really get you prepared to do it yourself. The guys in this Eastwood video do a great job working through the process, but if you search for the type of tool you want to use and decide that, there’ll be a video catering for you too.
Work in Small Increments
Most of dent repair is about sneaking up on the issue and fixing it in small increments. When you use a bridge tool or other puller, it’s best to use small movements and do less. Slowly add more pulling and larger areas as you go.
Practice on Soda Cans
The final exam in bodyshop class makes you use a TIG welder to weld a new shaped panel onto an aluminum can that you cut out of a different can. You don’t have to get that crazy, but it’s a good idea to spend some time working soft metal into different shapes. Then you know what the tools you bought will do to your car.
Mind the Heat
If your car gets hot, the glue won’t set. If the glue doesn’t set, you have a bad time. Usually, just keeping your car out of the sun is enough to keep it cool.
Mind the Cold Too
The cold makes paint brittle, glue brittle, and hands brittle. Those are all widely considered bad things. Brittle paint can crack or be pulled off by the glue, which elements the whole paintless part of paintless dent removal. Use some strong lights pointed at the dent if you are working in a cold shop, that’s sufficient.
Don’t Expect Perfect Results Your First Time
In fact, don’t expect perfect results even if it’s the fourth or fifth time you are doing it. It takes a ton of time and skill to get really good at dent repair. What you can do is get good results that take the edge away from an ugly dent.
Get Shaping
Hopefully, after reading this, you feel inspired. You can get rid of that dent that’s been on your Camry for the last 3 years. You can finally get around to working the rash out of your project drift missile. You can remove the dent you put into your sister’s car that one time you crashed your bike into her door while showing off to your friends. Grab a kit and start gluing. More

There is no worse feeling than hearing the ping of a stone or screech of a tree branch against the paintwork of your vehicle and feel that sinking feeling in your stomach, knowing that this scratch is going to be a bad one.
Luckily for us, car paint technology gets better every single year. There’s now very little difference between car paint repair kits available online to you and me, and the paint the professionals would use in a repair shop and gouge you several hundred dollars for. With a little time and effort, almost any damage can be repaired, and scratches that would have needed a complete panel respray even a few years ago can now be fixed by you at home in your garage or in your driveway.

The Types of Paint Chip Repair Kits
There are a few different ways to go about fixing a chip in your car’s paint. Here are the different methods employed by the products on our list. If you’re looking to paint more than just a small section of your car, make sure to check out our list of the best paint guns for painting your car.
Touch-Up Pens
One of the two most common types of applicators, touch-up pens are precise and simple to use. Touch-up pens look and feel like a thick marker pen and are used in almost the same way. You ‘paint’ the scratch or chip by drawing over it with the pen, and it leaves a layer of paint that is polished down into the rest of the paintwork.
Pens are better for small scratches or hard to see chips because they only lay down a thin layer of paint. So, unless you put down multiple layers over the course of hours, larger damage is likely to still be visible and if you’re investing that amount of time, a larger kit is a better choice.  Our favorite touch-up pen is the Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen.
Touch-Up Brushes
The other most common type of applicator. A touch-up brush is exactly what it sounds like it is. A small pot, generally less than 20ml, of paint with a thin brush attached. Brushes can be sponge-based or fiber-based, and cover much larger areas than touch-up pens, but tend to be less precise and leave streaks and other visible marks on smaller areas of damage unless heavily buffed out.
Because of these issues, most kits avoid brush applicators, or use them as a back-up option.
Full Kits
The most complete option available, kits like these come as a full set with everything you need inside. It’s common for these kits to come specifically based around an individual manufacturer, which ensures the closest possible match to the specific paints that each car maker uses. It’s also normally possible to get a specific kit matched to your exact paint job by using your vehicle’s OEM color code.
Inside, you tend to find sponges, cloths, and applicators, as well as cleaning solution, pre-paint treatment, the paint itself, excess paint remover, and sometimes a small amount of buffing wax.
Kits like these are often the most expensive but are by far the best products.
What to Look for When Buying Paint Chip Repair Kits
If you’ve already looked through our list of paint chip repair reviews, you’ll have noticed that there are some serious differences between individual kits. Here’s what you should be looking for when you’re making your choice.
Ease of Use
When you break down the process, filling in paint chips is surprisingly simple. It’s just about making sure the area is prepared correctly and putting on each layer evenly, then waiting for it to dry before moving on to the next stage.
A good paint chip repair kit will have everything you need inside, taking all the decision making out of the process, and letting you focus on the important task at hand.
Clear Instructions
Just as important as ease of use is how good the instructions are. Paints from specific manufacturers sometimes need specialist preparation, and a clear and easy to follow set of instructions makes the entire process much simpler.
Safety and Environmentally Friendliness
The days of harsh chemicals being used for car paints are long gone, but it’s still important to treat all the compounds involved with care.
When repairing damaged paintwork, do it in a well-ventilated area. A large garage is perfect. Smaller enclosed spaces can be used if you have adequate ventilation and face protection.
You can also do it outside, though make sure that the weather is clear, with no chance of rain, and low wind.
Size
The tools you need depend on what repairs are necessary. A single scratch can easily be fixed with a pen or brush kit, but a larger area might require multiple coats and extensive prep work.
The largest areas might not even be possible to fix with a paint chip repair kit and might require a complete respray or panel replacement.
Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for paint chip repair kits for your car in 2020.

Top 10 Best Car Paint Chip Repair Kits 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Most kits on this list have a focus on the scratches and chips and don’t pay as much attention to what comes after. Once you’ve repaired the damage, you need to even out and polish your paint job, and that’s what Carfidant Scratch and Swirl is for.
Editor’s Rating:

A dedicated paintwork restoration product, Carfidant Scratch and Swirl remover isn’t designed to fully remove deep scratches or other damage. Instead, it’s a finishing polish that removes light scratches, swirls, and other paint imperfections, whether they’re caused by repairs to deeper chips, car washes and branches, or even day to day wear.
The premium chemical mix is approved for all colors and manufacturers, and can safely be used on all clear coats, single-stage, and multi-stage paints, meaning that no matter what you’re driving, you can use this with confidence.
The kit includes a good quality buffing sponge and the scratch remover formula but can also be used with any other buffing tools, including power tools. Made in the USA, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any of our top repair kits.

Pros

Restores paintwork to a clean shine
One bottle will last for multiple applications
Satisfaction guarantee

Cons

Only a finishing polish, doesn’t fill chips or deeper scratches
Relatively expensive for what you get

2. Best Budget Pick: Turtle Wax T-234KT Premium Scratch Repair Kit

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The simple process and excellent finish, as well as the reasonable price, make this a good choice for scratched paint and shallow chips.
Editor’s Rating:

If you know anything about cars, you’ve heard the name Turtle Wax. Turtle Wax is recognized for their high-quality washing and detailing products.
This kit is advertised as a complete kit but compared to some of the others on this list, that’s a misnomer. Real ‘complete-kits’ come with a color matched paint, and this doesn’t. Instead, it comes with a clear coat pen and clarifying compound. Rather than infilling scratched paintwork, Turtle Wax’s scratch repair kit strips it down to the level of the scratch, then builds it back up again, good as new.
The kit comes with the repair pen, which is as easy to use as a regular pen, and three different grains of sandpaper, used in sequence to even out your scratches. You also get two spray bottles, one of clarifying compound, and one of lubricant, which is a nice touch. Spray bottles are easier to use than a tub or bottle, and it makes it much simpler to end up with even coverage.
One of the best things about the kit is the simplicity. The instructions are simple, and once the clear coat pen has been used, it takes a minute or two of rubbing down and a quick buff. Start to finish, it takes a handful of minutes.
There are a few negatives, though. One, you can’t use this kit on any scratch or chip that’s deep enough to have exposed bare metal. Two, it’s not recommended for use on metallic paints, as it tends to leave obvious marks. Three, if this is your first time using the kit, go very slow, and check every step as you go. The provided chemicals are powerful, and it’s very easy to over-polish.

Pros

Compound contains sealant
The finish is fantastic, as expected from Turtle Wax
The simple process is easy to follow

Cons

Can only be used on scratches and small chips
Be careful not to over-polish

3. Best Premium Pick: 3M Scratch Removal System

View on Amazon

Why we like it: A complete scratch buffing kit that takes all of the hard work out of the process, because it fits in all standard power drills. 3M’s scratch removal system is a great stand-alone product, and also works incredibly well alongside any of the other repair kits on this list to buff and polish.
Editor’s Rating:

Half of the hard work repairing scratches and chips in your car or truck’s paint comes from the time necessary to buff out the finish once the paint is applied. Most products want you to do this manually, but there’s no reason to. After all, professional car detailers and repair shops will use a buffing machine, so why can’t you?
This kit fits into any standard power drill that runs between 1200 and 1600RPM, slotting in like a drill bit. It’s a 3 step approach to repairs, starting with sanding, then compounding, and finally polishing everything to a mirror finish. It comes with everything you need to bring your paintwork back up to factory finish, including two pouches each of scratch remover and rubbing compound.
3M is known for their scientific approach, and it shows. The instructions are some of the clearest on the market, with defined and easy to follow steps that are almost impossible to get wrong.
This is still only a scratch removal kit, so it’s not suitable for deep chips or other significant damage. However, there’s nothing stopping someone from buying a chip repair kit and using it first, then using this kit to polish out the result for a significantly better finish.
It comes with the disc pad holder, a 3000 grit abrasive square, a purple compounding pad, a black polishing pad, and enough 3M rubbing compound and 3M scratch remover for a decently sized area.

Pros

Contains everything you need to remove even deep scratches from your paintwork
Fits into any standard power drill
Reusable, so it’s useful over and over again

Cons

Not suitable for chips, but could be used with another product
You have to be careful not to overdo an area and strip the finish

4. Best Color Match: Color N Drive Touch-Up Kit

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The most complete kit on our list, Color N Drive’s touch up kit contains literally everything you need to treat your car. It might require more work than some of the smaller kits, but the end result is worth it.
Editor’s Rating:

The best complete touch-up kit on our list, Color N Drive is color-matched to your car’s OEM paint code for the closest and most uniform paint job possible. The kit is absolutely comprehensive, containing everything you need to strip, treat, and seal chipped and scratched paintwork.
The box contains a huge amount, starting with the German-made and patented cleaning solution to prepare your working area. From there, you can apply the paint with any of the provided brushes. Once the paint is dry, any imperfections or extra globs of paint can be stripped with the included paste and tools, leaving you with a smooth finish. Finally, use the carnauba-based wax to polish your paint to a mirror shine.
That might sound like a lot of work, and we won’t lie, it is. The Color N Drive kit takes more intensive work to apply than almost every other kit on this list. Plus, once it’s applied, the manufacturers recommend keeping an eye on the area and applying regular touch up coats.
But there’s a reason. Results. Applied correctly, this kit will leave your vehicle’s paint smooth and perfectly even. Downsides are minor. Apart from the extra effort involved, the instructions can be a little hard to follow at time, so take it slow and have everything ready before you begin. There’s a reason Color N Drive is the preferred touch up paint of car enthusiasts across the USA. It works.

Pros

Good color matching
Complete kit with everything you need
Comprehensive and clear instructions

Cons

Takes more work than some kits
Follow up treatments are recommended

5. Best Professional Kit: Langka Complete Paint Repair Kit

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A full, professional quality kit that comes with almost everything you need to get a gleaming, smooth finish.
Editor’s Rating:

Langka specializes entirely in high-quality paint repair kits, so their inclusion in this list was a given, and this kit doesn’t disappoint. Everything comes packaged in an attractive clamshell case that makes storage and organization simple.
The kit is near-perfect. Inside is a 2oz bottle of pre-paint, which prepares the area before you apply the color. This is fantastic, drawing ingrained dirt and grime out of even hairline cracks that other cleaning products wouldn’t touch. There is also a bottle of paint sealant, and our favorite, a bottle of Langka Blob Eliminator. One of the most common problems when repairing scratches and chips is the paint blobbing, which if not treated is highly visible and looks awful against the finish.
Langka’s Blob Eliminator melts blobs down in minutes, letting you strip them from your vehicle without damaging the rest of the paintwork. Supposedly, with careful use, you could use the kit to treat around 50 individual stone chips or minor scratches.
Also included are 3 micro-brushes for applying paint, and a plastic squeegee card for smoothing out lumpy paintwork after it’s been applied.
The only thing stopping this from stealing our top spot is that it doesn’t come with any paint. This is a minor downside because you have to buy the paint separately. But it’s also a big upside because it means you can use this kit on any car, with paint from any manufacturer, including custom paint jobs. In most cases, it’s easy enough to get a touch-up pen or order a pre-mixed pot from your local car dealership.
It’s hard to find a major flaw in this kit. Like all of the products on this list that promise professional-level results, it takes a little work to apply, requires multiple coats, and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you watch Langka’s instructional videos, which will run you through the application process from start to finish. So even absolute beginners can achieve a pro-finish from the comfort of their own home.

Pros

All three included products are high-quality
Professional level finish
Covers a large area

Cons

Paint not included
Plastic squeegee card is fragile, snaps easy

6. Best Universal Color Pick: Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A safe choice if you can’t color match your paint or you only have smaller scratches and chips to fill, the Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen is also probably the tool that is easiest to use from this list.
Editor’s Rating:

Sometimes, simplicity is the best solution. Turtle Wax’s Color Magic Pen is simple, but not any less effective because of it. The design is basic, looking like a large Sharpie marker, and the felt tip is easy to get the hang of.
Like all pen designs, you don’t draw with it. Instead, you dab downwards, letting the pen deliver a spot of paint, then move along the scratch or divot. With a little practice, it’s possible to fill deep scratches and rock chips in minutes, and the pen contains enough paint to cover up to 144 inches of continuous scratches.
You have a choice of colors, each part of Turtle Wax’s Universal Color Match range, designed to match the most popular manufacturer’s colors on the market. Because of that, it might not be a precise match to your car’s existing paintwork, so always test it on an unobtrusive area first.
The results are solid and leave a durable bond despite being a one-step formula, but the quality of the finish is mostly dependent on the user. Make sure you follow the instructions and use it as directed. But with a little care, this pen can make smaller scratches and chips disappear like magic.

Pros

Simple to use
Excellent budget option for small imperfections

Cons

Universal Color Match isn’t exact
As a pen the finish isn’t always perfect

7. Best Touch-Up Paint: Paint2Fix Brand Matched Touch-Up Paint

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A massive range of near-perfect color matches across all major car manufacturers Paint2Fix should be the go-to choice if you want a simple and convenient kit that matches your existing paintwork.
Editor’s Rating:

Paint2Fix produces a huge range of products that are designed to match the color of your vehicle as closely as possible. Each kit is color-matched to the specific manufacturer’s paint, with a 100% match guarantee for every shade. Find your make, model, and paint code, and you should be able to find a kit that’s matched to it, straight out of the box.
Inside every box is a complete kit, with everything you need to repair chips and scratches, straight out of the box. Included is a paint formula and blending solution, letting you blend the perfect match to your vehicle’s paintwork, even if it’s dulled by age and sunlight. Multiple micro brushes are included, giving you the ability to cover multiple chips or store the remainder for later use. Finally, there’s a high-grade wax and microfiber cloth to polish everything in once it’s done.
One thing that isn’t provided is a high-grade sealant. While you don’t need to reseal your paintwork after treating it, it is highly recommended as it makes any repairs last much longer.
The instructions are clear and simple to follow, making this kit easy to apply. It can take a little time to get right, so clear a couple of hours, and it’s best to leave your car for a few hours afterward so that everything can set before you take it on the road again.
Paint2Fix kits come with the option for multiple pack sizes, letting you buy as much or as little as you need:
Bronze level comes with the least paint and solution and is suitable for small worn patches, single chips or several scratches.
Silver level comes with almost double the amount of paint and is suitable for larger scratches or dings.
Gold level comes with a large amount of paint that will cover a huge area, as well as almost twice as many applicator brushes and more blending solution.

Pros

Color match technology can be matched to almost any brand
Simple, easy to follow instructions
Buy as much as you need

Cons

Doesn’t come with sealant
Blending the color takes a little practice

8. Best for GM vehicles: ALDelco Four-In-One Touch-Up Pen

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Incredibly simple to use, matched to your car’s paint job and with a choice of applicators, for smaller chips and scratches, the ALDelco four-in-one is a simple but effective tool that a child could use.
Editor’s Rating:

For such a small thing, there’s a lot packed into each ALDelco pen. To start, each one is color-matched to your vehicle’s specific GM factory code, for the perfect match to your existing paintwork.
Each pen is a four-in-one applicator, with the choice of a piston style pen at the top which activates on pressure, or a thicker brush applicator on the opposite end, ideal for filling in larger chips and dents. Also included is a sanding stone, and a clear coat tip for the finishing coat.
Pens like these are incredibly easy to use. Shake it to get the paint flowing, push the pen down onto some scrap card to load the nib, then dab it into the area that needs filling. Make sure that you don’t try to paint it on, even with the brush, as this leads to a streaked and uneven finish. Also consider that a pen like this doesn’t self-level the paint, so the end product will have to be sanded down and polished.
There are a few small problems, including the fact that the pen can leak after use, but these are relatively minor, especially considering how cheap and simple this is. If it wasn’t a manufacturer-specific product, this would be a 5-star choice every time.

Pros

Incredibly simple to use
Color-matched to any GM vehicle
The choice of brush or pen

Cons

Should only be used on GM manufactured vehicles

9. Best Inexpensive Color Matching: MagicEzy Color Match Repair Kit

View on Amazon
Why we like it: If you have a color that’s hard to match to a manufacturer’s standard, or you’re struggling to find a suitable paint, the MagicEzy Color Match lets you mix your own paint there and then, letting you get the closest match possible.
Editor’s Rating:

The ability to mix paint to get the closest match possible makes a lot of sense, which is why it’s also used in one of our top choices, the Paint2Fix touch-up kits. But larger kits like that are expensive, especially if you’ve only got a small area to cover.
In situations like this, where you might only have one or two scratches or one big, noticeable chip, the MagicEzy is a solid option. Inside each kit is a pair of colors, designed around the most common paint colors on the market. They can be mixed or applied separately until you have your desired color.
Unlike a lot of the paints on this list, MagicEzy paint has a thick, almost gel-like consistency. This makes it much simpler to apply, as it’s less likely to drip or leave blobs. The kit is designed around a one-touch application method, where you clean the area, squirt the paint onto the damage, then wipe it flat in one sitting, and that’s the whole process.
Because the paint is so thick and not matched to any individual color, this kit can be used on more than just metal. It’s safe to use on bumpers, hoods, metal, fiberglass, and even PVC. The finished product is durable, lasting around 3 years on average, under normal circumstances, and the finish can even be changed from gloss to matte.
Unfortunately, the applicators aren’t the best, and the thicker consistency can be hard to work with. You’re likely to end up with a messier finish than on a lot of our more highly rated products, meaning that this is better suited for smaller areas, or rugged vehicles where a little bit of spatter is less likely to be noticed.

Pros

Lets you match the color of your vehicle as closely as possible
Tough, hard-wearing result should last a long time, and is resistant to damage
Budget option, good for smaller, less visible chips

Cons

Matching the color takes a little work
Can be hard to get a smooth finish

10. Best Brush Applicator: SongVen Car Scratch Removal Applicator

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Available in over a dozen colors, if you have several small scratches that need fixing and you’re on a budget, or you’ve used brush applicators before and you want to use one again, this is your best option.
Editor’s Rating:

Simple but effective is the best way to describe these brush-based applicators. Unlike some of the more complicated kits, that require preparation, several layers of solution, and sometimes complicated tools, all these need is a quick shake and you’re good to go.
Ideal for small scratches, and also for small but deep chips, a brush takes no explanation. Dab it into the damaged area, give it time to dry, then polish up and finish. Despite the cheap price, paint quality is good, with vibrant colors and a tough, waterproof finish without needing further coating. (But we still always recommend applying a good clear coat finish.)
The tube provided comes with enough paint to cover a huge area, potentially an entire panel. It also keeps for a long time, several years if looked after correctly, making this a nice tool that you can tuck away in the garage just in case the worst happens.
Most manufacturers are moving away from brush applicators for a reason. Pen applicators are better for smaller scratches, and for anything bigger, there are much better options. With that said, this does exactly what you need it to do, and it’s a fantastically cheap option with admirable quality.

Pros

There are a wide selection of available colors
Brush applicators are easy to use
Low price

Cons

Generic colors might not be an exact match
The finish from brush-type applicators tends to be worse than other options

The Paint Chip Repair Kit Buyer’s Guide
The paintwork on your car isn’t just there to look pretty. Modern paint acts as another layer of protection for the metalwork, and most modern cars also have a secondary layer of clear paint over the top of their colored layer called a clear coat.
Any flaw in the paintwork of your car exposes it to the elements. Metal can very quickly start to rust or corrode, and once it’s started, corrosion is almost impossible to get rid of, and can necessitate the replacement of an entire panel, or in the worst case, cause structural damage to the frame of the car itself.
It’s especially important to repair a paint chip if bare metal is exposed. If you can see bare metal, repair the damage as soon as you possible can, as it can start to rust within 4 to 5 days.
Cold and wet weather means that water can work under the edges of the exposed paint. As temperatures reach freezing, water expands, pushing the paint away from the metal and making the chip far worse over time. If the temperature repeatedly shifts above and below freezing, even a tiny chip can grow deceptively fast.
The Difference Between Chips and Scratches and What That Means to You
Not all damage to your paint should be treated the same, here are a few common blemishes you may see on your car’s paint job and an idea of what fixing them will entail.
Stone Chips
Stone chips are a common feature in the paintwork of most vehicles, especially after a couple of years on the road.
They tend to congregate on the bonnet, front bumper and side panels, leaving a small pattern of dents and chips commonly called ‘road rash.’
Single, individual chips tend to be caused by gravel and stones thrown upwards by other cars. These chips are normally larger, and they’re more common in winter, when roads are being gritted regularly, or on freeways and other high-speed roads, but can happen without warning at any time, so they are impossible to predict or protect yourself from.
Scratches
A scratch can be caused by almost anything, but the most common causes are car washes, both hand car washes and automatic machines, and by people or objects rubbing, scraping or knocking into your car.
Scratches tend to be less deep than chips because the force of impact is spread along the paintwork, rather than directly at it, which results in a longer, shallower damage pattern rather than a chunk of missing paint.
Because of this, and because the damage pattern is a long, thin line, scratches can be much easier to repair than chips, normally needing just a simple coat of paint and a polish.
Paint Chip Repair Kit Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paint Chip Repair Kits Worth Using?
Absolutely. Often, people who are biased against kits like these have an outdated view of what they are. Most people who think of touch-up kits think of cheap, shoddy pens that leave visible discolored streaks, but those days are long gone.
Now, most paint touch-up kits contain color-matched, manufacturer-approved paint that’s going to be the same shade and brand as any paint used by a repair shop, meaning that with a little work and care, the results should be near-indistinguishable from the surrounding paintwork.
Is There Ever a Reason to Avoid Using a Home Paint Repair Kit?
There’s a simple rule of thumb for when to try and repair at home, and when to take the car to the shop.
Car paint repair kits are designed to repair the paint and primer of your vehicle. If the impact was bad enough that it damaged the bodywork of your car, take it to the shop.
At best, you’ll paint over bodywork damage that will be permanently visible until you replace the panel. At worst you’ve just compromised the structure of your car, or it has underlying damage which is only going to get worse.
In What Order Do I Apply Each Layer of Paint?
Start by cleaning and drying the damaged area, and removing all rust and corrosion
If there is bare metal, apply a layer of primer
Once the primer is dry, apply a layer of paint
When the paint has dried, apply a layer of clear coat.
Wet sand the area with fine grain sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections
If necessary, apply further layers of paint once the initial layer has completely dried
Where Can I Find My Car’s Paint Code?
There are multiple places this might be found on your car, and it varies between manufacturers. You’re looking for the car’s identification plate, which contains information like make and model, engine size, serial number, and color code. Places to look include:
The glove box
Under the hood
In the boot
Inside the door frame on the driver’s side
If you still can’t find your car’s paint code, you can check this list, or search online for your car’s model and the year in which it left the factory.
I’ve Applied Too Much Paint. How Do I Remove It?
After repairing your car using a chip repair kit, it’s common for small paint blobs to be left on the surface of your vehicle.
They’re relatively simple to get off with a little paint thinner and a q-tip, but make sure you wait until the paint has dried.
Don’t try to wipe away wet paint, because it will streak and ruin your paintwork.
My Car’s Paintwork Has Aged. What Can I Do?
This is a difficult situation. The first option is to buy color matched paint that’s adjusted based on the age and weathering of your car, but this is an involved process, expensive and normally requires taking your car to the shop to get it resprayed.
The second, better option is to buy a color-matched repair kit. These come with paint that is matched to your vehicle’s make and model, as well as a second pot of mixer, which you slowly add to the main paint to fade and dull it down until it matches the color of your existing paintwork.
Unfortunately, neither of these options will ever be perfect, as no new coat of paint is going to have experienced the events that changed the color of your vehicle’s paintwork.
But in general, smaller chips and scratches won’t show, even if your paint has faded slightly from UV damage or other environmental factors. Larger chips might show, especially in direct sunlight, but using a smaller kit like this makes matching that difficult.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Paint Chip?
Much less time than you might think. Like most things when it comes to car care, more than half of your time is spent in preparation and aftercare.
For chip and scratch repairs, that means sanding down and cleaning the damaged area, making sure it’s free from corrosion, wax, grease or anything else that might prevent the paint from cleanly adhering.
Once the vehicle is prepared, actually applying the primer, paint and clear coat can only take a few minutes, with a short break in between to wait for coats to dry.
Once the paint is applied, the surface has to be sanded and rubbed down, until the repair is flush and clean with existing paintwork. It can take multiple layers of paint and clear coat, with even more sanding, to achieve the perfect finish, which can be a slow and tedious process, depending on the depth of the chip and extent of the damage.
Final Thoughts
Our top picks are all complete kits for a reason. Getting everything you need in a single box ensures that you’re not going to get halfway through the process and have to make an emergency run to the hardware store. Plus, every kit reviewed had consistently excellent performance across the board.
If in doubt, find a complete repair kit that’s matched to your car’s make and model, and you’ll be in good hands. More

Picture this: you’ve bought yourself a beautiful old sports car and, like any good owner, have stored it out of the elements for the winter. You’ve also been careful to top-up all the fluids, remove the battery, and keep your vehicle in a moisture-free environment, so it’s in perfect condition for the spring.
When the first warm day of spring arrives, you couldn’t be more excited to take your pride and joy for a spin, so you spend the morning getting it all ready and attempt to fire up the engine.
But it won’t start.
You try again and again, but the car won’t turn over, and you’re left wondering what possibly could have gone wrong.
The answer is likely in the fuel.
Whenever your sports car, or any other vehicle, sits without running for more than a month, it’s essential to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from going bad and clogging the fuel system. In this guide, we’ll look at the top fuel stabilizers on the market.

Factors to Consider When Buying Fuel Stabilizers
From the second you put fuel in your gas tank, it starts to degrade. Over a few months, the fuel can oxidize, forming gummy deposits that can clog up your fuel system and hinder your vehicle’s performance. It also makes the fuel less potent.
Additionally, most modern gas contains ethanol, a corrosive material that can damage fuel lines, gas tanks, and carburetors. Ethanol also attracts water, another corrosive substance, from the atmosphere, doing further damage to your fuel system.
Before looking at the best fuel stabilizers available today, you must know what to look for in a high-end product. After all, if the fuel stabilizer that you go with doesn’t last long enough or is too difficult to use, you won’t be happy with the result.
Longevity
Different fuel stabilizers last for different amounts of time, and the option you choose should generally depend on how long you wish to store your vehicle. As a rule, however, most reputable fuel stabilizers will keep your fuel in good shape for a year or two.
As a result, you can store your car or other motorized equipment for up to 24 months without worrying about the fuel oxidizing or any ethanol present damaging the fuel system.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need to choose an option that lasts for two years if you’re only storing your vehicle for a month or two at a time; the choice is up to you.
How Much To Use
The various fuel stabilizers on the market have different concentrations, affecting how much you’ll need to use in your car. The packaging instructions will let you know the approximate amount to allocate per gallon of fuel in your tank.
Some brands have a chart on the bottle’s side, so very little math is required, while others tell you to use the entire bottle. It’s OK to go over this approximate amount by a bit, but not putting enough fuel stabilizer into your tank could make it less effective.
Keep in mind that stabilizers with a lower concentration could end up costing you more, despite their lower sticker price, because you’ll have to put more in your tank than you would of a highly concentrated product.
Size
Hand in hand with the product’s concentration is the size of its bottle. Many top fuel stabilizers come in multiple sizes, allowing you to decide based on how much you need.
For example, if you’ll be storing multiple vehicles, or wish to use the product in your lawnmower, string trimmer, motorhome, and car, you’ll want a larger bottle. Likewise, if you’re only applying the stabilizer to your motorcycle, a smaller bottle will suffice.
Products with multiple size options make it easier to select a bottle that is right for you, especially since most fuel stabilizers have a shelf life of about two years after opening.
Ease of Use
If you’ve ever struggled to put oil in your car without spilling, you know how challenging it can be to pour things into your vehicle. The same can be said for fuel stabilizers, as you’ll have to get this liquid into your gas tank without making a huge mess.
Some products have spouts that you can insert into the tank, and even have a measuring mechanism built into the bottle. If you aren’t a mechanic, selecting an easy-to-use fuel stabilizer should be a priority because it lessens the potential problems you could encounter.
Other Considerations
Many well-known brands have fuel stabilizers on the market, and, despite some of these products also cleaning your fuel system and engine, the end goal is always the same: to prevent your gas from going bad and clogging your fuel system.
Generally, bad gas will prevent your engine from firing up, and in the worst-case scenario, could obstruct or damage your carburetor and fuel lines, forcing you to visit a mechanic. By putting a fuel stabilizer into your gas tank before storing your vehicle away, if even for a month, you can stop the gas from going bad.
Here’s a look at the top fuel stabilizers available in 2020.

Top 10 Best Fuel Stabilizers 2020

1. Best Overall Fuel Stabilizer: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment helps vehicles fire up for the first time after lengthy storage by preventing a build-up in their engines.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Eight ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per six gallons of gas
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment is a top fuel stabilizer option because not only does it keep the gas in your tank fresh, but it can make old gas usable again. Yes, if you have old gas in a fuel tank or gas can, this treatment can bring it back.
This product ensures that your vehicle will start up and run smoothly after lengthy storage and eliminates the need to drain your tank before storing your car for the season. The product is expensive when used as a fuel treatment because you’ll have to put some in every time you fill up, but an excellent option as a fuel stabilizer for the occasional user.
Using the Product
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment has a long spout, making it easy to pour into the gas tank without spilling. You’ll want to use one ounce of stabilizer for every six gallons of gasoline, and there’s a measurement guide on the side of the bottle showing you how much you’re putting into the tank.
Remember, the frequency with which you use the product depends on your preferences. If you’re only using it for storage, you’ll measure the necessary amount and put it in your tank before storing the vehicle. Since the product also acts as a fuel treatment, you might re-administer it every time you fill your tank, as well.
Verdict
Overall, Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment does an outstanding job of not only keeping fuel fresh but protecting the entire fuel system from damage. The main drawback is its price, as having to administer one ounce for every six gallons of gas adds up if you’re using it to treat your car after every fill. At the same time, its eight-ounce bottle is under $10 and can treat 48 gallons of fuel, making it a solid option for the annual user.

Pros

Keeps gas fresh
Easy to pour
Good for long-term storage
Prevents fuel system problems

Cons

Small bottles
Can get expensive

2. Best Budget Fuel Stabilizer: STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer

View on Amazon

Why we like it: STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer comes in multiple sizes and does an excellent job of protecting your engine for up to 24 months.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Multiple sizes between eight ounces and one gallon
Easy to pour: Yes, except for the one-gallon jug
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per 2.5 gallons of fuel
Unlike other fuel stabilizers that also clean the fuel system, freshen up old gas, and improve your gas mileage, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer has one job: to keep your gasoline stable. The good news is that this product is excellent at preventing your fuel from oxidizing and damaging your fuel system because it does this one job extraordinarily well.
If you’ll be removing your car from storage to occasionally drive it or want something that’ll clean your fuel system while you go, you might look to another product like Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer. If you’ll be storing your vehicle for months at a time, or even up to two years, however, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer is a great product.
Using the Product
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer is incredibly easy to use because of its long spout. Keep in mind that the one-gallon jug doesn’t have this spout, making it more challenging to pour into your gas tank. The product also has measurement units built onto the side of the bottle, giving you a rough idea of how much you’re putting into the tank. To use the product, you’ll want to fill your tank at least 95% full before topping it up with fuel stabilizer and letting the engine run for five minutes.
Verdict
If you plan to let your vehicle sit for more than 30 days, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer will ensure that your fuel stays fresh and doesn’t rust your carburetor. It’ll also protect your engine from gumming up and remove moisture from your gasoline, preventing corrosion. The main problem is that it takes one ounce of product to treat 2.5 gallons of fuel, so you’ll need a lot of it to protect an entire tank of gas.

Pros

Multiple sizes
Excellent fuel system protection
Keeps gas fresh for two years
Easy to use

Cons

Need a lot of it
Doesn’t clean the fuel system
Only for fresh gas

3. Best Premium Fuel Stabilizer: Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a premium product that provides outstanding protection and will also clean your fuel system.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Multiple sizes between eight ounces and one quart
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: 12 months
How much to use: One ounce per one gallon of gasoline
Lucas Oil is a big name in the car care industry, so it should come as no surprise that their fuel stabilizer is one of the best options on the market. This product does an outstanding job of preventing fuel from breaking down during storage and also cleans your fuel pump, compression rings, carburetor, and fuel injectors.
Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a top product in this industry, with the one issue being the cost because, unlike long-term brands like B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer, it only lasts for 12 months, and you’ll have to use one ounce per every gallon of fuel.
Using the Product
One of the best aspects of Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is its ease of use, as all bottles, even the one quart, come with an easy-pour spout. All you’ll do to use this product is pour it into a gas tank full of fuel and let the engine run for a few minutes before storing your car for the winter. You’ll likely need close to a full quart of stabilizer to treat a tank of gas, which might exclude you from using Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer on a large scale.
Verdict
Overall, Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer does its job exceptionally well and provides maximum protection for your engine and fuel system for about 12 months. While a year seems like a long time, this product doesn’t come close to the two-year or three-year storage capabilities of other brands. However, for short-term storage of a single vehicle, Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a premium option that’s worth considering.

Pros

Top-quality brand
Makes old gas usable
Cleans your fuel system

Cons

Only keep fuel stable for one year
Uses one ounce per gallon

4. Best Full Fuel System and Engine Protection: Sea Foam Motor Treatment

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Sea Foam Motor Treatment is more than just a fuel stabilizer, as it cleans and maintains your car’s engine.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 16 to 20 ounces
Easy to pour: No
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per gallon of fuel
First and foremost, Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a product that cleans and lubricates various engine components like your injectors, carburetor, intake valves, and pistons. At the same time, you can use the product as a fuel stabilizer, as it prevents both gasoline and diesel from oxidizing and forming gummy deposits for up to two years.
Keep in mind that when using this product as a stabilizer, its one ounce per one gallon of fuel ratio means you’ll need roughly two full bottles per tank of gas.
Using the Product
Unlike products with a long spout, Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a little more difficult to use because of its short neck. It comes in a shorter bottle because you’ll often use the product as an engine treatment and pour it directly into the crankcase. As a result, you’ll have to be careful when emptying it into your gas tank.
You should also know that Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a liquid, despite its name, and will spill if you don’t take the proper care.
Verdict
Sea Foam Motor Treatment is an excellent choice for treating your entire fuel system as you drive or when seeking a product to use in both diesel and gasoline engines. The product works well as a fuel stabilizer, although it doesn’t live up to its full potential when you have the car in storage. To get the most of Sea Foam Motor Treatment, you’ll want to run your vehicle occasionally to let it do its thing. If your car will be sitting for weeks at a time between use, Sea Foam is worth picking up. If it spends months in storage, you might want to keep looking.

Pros

Cleans your engine
Works in gasoline and diesel engines
Has multiple formulations

Cons

Difficult to pour
Not for car storage

5. Best Multi-Purpose Fuel Stabilizer: Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: In addition to stabilizing fuel, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer cleans the fuel system and can improve fuel economy and other engine problems.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 20 ounces
Easy to pour: No
Longevity: Seasonal storage
How much to use: One ounce per gallon of fuel
Much like Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer is a product that does some good for the entire fuel system. Royal Purple works on both diesel and gasoline engines and can improve your fuel economy, reduce your emissions, and restore your vehicle’s horsepower.
As a fuel stabilizer, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer can prevent the gas in your tank from going bad over the winter, so you won’t have to drain your tank before storing your vehicle. The issue with this product is that it’s best used as a fuel system cleaner, so you probably aren’t getting the most from it when using it as a stabilizer.
Using the Product
Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer comes in a 20-ounce bottle that doesn’t have an easy-to-pour spout. As a result, you’ll have to take some care to avoid spilling. The fact that the product only comes in a single size capable of treating 20 gallons of fuel means you might need multiple bottles if you wish to stabilize a full tank of gas.
Verdict
Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer is a great product that does everything that it’s supposed to do. If you’re just looking for a fuel stabilizer as someone who occasionally uses their car, this is one of the best options on the market. If your car goes into storage for months at a time without being used, a more specialized product like PRI Fuel Stabilizer might be your best bet.

Pros

Cleans your fuel system
Great for occasionally-used vehicles
Reduces emissions

Cons

Requires one ounce per gallon
No easy-pour system
Not for long-term storage

6. Best Fuel Stabilizer For Diesel Engines: STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is a high-end product that’s made specifically for diesel engines.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces or one gallon
Easy to pour: Yes, in the 32-ounce option
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per five gallons when storing or ten gallons when operating the vehicle
Although other products like Royal Purple Max-Clean work on diesel engines, STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is formulated for vehicles that run on diesel and one of the best in that role. This product prevents sediment and sludge from forming inside your engine, and also reduces oxidation and removes water from your diesel fuel.
The key is that this product addresses problems related to ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), the standard in North America, which can promote thermal fuel oxidation, corrosion, sediment formation, and lubrication issues.
The drawbacks are that the product only protects the fuel for about 12 months, and you’ll have to reapply it every time you fill the tank when not using it for storage purposes.
Using the Product
The 32-ounce bottle of STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer comes with an easy-pour spout that includes a measurement guide to ensure you’re using the right amount. This stabilizer size will treat 320 gallons of fuel when you’re occasionally running the vehicle or 160 gallons for storage. This 32-ounce bottle will cost you over $20, but it’s highly-concentrated, so you’ll get good bang for your buck.
The one-gallon jug of STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer isn’t as easy to pour into your tank because it doesn’t have the spout. The larger bottle also lacks the measurement units on the jug’s side, so you’ll have to ballpark or measure it when adding the product to your fuel tank.
Verdict
If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine, STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is a top choice because it is specially formulated to reduce the problems associated with ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. You don’t want to leave this fuel in your tank for months at a time without a fuel stabilizer that prevents it from taking on moisture, and this product is one of the best at this job. One bottle also treats a ton of fuel, but be aware that it only keeps diesel fresh for 12 months.

Pros

Reduces ULSD problems
Treats a lot of fuel
Simple to use
Formulated for diesel

Cons

Only lasts for 12 months
Have to use more of it when storing the vehicle

7. Best Highly-Concentrated Fuel Stabilizer: PRI Fuel Stabilizer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A little bit goes a long way with the highly-concentrated PRI Fuel Stabilizer.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 16 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per 16 gallons
There’s a lot to like about PRI Fuel Stabilizer, as this product is industrial-grade, and you’ll only need to use one ounce of it for every 16 gallons of fuel, compared to one ounce per 2.5 gallons of fuel when using STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer. The result is that a 16-ounce bottle will last for years, although you should be aware that its shelf life is only three years from the time of opening and a bottle of it will run you somewhere in the $30 range.
As far a performance goes, PRI Fuel Stabilizer is one of the best at restoring old fuel to usable condition, which could save you from having to empty a tank containing stale gas. You’ll also notice that this product prevents deposits from forming in your fuel system and can improve your fuel economy.
Unfortunately, each treatment of the fuel only lasts for about a year. However, you can add another ounce or so of PRI Fuel Stabilizer to your gas tank annually to keep its contents fresh and prevent oxidation.
Using the Product
You shouldn’t have any trouble using PRI Fuel Stabilizer because its bottle comes with an easy-to-use spout that will measure the right amount for you. This spout works in half-ounce and one-ounce increments, allowing you to get as close as possible to the ideal amount of fuel stabilizer. It doesn’t take much to stabilize an entire tank of fuel, making this an excellent option for fleet owners or those with multiple vehicles they’ll be storing for the winter.
Verdict
As far as quality and ease of use go, PRI Fuel Stabilizer is a great option. Once you buy a bottle of this product, you won’t have to worry about re-purchasing for at least a few years, which should help you come to terms with the high upfront cost. You’ll also have to remember to add more stabilizer every year if you plan to store your car for a long time, but that’s a relatively rare issue.

Pros

Highly-concentrated
Restores old fuel
Protects your fuel system

Cons

Only lasts one year
High cost

8. Best Fuel Stabilizer For E10 Gasoline: Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner is specially formulated for use with E10 gasoline, the most commonly used type in the United States.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per one gallon when storing; one ounce per three gallons when occasionally running
Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner is formulated for E10 gasoline. What’s E10 gasoline, you ask? Well, it’s the type of gas you’ll find at most pumps in the United States and contains up to 10% ethanol. This information is vital because ethanol retains water, which can corrode elements in your fuel system.
All of this is a fancy way of saying that this product will prevent ethanol-related problems when leaving gas in your tank, but it’s nice to know that it’s formulated for the exact gasoline that you’re probably putting in your car. You’ll likely have to use an entire bottle of this product to store a vehicle, making it an expensive choice.
Using the Product
A bottle of Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner comes with a long spout, making it an easy product to get into your gas tank. From there, it’ll keep your fuel stable for about a year, so your engine should start right up after being in storage for a season or two.
Verdict
You could say that there isn’t anything special about Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner, as it does the bare minimum that you’d expect from a fuel stabilizer. At the same time, it does this job relatively well, albeit at an inflated price compared to other options on the market.

Pros

Formulated for E10 gasoline
Comes in a large bottle
Reduces moisture-related problems

Cons

Lots needed for storage
Only protects for one year

9. Best Long-Term Fuel Stabilizer: B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh and usable for up to three years.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 24 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Three years
How much to use: One ounce per ten gallons of fuel
B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer works by eliminating problems associated with ethanol fuels, such as moisture getting into the fuel system and causing corrosion. The product also lubricates and protects the top end of the engine and keeps gas usable for up to three years.
You’ll be happy to learn that Ethanol Shield Stabilizer is highly-concentrated. Although it’s not concentrated to the level of PRI Fuel Stabilizer, you’ll only have to use one ounce for every ten gallons of fuel. Your 24-ounce bottle will last for years, making this a rare purchase for your household. There aren’t any extra here, as the product doesn’t clean your engine, and it’s pricier than other options, like STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, but it’ll keep your fuel stable long-term.
Using the Product
The long neck on the bottle of B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer makes it simple to get into your tank without spilling. From there, you’ll want to run your engine for a short time to ensure that the product reaches all parts of your fuel system, especially your carburetor. Ethanol can attract water and clog up your fuel system, but this product prevents gummy fuel from becoming an issue by stopping the gas in your tank from breaking down.
Verdict
B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer is a product that has one job and does it well. If you’ll be storing your vehicle for more than a few weeks, and up to three years, this stabilizer will do what it’s supposed to without worry.
You’ll want to look elsewhere if your fuel system is overdue for a cleaning, and you want an easy solution. However, if your fuel system is in good shape and you want to keep it that way without emptying your tank, Ethanol Shield Stabilizer can work for you.

Pros

Removes moisture from ethanol fuels
Highly-concentrated
Lasts for three years

Cons

Doesn’t clean the fuel system
High upfront cost

10. Best Fuel Stabilizer With Octane Boost: K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive

View on Amazon
Why we like it: K100 MG All-In-One does more than stabilize fuel, as it treats the entire fuel system and can provide an octane boost.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per gallon
K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive treats the entire fuel system, preventing phase separation and improving fuel performance. The end result is a better performing car with reduced emissions and a cleaner-running fuel system.
There’s also the product’s octane boost capability, which can increase a fuel’s octane rating by as much as two points. While this doesn’t impact performance, it can prevent engine knocks caused by premature ignition in your car’s cylinders.
As a fuel stabilizer, K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive can stop fuel from going bad for up to two years and bring back old gas to a usable state. You’ll have to use the entire bottle on a full tank of gas, making this an expensive option.
Also, the product isn’t specialized for fuel stabilization, so it could be harder to get your engine started after lengthy storage than with a premium fuel stabilizer.
Using the Product
Like a lot of other products on this list, K100 MG All-In-One has a long neck that makes it easy to get into your gas tank. You’ll want to add it to your tank either before or after filling it with fuel. From there, the product’s composition allows it to easily mix with the fuel, moving it throughout the fuel system as the engine runs.
An entire bottle is often required to treat a tank of gas. If you’re stabilizing a smaller amount of fuel, you can use its cap to measure, with eight caps equaling one ounce of fuel stabilizer.
Verdict
K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive is an excellent product that can do a lot of good for your vehicle’s fuel system. It can also stabilize stored fuel for up to two years, but other products on the market are more effective and economical when used solely as a fuel stabilizer.

Pros

Provides an octane boost
Cleans your fuel system
Brings back old fuel

Cons

Need to use lots of it
Better as a fuel system treatment than a stabilizer

Guide to Buying the Best Fuel Stabilizers
With so many fuel stabilizers on the market, selecting the best one to meet your needs is a challenge. Here’s some additional information to help you make your decision.
How Fuel Stabilizer Works
A fuel stabilizer is a protective, petroleum-based substance that bonds to gasoline or diesel, preventing evaporation, oxidation, and chemical breakdown from occurring. The product also repels moisture that ethanol-based fuels can often absorb.
Fuels with ethanol are widespread today and bond efficiently to water. As this reaction occurs, the gasoline turns into a gummy blob that sits on the floor of your fuel tank or, worse, moves throughout your fuel system, clogging its components. This process is called phase separation, and it ruins your gas, reduces its octane levels, and damages your engine.
The chemicals in your fuel stabilizer work to prevent all of the negative aspects of fuel oxidation and water absorption, keeping your gas fresh and your engine free from the gummy deposits that this reaction creates.
Why You Need a Fuel Stabilizer
We know that, on the surface, you need a fuel stabilizer to protect your car’s fuel system, but why does the very thing your vehicle needs to operate damage its internal components?
The answer is in the type of fuel we use today.
About 98% of fuel sold in the United States contains ethanol, a renewable source that comes from plant-based materials called biomass. The vast majority of this fuel is called E10, which contains 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. The idea is that ethanol causes less air pollution when burned. It also has a positive energy balance because its energy output is greater than the amount of energy it takes to create.
Laws, including the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, have provisions outlining and governing ethanol’s use in today’s gasoline.
The problem is that cars aren’t designed to burn ethanol, and, as we’ve mentioned, this fuel causes all kinds of problems for engines and fuel systems. It also causes gasoline to break down faster, leading to the need for fuel stabilizers.
Fuel Stabilizers in Diesel Engines
For diesel engines, the need for a fuel stabilizer comes from the mandate for drivers to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel in their vehicles. The gist is the EPA has numerous laws in place that limit the amount of sulfur in the fuel you can buy.
These laws have done an excellent job of reducing emissions, which is good because sulfur oxides are dangerous to the environment and a human health concern, but they’ve also changed the chemistry of diesel fuel.
Hydrotreating, the process that removes sulfur from diesel, also eliminates the fuel’s natural lubricity compounds and makes it easier for it to absorb water. We’ve learned how dangerous water can be to fuel systems and engines, so using a stabilizer to bond to and remove this moisture is a good idea.
Types of Fuel Stabilizers
As you might have noticed, some products on this list will only stabilize your fuel and little else, while others will clean your fuel system or treat your engine, as well.
So, which one is best for you?
It all comes down to your reason for purchasing the product.
Generally, standalone fuel stabilizers are the best for long-term storage because you won’t be driving the vehicle to capitalize on the benefits of the fuel system treatment. Since the products that include engine treatment are often more expensive, it makes sense to stick with the economical option that performs the exact job you’re seeking.
At the same time, if you’ll continue to drive your car after using the fuel stabilizer, you might choose one that has these additional features because they’ll do your car’s engine components some good.
The Lifespan of Gasoline and Diesel
If you still aren’t sure if you need a fuel stabilizer for your vehicle, you should know how quickly gasoline breaks down. While there isn’t a definite amount of time that this process takes, gasoline containing ethanol can start to degrade within 30 days. After you’ve had gasoline sitting in your tank for over 30 days, the ethanol can start damaging your fuel system.
Ethanol also loses its combustibility in less than three months, making it far more challenging to get your engine started. If you’re refilling your car less than once a month, a good fuel stabilizer is a necessity to prevent fuel system damage.
Diesel, even today’s low-sulfur product, lasts a bit longer than gasoline, as you can keep it in your tank for about six months before it goes bad. At the same time, diesel can begin gumming up your fuel system in as little as 30 days, making a diesel fuel stabilizer a good idea.
What Happens When Gas Loses Potency
One of the symptoms of old gas is that it doesn’t burn as effectively, causing problems when trying to start your engine.
Gas is a volatile product that goes through a refining process to give it the exact chemical composition it requires to work in your vehicle. The gas vaporizes in your fuel system, so your internal combustion engine can use it to power the car.
The most volatile components in the gasoline, or the attributes that allow it to create the energy your vehicle needs, tend to evaporate over time. As these components evaporate, the gas burns less efficiently, making it difficult to start your engine.
Fuel stabilizers can slow down this evaporation, so your gas doesn’t lose its potency as rapidly.
Using Fuel Stabilizers on 2-Stroke Engines
We’ve spent a lot of time going over how to use fuel stabilizers in your car, but what about other engines? Well, all of these products, except for STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer, work in all two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines.
As a result, you can use a fuel stabilizer in your lawnmower, string trimmer, motorcycle, dirtbike, or any other machinery that will have gasoline sitting in its fuel tank for more than a few weeks.
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is also for use in diesel generators if you have one that you occasionally use and are worried about the fuel quality.
Can You Use Too Much Fuel Stabilizer?
Since you’ll have to measure how much fuel stabilizer you’re putting into your tank, you might be worried about putting too much in and damaging your car.
Using too much of these products isn’t usually a concern, however, as it’s close to impossible to “overdose” on fuel stabilizer, at least within reason. In fact, if you’re unsure about your measurements, you’re better off putting too much product into your gas tank than too little.
Basically, too little fuel stabilizer could cause the product to fail, while too much won’t affect it whatsoever. You don’t want to fill your entire tank with the stuff, but it’s no big deal if you’re a little over the prescribed amount.
Fuel Stabilizers in Stored Gas
Much of this topic has focused on fuel left in your gas tank, and that’s because this fuel can actively damage your car. Fuel stabilizers are also useful if you’re storing some emergency fuel in a gas can or keeping some gas around to refuel your lawnmower in the summer.
In this case, you’ll likely want a storage fuel stabilizer with the most extended shelf life because there’s no telling when you’ll actually use the gas. Of course, if you’ve bought a fuel stabilizer with fuel treatment capabilities for your car and have some leftover, it won’t hurt anything to use it in your stored gas can.
Wrapping Up
Your vehicles and other gas-powered equipment are valuable, and you want to do everything in your power to protect them from damage. Putting a little bit of fuel stabilizer into your tanks when your cars or tools will sit without being used can save you all kinds of hassle and repair costs, making it well worth the effort. For the best results, find the product that provides the coverage that meets your needs and keeps your engines and fuel systems in working order. More

You’ve heard it before, in a parking lot or somewhere in your neighborhood. Maybe even in your own driveway or garage after you’ve sat the wrong way on your keys. It’s that blaring siren or rapid honking we all know as a car alarm. Almost every modern vehicle has some kind of alarm installed as security, and the loud, attention-drawing noise they make usually does a great job at deterring any potential thieves.
But what if you forget to set an alarm, or don’t have one? What if a thief figures out how to disable your alarm, or just plain ignores it? Security doesn’t have to begin and end with a locked door and a car alarm – there are plenty of options for you to take it into your own hands, and that’s what this guide is here to help with.

Finding the Right Anti-Theft Device
Anti-theft devices have been available for vehicles for as long as vehicles have been around, so clever innovation has led to an awesome variety on the market. You’ll find everything from simple, low-tech solutions to cutting-edge technology always trying to stay one step ahead of criminals.
There’s nothing wrong with taking your time and browsing all of your options, but you can save a lot of window-shopping if you start out knowing what you want. To help you with that, we’re going to break down some of the most common types of anti-theft devices and what you should be looking for in each.
Types of Anti-Theft Device
Aside from the standard sound-based alarms we’re all familiar with, you can usually classify an anti-theft device under one of a few popular categories. There are more than we could possibly list here, so we’ve focused on the ones we think you’re most likely to run into.
GPS Trackers: High-tech tracking devices that let you check the location of your vehicle from your phone or PC. They usually require a paid subscription.
Dash Cameras: Records activity around your car in high-definition, leaving behind video evidence of any would-be criminals.
Faraday Bags: Deceptively simple pouches, these stop anyone from intercepting your key fob signal and using it to unlock your car. Great for protecting bank cards as well.
Steering Wheel Locks: You lock these around your steering wheel or column, reducing or eliminating the rotation completely and making it impossible to steer safely.
Tire Locks: Also known as wheel chocks or tire boots, these make it hard or impossible for tires to rotate, so even if your car is started the thief can’t get away.
Pedal Locks: Like a tire or steering lock, these fasten onto your pedals and can prevent a thief from accelerating at all.
We’ll go into further details about these types after the reviews, so if you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown, make sure you take time to check it out.
Evaluating Anti-Theft Devices
For each anti-theft device we’ve reviewed, we singled out the key features we felt any good security device should include so we could compare and contrast between them better. We’ll also spell out any important technical details, so you can tell at a glance if one of our picks is best for you.
Size
While this is one of the quickest things to explain, it’s the first thing you should look at no matter the type of anti-theft device you’re dealing with. You don’t want to end up with a steering wheel lock too small or too large, or to end up with a standard-sized GPS tracker when there are much more compact options available on our list. For locks, this is the range they can extend between. For our other picks, it’s the dimensions of the device.
Security
A security device is nothing without the ability to secure what you’re putting it on, and every pick on our list brings something unique to the table in that regard. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and simple additional layer of protection or the latest and greatest tracking devices, we’ll let you know exactly how well they’ll protect you and you valuables.
It’s worth keeping in mind that – like we talk about in the full guide below – there’s no such thing as fool-proof security. Anti-theft devices are awesome and more than worth the potential insurance savings, but none of them are magic solutions to crime.
Durability
Nobody wants their expensive new lock cut through or their GPS device broken by a light bump. Each device on this list is more than suitable enough for its job, but our reviews include any standout details about the materials or build quality.
Convenience
We take into account the ease of use, installation, and all-around convenience of every pick. A solid, reliable steering wheel lock works great, but you’ll need to remove it every time you want to drive the car yourself and put it back on whenever you want it secured. Before you end up with something overly complicated for your tastes, check out this section to see our thoughts on the subject.
Once you know how we evaluated each of these anti-theft devices, you should have a great idea where to look to find out exactly what you want to know about each of our picks and why they’ve been included on this list. If you’ve still got questions, you can check out our FAQ section below, or read through our full buyer’s guide after the reviews.

Top 10 Best Car Anti-Theft Devices 2020

1. Best Overall Anti-Theft Device: Winner International The Club 3000 Twin Hooks

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Fitting most cars with a standard-sized steering wheel, this lock from a well-known brand sets the standard when it comes to steering wheel locks. Considering price, compatibility, and general reliability, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have one of these in your vehicle.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Notes:
Type: Steering wheel lock
Size: More

The last thing people want to worry about is their vehicle’s headlights. Automobiles have a lot of maintenance to deal with, and a quality set of headlight bulbs can reduce replacement intervals and improve performance. With the wrong H11 headlight bulbs, you can end up without sufficient visibility or end up blinding other drivers. For this reason, you need to choose your next set of H11 bulbs carefully.
So what is an H11 bulb? It’s a headlight bulb standard (type of bulb shape and housing) that fits on specific car models. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your halogen headlights, or just need to replace a burnt-out standard set, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn about H11 bulbs and what you need to consider when shopping for a set. We did the research and compiled a list of our ten favorite H11 bulbs.

Features to Consider When Shopping for H11 Bulbs
Shopping for H11 bulbs is more complicated than it seems. There are a lot of different H11 bulbs available, which makes choosing the right one difficult. There are a few variations you need to be aware of, so we’re going to take you through a handful of critical aspects of H11 bulbs.
Type of H11 Bulb
H11 bulbs are referred to as H11 because of their standard size and housing. These are bulbs that can be used as high beams, low beams, and fog lights. While H11 bulbs are designed to fit the same applications, there are three different types: halogen, LED, and HID.
Halogen
Halogen H11 bulbs are typically found in mid-range vehicles produced in factories. These bulbs became popular in the 1960s because they last for over 1,000 hours without burning out. Halogen lights are dimmer than LED and HID lights, and they’re more fragile. The glass needs to be handled with care, and halogen bulbs need to be changed roughly every two years.
While halogen H11 bulbs come stock in most vehicles, you can get high-quality aftermarket bulbs too. Because halogen bulbs are less bright and don’t last as long as LED or HID bulbs, you can get a two-pack for a fraction of the price. H11 halogen bulbs are also compatible with most vehicles that use halogen lights already, so you won’t need to make changes to your vehicle’s computer.
HID
HID H11 bulbs are the brightest products you can find. These lights are known for causing glare and being powerfully bright, which can blind other drivers. For this reason, automakers don’t typically install HID lights stock. In fact, it’s challenging to find a high-quality HID H11 bulb. Still, for people that live in rural areas, HID bulbs are worth it. They provide enough light to see for 200+ meters in total darkness.
LED
LED H11 bulbs are the most common aftermarket H11 bulbs you’ll come across. While there is a wide variety in pricing, the bulbs are more expensive than HID and halogen lights because they produce more light. These lights have upwards of 8,000-12,000 and last 30,000 hours, on average.
LED H11 bulbs also give your vehicle a unique look. The color of the lights can be blue or white, depending on how hot they are. On sports cars, this can give your vehicle an aggressive appearance you miss out on if you choose HID or halogen lights.
Lumens
Every H11 bulb has a different degree of brightness. The brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens, which refers to the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. The average automotive headlight is rated at 700 lumens on low beams and 1,200 lumens for high beams. So, you’ll want to shop for lights brighter than 1,200 lumens, or you’re back where you started with stock lights.
Still, especially in urban environments, you don’t want your headlights to be too bright. While some products offer more than 10,000 lumens, we recommend avoiding them unless you live in a rural area without much light. Lights with a lot of lumens are great for lighting up roads, but they can be dangerous to other drivers.
Temperature
The temperature of H11 bulbs is measured in Kelvin. For example, an H11 bulb producing 3,000K is yellow, while an H11 bulb making 6,500K is closer to blue. Most halogen lights are yellow, while most HID and LED lights produce blue or white colors. Higher temperature bulbs produce ‘clearer’ light but aren’t as effective in dusty or foggy environ
Price
H11 bulbs are similar in price, but there are a few exceptions. H11 bulbs made with premium aviation-grade aluminum are more expensive than H11 bulbs with comparable performance to factory-made headlights. After reviewing each of the products, we’ve grouped them into one of three categories:
$: Around $20$$: Around $35$$$: Around $50
Once you know what to look for, finding the right H11 bulbs is straightforward. So, we’re going to take you through the ten best H11 bulbs and offer shopping tips along the way.

Top 10 Best H11 Bulbs 2020

1. Best Overall H11 Bulbs: Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs come with everything you need to change your headlight bulbs in your driveway. They are bright without compromising longevity.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 10,000
Temperature: 6,500K
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are built well and easy to work with. They feature a plug-and-play design that makes installation a breeze. Simply disconnect your vehicle’s stock headlight bulbs and replace them with these bright LED bulbs. Depending on your vehicle, installation can be done in as little as ten minutes in your driveway. These H11 bulbs are also compatible with H9 and H8 housings.
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are also durable. They’re made with an aviation-grade aluminum housing that’s great at heat dissipation, and it features a 12,000 RPM silent turbofan that keeps the bulbs cool. While they’re 300% brighter than typical stock headlights, they also last for up to 50,000 hours.
What Sets it Apart
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the 360° adjustable locker ring. LED headlights are bright, which can be dangerous for other drivers. Fahren uses a 360° adjustable locker ring to make sure that the beam is lower to the road and out of other driver’s faces. The lights can accomplish this while providing a viewing range of 200 meters, which is no easy feat.
Things to Consider
The Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re only one beam. This means that, depending on your vehicle, they’ll function as low or high beams. While the lights are potentially bright enough to eliminate the need for high beams, some drivers prefer having a brighter option.
If you like the quality and brightness of these H11 bulbs, but need high and low beams, the BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a great alternative. It’s made with similar aviation-grade material but offers more than one beam.
Who It’s For
Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are for drivers that need bright LED lights and aren’t concerned with high beams. These lights are well-rounded and offer plenty of brightness and high-quality materials. While they’re more expensive than other products, they’re affordable enough to fit most budgets. You’ll always have the light you need without having to flip between low and high beams.

Pros

12,000RPM Turbo fan for cooling
Aviation-grade aluminum
360° adjustable locker ring
200-meter range
50,000-mile lifespan

Cons

Only one beam

2. Best Premium H11 Bulbs: NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Our favorite feature of the NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs is how bright they are. Twelve thousand lumens is enough to see for over 200 meters in total darkness.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$$
Type: LED
Lumens: 12,000
Temperature: 6,500K
NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are impressive. These H11 bulbs are made with premium aviation-grade aluminum and use multi-core electric technology. This technology makes each bulb strong enough to penetrate darkness as far as 200 meters. The beam that these lights create is also thick enough to give you a great vision of your peripherals, even in dense fog.
The NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are also made with an adjustable 360° mounting bracket, which makes them compatible with 99% of vehicles on the road. These H11 bulbs are also cooled by a 10,000RPM mute fan, which uses a dual-bearing design for increased longevity.
What Sets it Apart
NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the premium technology they use. While other H11 bulbs last between 30,000 and 50,000 hours, these bulbs have a lifespan of 55,000-hours. Every component is made with care, and while they use a lot of different technology, they’re still easy to install. These H11 bulbs are premium by all standards.
Things to Consider
NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re expensive. They’re worth the money, but you can find H11 bulbs of similar quality for a better price. One example is the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs. These bulbs use similar technology, and they’re almost as bright with a similar 200-meter range.
Who It’s For
NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are for shoppers looking for a premium product. If you want the best H11 bulbs you can find, this product is the right choice. They last longer than other H11 bulbs, and they’re easier to install and have impressive technology.

Pros

Aviation-grade aluminum
Mute dual-bearing fan
55,000-hour lifespan
Wide beam range, up to 150 meters

Cons

High price
Too bright for urban areas

3. Best Fanless H11 Bulbs: BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is impressive because it relies on advanced convection, not on a fan to dissipate heat.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 8,000
Temperature: 6,500K
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a high-quality product that’s made with premium materials. The housing is made with aviation-grade aluminum that’s designed to dissipate heat. This prevents the housing from melting if the temperature is too hot. While the bulb doesn’t come with a fan, rubber grooves flush heat away from the housing using convection.
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb also has a long lifespan. Traditional halogen bulbs last around 2,000 hours, but these bulbs are rated for over 30,000 hours. This increases the time between needing a replacement, saving you money in the long-run.
What Sets it Apart
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is unique because it doesn’t use a fan to keep the bulbs cool. Fans are a great way to keep light bulbs from overheating, but they can end up failing, which leads to bulbs overheating and breaking. The rubber grooves are an innovative way to dissipate heat without putting a strain on your vehicle or damaging the lights.
Things to Consider
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is a great choice, but it’s not as bright as other products. While 8,000 lumens is a great place to start, other bulbs can reach 10,000-12,000 lumens. For some, these bulbs might not be bright enough compared with stock halogen bulbs.
If you like the design and style of these bulbs, but need brighter lights, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. They’re made with similar aviation-grade material but boast an additional 2,000 lumens.
Who It’s For
The BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb is an excellent product for people that don’t want to worry about complications. With the lack of a fan, there is no need to worry about other components failing before the lights do. Once you install these H11 bulbs, you won’t have to worry about them for years.

Pros

Doesn’t rely on a fan to cool the bulbs
Aviation-grade aluminum
Not bright enough to blind other drivers

Cons

Not as bright as other LED H11 bulbs

4. Best Budget H11 Bulbs: Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love how affordable and easy to install these halogen bulbs are. They’re simple replacement H11 bulbs that fit most modern vehicles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Type: Halogen
Lumens: 2,000
Temperature: N/A
The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is as close to OEM as it gets. These halogen bulbs are designed to act as replacements for your stock headlights and perform as such. The lumens are also similar to stock headlights in terms of brightness as well, so you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers.
While the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is an essential product, Philips didn’t cut any corners. The bulbs are secured in aviation-grade aluminum housings that keep them from getting damaged, and they’re simple to install. With these bulbs, you don’t need to worry about additional wires or headlight decoders.
What Sets it Apart
The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is unique because of the price. Most H11 bulbs are expensive, especially if you’re looking for premium bulbs. Philips offers a budget option for shoppers looking to replace their original bulbs. There are no over-the-top features, and for some, simple is better.
Things to Consider
The Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a good budget product, but it pales in comparison to premium H11 bulbs. The brightness is low, closer to OEM, and they only last a few thousand hours. They’re great as replacements but nothing more.
If you’re looking to replace your OEM bulbs with something better, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs is a great choice. They’ll cost you more money, but they last longer and produce more light.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking to save money and only need to replace your headlight bulbs, this product is a great choice. These bulbs won’t blow you out of the water, but they’ll perform as well as your stock headlights.

Pros

Performs like OEM headlight bulbs
Simple to install
Inexpensive

Cons

They don’t last as long as HID or LED bulbs
They’re not as bright as LED or HID bulbs

5. SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love how the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are bright enough to light up the night but dim enough to keep other drivers safe.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 6,000
Temperature: 6,000K
SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are durable and efficient. They’re made with high-quality aluminum that’s great for dissipating heat. While the aluminum is strong enough to handle high temperatures, these bulbs come with smart-cooling that leverages heat sinks to keep excess heat away from the lights. This technology helps the bulbs last for around 30,000 hours without needing a fan.
The SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are also not too bright. Most LED lights come with 8,000+ lumens, but these lights show you a clear path at night without blinding other drivers. They also have an impressive range of about 200 meters and have a white color thanks to their high color temperature of 6000k.
What Sets it Apart
SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are unique because they have excellent beam density and a lucid white color. Beam density refers to how well a beam holds up in different weather conditions. The beam density in these bulbs is rated for thick fog, rain, snow, hail, and other inclement weather conditions.
The white color is unique because most ultra-bright LED lights use too much heat, resulting in blue colors. If you have a vehicle with black paint, or if you like the color white, these H11 bulbs can enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
Things to Consider
The SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are excellent for most applications, but they’re only slightly brighter than OEM halogen lights. While this is great for other drivers on the road, you’ll run into trouble in total darkness on back roads.
If you need brighter LED H11 bulbs, the NINEO H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. With 12,000 lumens of light, you’ll never have to worry about being unable to see the road ahead.
Who It’s For
SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that wants LED lights in a metropolitan area. The LED lights are bright, but they won’t blind other drivers.

Pros

30,000-hour lifespan
Not too bright
Fanless cooling
200-meter range
Great beam density and light temperature

Cons

Not much brighter than OEM lights

6. Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love how bright these bulbs are without generating a significant amount of heat. It’s impressive that such low wattage bulbs can be so bright.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 10,000
Temperature: 6,000K
Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are a well-rounded workhorse option that comes with a lot of premium features. First and foremost, they boast an impressive 10,000 lumens while only generating 6,000K of heat. That’s a lot of light to produce without generating significant levels of heat. Plus, they include a 10,000RPM fan to keep the bulbs cool.
While the fan and brightness are great, this product is also made with premium materials. Cougar Motor makes use of aviation-grade aluminum to ensure the bulbs don’t break within their housing. These bulbs are also 100% waterproof and rated for use in extreme climates.
What Sets it Apart
Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because of the energy they save. Most bulbs that produce over 10,000 lumens use a lot of wattage, typically upwards of 40 watts per bulb. It’s impressive that Cougar Motor was able to reduce the wattage in their LED bulbs without compromising their brightness. This makes the lights less of a burden on your vehicle’s alternator, battery, and fuse box.
Things to Consider
The Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are great for multiple applications, but the fan can get annoying. While the fan works well and doesn’t break easily, it generates more noise than other H11 bulbs that use fans. Plus, based on reviews, the fan makes more noise over time.
If you like everything about these bulbs, except for the noisy fan, the Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. They’re almost identical, but the Fahren fan uses silent technology to reduce noise.
Who It’s For
Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that has a lot of aftermarket work done to their vehicle. Your fuse box can only handle so much before blowing fuses, so these low wattage bulbs are a great way to keep energy consumption to a minimum.

Pros

High lumens with low wattage output
Durable, high-performance cooling fan
Not too bright

Cons

The cooling fan is noisy

7. HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs because they make shopping for an H11 bulb simple. They fit 99.9% of vehicles, so you don’t need to worry about getting disappointed when it’s time to install them.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 10,000
Temperature: 6,000K
HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are durable and made with premium materials. The housing is made with aviation-grade aluminum, and there is a dual-turbo 10,000RPM fan to keep the bulbs cool. While the lights are bright, this product comes with a 360° adjustable beam pattern that makes it compatible with almost 100% of vehicles that use H-style housings.
The HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are also easy to install. The parts are compatible with most vehicles, so it’s a plug-and-play product. You can get the installation done in your driveway in about ten minutes, depending on the vehicle. These bulbs also last 50,000 hours, which is longer than most LED lights around, and their warranty lasts two years.
What Sets it Apart
HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because they’re compatible with almost every vehicle. The adjustable beam ring makes it compatible in Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Honda, and GMC. For older vehicles or of a unique made and model, most of the parts that come in this set are DIY. So, you can make variations to the housing to make the bulbs compatible with other vehicles.
Things to Consider
HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are great for anyone that needs new headlights, but they’re too bright for some situations. For example, if you live in a crowded metropolitan area, 10,000 lumens is too bright. Not only will it make it difficult for you to see, but it puts other drivers in danger.
If you live in a metropolitan area and need dimmer headlights, the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re made with similar quality but have fewer lumens.
Who It’s For
HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are for shoppers that need a reliable H11 bulb that can fit most vehicles. Working on cars is a hassle, and when things go wrong, it’s frustrating. With the adjustable 360° beam pattern, you’ll be able to make these bulbs fit 99.9% of vehicles on the road. If you don’t want to worry about checking your make, model, and bulb size, this product is an excellent choice.

Pros

Adjustable 360° beam pattern
Fits 99.9% of vehicles
2-year warranty
Dual-turbo fan for cooling

Cons

Too bright for metropolitan areas
A dual-turbo fan can fail, which leads to the bulbs burning out

8. Best Halogen H11 Bulbs: Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love the Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb because it’s a simple replacement bulb. It’s easy to install, and you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers on the road.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Type: Halogen
Lumens: 1,700
Temperature: 3,000K
The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb comes in a pack of two. These H11 bulbs are designed to replace your stock halogen headlights. The H11 bulbs are also halogen bulbs, making them easy to replace and compatible with most vehicles. Also, because they’re halogen lights, you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers on the road.
The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is also made with aviation-grade aluminum to keep the bulbs safe in their housing. There are no fancy features, like a cooling fan, because the bulbs don’t reach high enough temperatures to need one. These are simple halogen H11 bulbs.
What Sets it Apart
Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is unique because of its simplicity and affordability. While the bulbs are inexpensive, they’re made with premium features like robust filament and durable glass. For the price, they’re a simple replacement bulb that performs better than OEM halogen headlights.
Things to Consider
Halogen lights all suffer from the same drawbacks. For example, halogen lights don’t last as long as HID or LED bulbs. Halogen lights are also not as bright as HID or LED bulbs. Still, they’re more adorable, and you don’t need to worry about blinding other drivers with halogen bulbs.
If you’re looking for brighter replacement bulbs, the Cougar Motor LED Headlight Bulbs are a great alternative. These bulbs offer double the brightness.
Who It’s For
The Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is for shoppers that need a reliable replacement Headlight bulb. If you’re not looking for anything fancy or expensive, this product is a great choice. It won’t blow you away, but they’re higher in quality than most OEM headlights.

Pros

Won’t blind other drivers
Made with aviation-grade aluminum
No cooling fan or fancy features
Easy installation
Inexpensive

Cons

Not as bright as LED and HID bulbs
Shorter lifespan than LED and HID bulbs

9. Best H11 Bulbs for Fog Lights: Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: We love how Alla Lighting designed H11 bulbs for use as fog lights.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $
Type: LED
Lumens: 2,800
Temperature: 6,000K
Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are designed to fit most fog light housings. Fog lights are located underneath your headlights and shine light through fog to alert other drivers. For this reason, upgrading stock halogen fog lights to bright LED fog lights is a great idea.
The Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are made well and feature aviation-grade aluminum. While the housings are robust, the bulbs are simple to install. There are no additional wires, so all you need to do is plug-and-play. They also come with an intelligent IC chip and a 1-year warranty.
What Sets it Apart
Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are unique because they’re specifically designed for fog lights. Instead of being as bright as headlights, they’re dim enough to not blind other drivers on the road. Overall, they’re an excellent replacement for your standard lights.
Things to Consider
The Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs to perform as advertised, but they’re for fog light housings. Unfortunately, you can’t use these lights as headlights. Even if you did, they wouldn’t be bright enough.
If you need H11 bulbs for your headlights, any product like the Sylvania H11 XtraVisison Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
Alla Lighting H11 LED Fog Light Bulbs are for shoppers that need to replace their fog lights. They’ll perform better in foggy conditions and enhance the style of your vehicle, especially if your fog lights are yellow.

Pros

Great for fog lights
Helps other drivers see you in the fog
1-year warranty
Intelligent IC chip

Cons

Only suitable for fog lights

10. Best H11 Bulbs for Rural Areas: Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Our favorite feature of the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs is the intelligent IC drive. This small component makes the installation hassle-free when dealing with modern computers.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts
Price: $$
Type: LED
Lumens: 12,000
Temperature: 6,500K
Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs give off a white light that chops through the night. The white light is also great for fog, snow, rain, and other conditions. Plus, it can enhance the aggressive appearance of a sports car or truck. The white light is brighter than most H11 bulbs you can find, but they line-up with stock halogen headlights. So, the beam is in the same place, which means other drivers won’t get blinded by the light.
Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are also made well. The housing is made out of durable aluminum and includes a high-speed fan to dissipate excess heat. This gives the bulbs a long lifespan of 30,000 hours before burning out. These bulbs are also easy to install because there are no additional wires; it’s all one unit.
What Sets it Apart
Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are unique because they come with built-in intelligent IC drives. When installing aftermarket H11 bulbs, your car’s computer can get thrown off. Auxito uses the IC drives to keep electromagnetic interference to a minimum, and it solves most computer problems that plague other H11 aftermarket bulbs. For most vehicles, you won’t need an additional headlight decoder.
Things to Consider
Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are great, but they’re too bright. Whereas 8,000 to 10,000 lumens is acceptable, 12,000 is pushing it. Even if the beams are in-line with where the stock headlights used to be, if someone catches a glimpse of your lights, it can be dangerous. Twelve thousand lumens will help you see, sure, but it’s dangerous for other drivers on the road.
If you like the style of these H11 bulbs but need a little less brightness, the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re not as bright and won’t blind other drivers.
Who It’s For
If you live in a densely wooded area, or somewhere remote without streetlights, the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re brighter than most H11 bulbs you can find, so you’ll be able to see in absolute darkness. Still, if you’ll be around other vehicles often, we recommend getting H11 bulbs that are less bright.

Pros

Great for remote and dark areas
Intelligent IC drive increases compatibility with modern computers
Plug-and-play design, no additional wires
30,000-hour lifespan

Cons

Too bright for urban and suburban driving

Everything you Need to Know About H11 Bulbs
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/car-headlights-run-through-flood-water-1388476514 alt text: Headlight in the rain]
Shopping for H11 bulbs is a breeze when you have the ten best products in front of you. Still, you should shop based on your needs. Narrow down your options based on the factors below.
Getting Started
Before we get into specific locations and situations, it’s essential to determine the type of H11 bulb you need. There are halogen, HID, and LED lights to choose from.
Halogen
Halogen H11 bulbs are basic but serve a purpose. They come stock on most cars and trucks. They’re not fantastically bright, but get the job done. This makes them useless during the day and average at night. While halogen bulbs are basic, they’re inexpensive and compatible with most vehicles. This means you won’t need a headlight decoder if you replace your stock halogen lights with an aftermarket set.
If you’re looking for an affordable halogen replacement, the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great choice. It’s budget-friendly and performs as well as stock halogen bulbs.
If you like the style and performance of halogen lights, but are looking for an upgrade, the Sylvania H11 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great choice. It performs better than average halogen bulbs and has a longer lifespan.
LED
For many shoppers, LED lights are the cream of the crop. These lights boast impressive levels of brightness, and they’re versatile enough to be used as fog lights, headlights, and high beams. LED bulbs also last, on average about 30,000 hours. While LED lights are well-rounded, they’re more expensive than halogen lights.
If you’re looking to upgrade to LED lights, Fahren H11/H9/H8 Headlight Bulbs are a great place to start. They have an average price tag but come with premium features like aviation-grade aluminum, a 12,000RPM cooling fan, and heat sinks.
How Location Plays a Role
Knowing what type of H11 bulb you need is a great place to start, but location is everything. Depending on where you live, your headlight needs vary. So, we’re going to take you through the three common living areas and break down the H11 bulbs that work best for each one.
Urban Areas
We’ll start with urban areas. Urban areas are filled with people, cars, lights, and buildings. In densely populated areas, the need for bright headlights diminishes. If you live in a city, you don’t need to worry about having the brightest lights, so under 10,000 lumens is acceptable.
If you live in an urban area, the SEALIGHT Scoparc S1 H11/H8/H9 Headlight Bulbs are a great choice. They’re premium LED lights that aren’t bright enough to blind pedestrians or other drivers.
While LED lights work well in urban areas, so do halogen lights. If you’re looking for a cheap replacement, and you live in the city, the Philips H11 Standard Halogen Headlight Bulb is a great product. The bulbs are cheap, easy to install, and won’t blind your neighbors.
Rural Areas
Rural areas have a lot of open roads, woods, wilderness, and wildlife. There is little to no light pollution, and street lights are uncommon. This makes rural areas challenging to drive through at night because it’s hard to see the road. Plus, if there is a hazard on the road, you might not see it until it’s too late.
If you live in a rural area, you need LED H11 bulbs. Not just any LED bulb, but the Auxito H11 H8 H9 LED Headlight Bulbs. This Auxito H11 bulb is bright enough to give you 200 meters of vision. In a rural area, that’s ideal.
Suburban Areas
The suburbs are right in-between rural and urban areas. The suburbs lack tall buildings and crowded street corners, but there are still plenty of lights, people, towns, and well-lit roads. Still, some suburban towns are darker than others, so having a good set of LED H11 bulbs is ideal.
For suburban driving, our favorite H11 bulbs are the HIKARI H11/H9/H8 LED Headlight Bulbs. These bulbs fit 99.9% of vehicles, and they’re bright enough to light up the neighborhood without blinding the neighbors.
How to Replace Your Vehicle’s Headlights
Finding the best H11 bulb is only half of the battle. Replacing your headlights seems like a challenge, but if you know what you’re doing, for most vehicles, it will only take you about ten minutes. So, we’re going to show you how to replace your stock headlights with aftermarket H11 bulbs in five easy steps.
Step 1
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure there is no power running through your vehicle. To do so, turn the engine off and make sure your keys aren’t in the ignition. If you leave your keys in the ignition (even if your headlights are off), in modern vehicles, at least, some headlight systems will remain on.
Step 2
Once you know your vehicle is off, pop open the hood and familiarize yourself with the engine bay. We recommend taking a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual to identify the tools you’ll need to complete the job. The owner’s manual can also show you where the hood release pin, lever, or button is.
Tools aside, you’ll also want to locate the housing for your headlights. For most vehicles, this will require you to remove the front bumper. Luckily, most bumpers and grilles can be removed with a 10mm socket and ratchet.
Step 3
Next, you’ll want to disconnect the wires that run from your battery to the headlights. Typically, three wires are connected to a harness. To remove the cables, and harness, simply push the clips in and gently pull the lights out.
Step 4
Once you have the harness disconnected, it’s just you and the bulbs. While every vehicle is different, most headlights can be removed by unscrewing them. If your bulbs are stock, we recommend using pliers or a vice grip. You want to be careful here because if you break anything, you’ll need a new harness. Use a pair of gloves here as the threads can produce sharp metal filings.
Step 5
The final step is screwing your H11 bulbs into place. This is straightforward, but there are a few precautions you need to take before you do so. Be careful not to contaminate the bulbs with dirt and oil, as they can cause lights to overheat and burst.
[embedded content]
FAQ
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/h11-led-bulbs-1364763701 alt text: Yellow H11 bulb]
What Vehicles use H11 Bulbs?
H11 bulbs are single-beam bulbs that many modern vehicles use. Even if your vehicle didn’t come with H11 bulbs, there is a good chance it came with H8 or H9 harnesses. The good news is that many vehicles with ‘H’ style bulb threading can accommodate H11 bulbs; just be sure to look up your make and model before choosing a bulb size.
Can H11 Bulbs be Used in any Weather?
Yes, H11 bulbs can be used in most weather conditions. Halogen, LED, and HID lights are all safe to use in the rain, snow, fog, and extreme temperatures. Still, some lights are better than others for specific situations. For example, LED lights perform better in the rain, and HID lights are the best at night.
Do H11 Bulbs Turn Yellow?
The color of your H11 bulb depends on the temperature output of the bulb. If a bulb drops below 3,000K, it will begin to take on a yellow color. If you have halogen lights, this is normal but LED and HID lights will not fade in temperature color over time and thus should never be yellow.
What Headlights Blind Other Drivers?
While LED lights are bright, they’re safer than halogen and HID lights. LED bulbs are bright, but you can control the beam density and position of the light to keep other drivers safe. With HID lights, though, more glare is created, and it’s difficult to control how light overflows beyond the beam.
Wrapping Up
Nobody wants to replace their headlights; we get that. Still, at some point, it’s a chore you’ll have to do. Knowing everything you can about H11 bulbs makes it easy to find the set you need when that dreaded time comes. Plus, when you have the ten best H11 bulbs in front of you, shopping becomes nearly hassle-free. More

Here’s how it goes. You buy some new flat-pack furniture from your favorite flat-pack store, throw the cardboard box of goodies into your truck, and it rains. “If only there was a better way!” you shout into the void as soup leaks from its cardboard box onto your driveway. Then you realize that you don’t live in an infomercial, and that tonneau covers have existed since the first trucks rolled off the assembly line, so you consider grabbing one.

Covering the Basics of Truck Bed Covers
First things first, because we know you want to know. Why the heck is it called a tonneau cover? Well, tonneau is the French word for cask, which at first was used in the 20s and 30s to describe the barrel-like cloth covering that protected the back half of cars. People would stretch fabric over the rear seats of their convertible in order to get an aerodynamic edge. It was a simpler time. Nowadays, it’s synonymous with a truck bed cover, and they primarily come in two flavors.
Hard or Soft Tops
Modern truck bed covers are either soft, made usually of fabric or vinyl, or hard, where they are made from plastic or metal. Each type comes in numerous styles, which we’ll discuss here in the quick guide. They are made from a huge variety of materials too, which we’ll touch on down in the big guide at the bottom.
Soft
Soft covers are soft. Shocking, we know. Soft covers offer good weatherproofing and are very easy to stow when not in use. They aren’t as durable as hardcovers, but are often much cheaper.
Hard
Hardshell covers are stronger and more secure than soft shell covers. They are not necessarily more weatherproof than soft covers, but they will last longer and resist damage a lot better.
Tonneau Cover Styles
In addition to the shell material, tonneaus come in a handful of styles. The way they retract affects how usable your truck is as a truck and how easy they are to operate in general.
Folding
A folding cover is segmented, and each segment folds back onto the previous one. Most are either 3 or 4 segments. The best part of a segmented tonneau is that you can open it up part way and use it as the trunk on a car. The bad news is that even when they are open as far as possible, they still take up a lot of space.
Roll Up
Covers that roll up can be a godsend if you often need to haul oversized objects. If you need to stow them, you just roll them all the way up into a tight bundle. Then you’ll have access to your entire bed. The downside is that rolling them up and then having to unroll them is inconvenient and slow.
Retractable
A fancy alternative to rolling up a cover is to have a box that it retracts into. Picture a set of blinds on your home’s windows. These work the same way and offer something that is a lot like a compromise between rolling and folding. They offer the most coverage options, but the box still takes up valuable space.
Automatic
If money is no object, you can get covers that open and close at the push of a button. Ladies and gentlemen, Star Wars has nothing on us.
Double- Then Triple-Check the Size
Truck beds come in a lot of sizes. A short bed Tacoma is 4ft by 5ft. If you live the Taco life but go crazy and buy a cover for a long bed F250, no amount of DIY will allow you to simply lop 1ft off the width and 3ft off the length. Most manufacturers offer a ton of sizes on their product page, but you can also use Amazon to double-check for you by setting up your garage.
There are a lot of options out there, which is why we narrowed it down to 10. Take a look; it might be helpful to browse through all of the options just so you know what kind of crazy stuff is out there. We even included one for a Wrangler, so that Jeep people don’t feel excluded.

Top 10 Best Tonneau & Truck Bed Covers 2020

1. Best Overall Tonneau: Tyger Auto T5 Alloy Hardtop

View on Amazon

Why we like it: It’s indestructible, easy to operate, and is one of the most budget-friendly hardtops on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Hard
Material: Aluminum
Stow Away Method: 3-fold
Who Is It Best For?
If ease of use, durability, and style are your primary concerns, then this is the lid for you. It’s also one of the least expensive hardtops out there, so it won’t set you back too far. Basically, people who are just looking for a great cover that will keep up with the demand that trucks require, here it is.
If you haul a lot of stuff, though, it will be in the way more often than not. Check out a rolling tonneau like the Gator here instead.
What Feature Stands Out?
Tyger really goes out of their way to make their tonneau covers easy to install. In fact, their folding soft top is one of the best values out there and is also highly rated on our list here largely because of how easy it is to install and use. The Tyger mounting system uses big cammed clamps that take minutes to lock onto your bed; it’s very nice. You don’t need tools. You don’t even need an extra person to help.
Our Thoughts
It’s just hard to believe that you can get an easy to use, aluminum tonneau for this price. Security and protection from elements are two of the biggest reasons to get a bed cover, and the Tyger T5 has both in droves. If your tailgate is locked, people aren’t getting in. The weather can’t get in either; the Tyger has some awesome weathertight rails that also cushion the top.
Those rails make it a very quiet unit to operate. That’s sort of against truck mentality, but when you go camping and are trying to sneak out the donut box before the rest of the family wakes up, you’ll be thankful for it.
There’s got to be a bad side, right? Nothing is just good all around. There is, but they are only bad sides that are inherent to all folding hardtops. It will leak if it isn’t installed perfectly square. It’s not hard to adjust it, and it’s really not a big deal if a little water gets in along the sides most of the time. It just is an issue.
It also takes up a lot of space when fully opened, but as we said: get a roll-up cover if you need the full amount of space. There’s even a hardtop roll up here, so you don’t have to sacrifice the security.
The Tyger’s other issue is that the hinges don’t last as long as more premium brands. That’s just a product of the price. It’s really not a huge downside. You can spend twice as much on the BakFlip and get better hinges if you want.

Pros

Really great value
Very easy to use
Very easy to install too

Cons

Prone to leaks if not seated correctly
Hardware quality could be better

2. Best Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau: Tyger Auto T3 Soft

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The T3 is very budget-friendly, very easy to use, and still strong enough to keep your stuff safe.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Marine-grade vinyl
Stow Away Method: 3-fold
Who Is It Best For?
Ok, so if you saw our overall pick and thought, “dang, I want all those nice features, but it’s out of my budget,” then you are in luck. The Tyger T3 is still waterproof and easy to get in and out of. It’s about as close as a softcover can be to a hardtop.
The only thing you might miss is the extra security of a hardtop, and if that’s the case, there’s no substitute for a hardtop. Just grab the Tyger T5 instead.
What Feature Stands Out?
Just like with the T5, the T3 is just really, really easy to install. You don’t need tools, and the aluminum ribs just slide into place. It’s hard to overstate how nice it is to get a product that you can just walk out to your truck and install.
Our Thoughts
It really was a tough call for us to choose the aluminum Tyger offering over this vinyl one. Both are really easy to operate, both are weatherproof, and both offer no-tool installation. The vinyl is a lot cheaper but doesn’t offer the security or extra durability. The lack of durability is ultimately what prevented the T3 from the top spot. That doesn’t mean it’s terrible by any means, just not quite as good as the T5. It’s a lot cheaper, though, and will make it a better buy for a lot of people.
The T3 is great, is what we are saying in fewer words. The 3 fold design makes it effortless to get to your cargo, and the installation can be done by one person in a matter of minutes. It’s not as amazingly waterproof as the Gator soft top on our lists, but it makes up for it by being easier to live with. Plus, you can just add more weatherstripping and solve the issue, just make sure the seal between the cab side of the bed and the install brackets is perfect.

Pros

Inexpensive
Very easy to use
Very easy to install

Cons

Not as secure as other products
Weatherproofing can take some time

3. Best Budget Tonneau: Gator ETX Soft Roll

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Gator offers this budget-friendly option in a ton of sizes and styles, so it’s easy to get the right one for your truck.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Leather-grain vinyl
Stow Away Method: Roll-up
Who Is It Best For?
The type of person who grabs this Gator softcover is the type of person who just wants a basic cover that’s durable enough to protect their stuff without breaking the bank. It’s for the person that occasionally needs to haul a dirtbike but mostly just wants to keep their tools or luggage out of the sun.
What Feature Stands Out?
Nothing really stands out about the Gator, but we mean that in the nicest way possible. It’s exactly what a softcover should be: easy to unlatch, weatherproof, and storable in a way that offers 100% bed access.
Our Thoughts
Sometimes a truck accessory just needs to be an extension of the utilitarian nature of trucks. Or rather, trucks are for getting stuff done, and you don’t need anything fancy. That’s what Gator offers. It’s no TruXedo, there’s no auto tensioning or fancy fabric. The top is just thick vinyl that’s waterproof and damage resistant. It’ll scratch and get beat up over time, but that only means it will match the rest of the truck.
The Gator cover is exceptionally waterproof, but the fit could be a lot better. It’s a bit of a strange issue since usually bad fitment is what leads to water penetration. Gator’s softcover just extends so far over the rails that it acts like a big vinyl umbrella for your trucks. An umbrella that can be heavy and hard to work with, sometimes, which can be annoying. The Tyger soft top is much easier to work with if you don’t want to fight the vinyl. You will lose the 100% bed access, so it’s up to you to choose utility or ease.

Pros

Waterproofing is excellent
You get total bed access when it’s rolled
Inexpensive

Cons

Vinyl scratches easily
Can be a bit hard to work with sometimes

4. Best Premium Tonneau: BakFlip MX4

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The MX4 is simply one of the best hardtop folding covers on the market.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Hard
Material: Aluminum
Stow Away Method: 3-fold
Who Is It Best For?
The BakFlip is tough. You can put up to 400lbs on top of it, and that makes it the right cover for tradespersons or anyone else that needs durability above all else. Further adding to the all work attitude of the BakFlip is the fact that it can be stowed upright, so you can still use your bed to haul rocks without damaging it. It’s not as full access as a roll-up, but it’s close.
What Feature Stands Out?
After folding it up, the BakFlip locks in place upright. That gives you full access to the bed. Granted, it’s at the expense of seeing through your back window, but that’s what mirrors are for. It does leave your brake light exposed, something they advertise often. If you are using your truck bed to its fullest, you probably will cover it up anyway.
Our Thoughts
To get a really good feel for how tough the BakFlip is, take a look at the complaints around the web. Through a hurricane, there was a little bit of water that got underneath. It got dented during a hail storm. There were, gasp, scratches after the truck rolled over. Those are events that would destroy other covers and everything underneath them. Still, instead of replacing their cargo, people just complain online. If that doesn’t speak volumes about how good the durability is, we’re not sure what would.
All things considered, it’s not even that expensive. It’s twice as much as the Tyger, sure, but it’s downright cheap compared to losing a bed full of tools.
We do wish it was a little more secure. The aluminum Recoil on the list has its own external lock, whereas the BakFlip does not. It opens from both sides, convenient, but makes it a little easier to pry open with a crowbar.
The only other bad thing is that it’s harder to install for a folding tonneau. Not hard, just not as frustration-free as something made by Tyger.

Pros

Durable
Folds out of the way for full bed access
Opens from both sides

Cons

Not as secure as other premium models
Takes a while to install

5. Best Premium Soft Tonneau: TruXedo Pro X15

View on Amazon
Why we like it: There are two things that make the X15 stand out: it looks fantastic, and TruXedo is an awesome brand name. But it’s also one of the best soft tonneau covers money can buy.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Black woven fabric
Stow Away Method: roll-up
Who Is It Best For?
This is one of the best soft tonneau covers you can buy, so if you are the type of person that values premium products, then here it is. You get all the benefits of a roll-up cover. You also get a fabric top that is stronger and much easier to look at than the vinyl tops like the Gator. It’s much more of a truck accessory for the suburban warrior than the farm truck.
What Feature Stands Out?
The woven cloth top is especially nice, but what makes it really stand out is the auto-tension system. Fabric stretches over time, and one of the big drawbacks to a fabric top is that it will sag and look terrible when it stretches and distorts it. Most soft tonneaus get around that issue by having ribs or aluminum supports that span the bed’s width to hold it up. The TruXedo holds the entire top under tension with springs instead.
Our Thoughts
The TruXedo is a dream to work with. The woven top is lightweight and easy to roll, and won’t become a nightmare when it’s cold. It’s also really good looking. The top doesn’t stick up despite sitting on top of the rails, and the lack of ribs give you a uniform look across the entire surface.
There’s a price to looking good. There always is. Like most premium products, the TruXedo has a premium price. Especially compared to the very utilitarian Gator soft top. Even for a woven fabric top, it costs a lot. You can get the Lund for nearly half the price.
It’s also not great for the working man, so to speak. The fabric can be torn easily compared to vinyl, and water can sometimes find its way in since it doesn’t entirely cover the top of the bed.
It’s very good quality, though. We say that it’s easy to be torn easily, but that’s only in comparison to heavy vinyl tops. It’s tough fabric, and the rails will outlast your truck.

Pros

Woven fabric is very easy to work with
Auto-tensioner keeps cover tight over time
Looks really good

Cons

Expensive for a soft top
Could stand to be more waterproof

6. Best Retractable Hard Tonneau: Gator Recoil

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Gator Recoil is a secure, durable top that rolls all the way up. That way, you get the best of both hard tops and soft tops.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Hard
Material: Aluminum
Stow Away Method: Retractable
Who Is It Best For?
A hardshell unit’s security and the raw, unlimited convenience of a roll-up cover make this perfect for families. Let us explain.
You take the truck to the store and get a bunch of groceries? Just retract the top, unload the cart, pull it back closed.
Kids traveling with more luggage than a Persian Prince? Open the cover, throw it all in the bed, close the lid.
Your SO caught a bunch of salmon and needs a pickup? Open the cover, place them in the back with their fish, and return home without stinking up the cab.
What Feature Stands Out?
The recoil part of the Gator Recoil means that it’s super easy to access your stuff. It “coils” up as it slides along the tracks. That means you can open it as little or as much as you want, and that it’s incredibly easy to get into the bed.
The downside to the recoil part is that it takes up a lot of space. The rolled metal slats are just a lot bigger than a rolled soft top like the other Gator on the list.
Our Thoughts
Usually, installing a tonneau cover is a death sentence for the convenience of having a bed. You don’t have to make that sacrifice with the Recoil, and that makes it fantastic. It’s aluminum, which makes it tough, and the flush mounting makes it look fantastic.
It’s not as easy to install as other units just because of the retraction mechanism, but it also isn’t very expensive for a fancy hardtop.
The low cost is why there are some quality issues. It’s a lot less money than the Roll N Lock, our other retractable option, and it does show. The aluminum is thinner and can flex in the middle. The tracks need to be fiddled with more than other units, and it can sometimes get stuck while you are retracting it. Just jiggle it, it’ll come loose easy enough.
None of those downsides are worth overlooking the Recoil, though. It’s hard to overstate how easy it is to use and work with.

Pros

Easy to use
Durable
Good looking

Cons

Takes up a lot of bed space
Could stand to have better rigidity

7. Best Ridiculously Fancy Automatic Tonneau: Roll N Lock E-Series

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The features and styling of the Roll N Lock transcend truck culture and dip straight into the James Bond gadget territory.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Hard
Material: Coated aluminum
Stow Away Method: Automatic retraction
Who Is It Best For?
We’re just going to come right out and say it. This is perfect for anyone that wants to show off. You roll up to your friends’ house, hop out of the truck, and hit the button so the tonneau automatically retracts right in front of their awestruck eyes.
You could argue that someone who has difficulty operating traditional covers from a disability could really benefit from the automation. After all, everyone loves trucks, even if you have to load a wheelchair into the back every so often.
It’s just that we all know the reality is that the average person who buys this unit is doing it to be impressive, and that’s ok.
What Feature Stands Out?
The obvious stand out feature is the automatic retraction, but the Roll N Lock has no end of other great things. It has its own lock, so you can lock it independently of the tailgate. It has extra, over-engineered waterproofing. Really though, it’s the automatic retraction that will make you want this.
Our Thoughts
This is the most expensive unit on this list. It also takes up the most space and is the hardest to install. If you can overlook that, then it is one of the most amazing units out there. Picture it, you drive up to the hotel, and the valet comes out. You hold up a finger and hit a button, the tonneau retracts. You grab your luggage, and the tonneau closes and locks into place. Your remaining cargo is safe, and everyone in the lobby is staring. Nice.
The Gator Recoil retracts too, so if you don’t want to spend the dough but still like the cool look and ease of use, get the Recoil. The Recoil isn’t automatic, though; that’s Roll N Lock territory only.

Pros

Has extra security measures
Automatically retracts
Looks awesome

Cons

Expensive
Takes up a lot of bed space

8. Best Simple Weatherproof Tonneau: Lund Genesis Elite

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Lund Genisis is good looking, lightweight, and does exactly what you need it to do.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Premium canvas
Stow Away Method: Roll-up
Who Is It Best For?
The Lund is sort of like the balance between the no-frills, rugged Gator soft top, and the looks and luxury of the Truxedo. Basically, if you don’t want to spend a ton, but still want something nicer than the Gator, Lund has the Genisis Elite just for you.
What Feature Stands Out?
The thing that sets the Lund apart from the Gator soft tonneau is how easy the canvas is to work with than the standard vinyl. If you’ve ever worked with cold vinyl, you know how much of an absolute pain in the rear it can be to deal with. Get this Lund if you live in a cold place or plan on rolling and unrolling your cover a lot. The time you save not having to fight with the vinyl will make the price worth it.
Our Thoughts
The Lund sits in a weird place. It’s a premium product. The woven canvas top is one of the best soft tops out there. It’s easy to work with and looks really good. At the same time, they market it as ultra-tough and work truck ready, despite the cloth top being less durable than a vinyl top.
It costs more than the more utilitarian products too, so it’s really not the working man’s cover. It’s in between, which makes us wonder who the product is for. People wanting a premium product will probably spend more and get a hardtop, and people who need something tough will probably get less costly Gator or Tyger.
That being said, it’s a really nice roll-top tonneau. It installs easily with a set of wrenches. It has a quick-release function that makes it easy to roll up, and like we keep mentioning, the fabric is nice. At the end of the day, people who just want something nicer for their work truck will love the Lund.

Pros

The woven fabric top looks great
The quick-release function makes the bed easy to access
Installs quickly

Cons

A bit expensive for a simple soft top
Not as durable as vinyl tops

9. Best Cheap Folding Tonneau: Mostplus Quad Fold

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s amazing that you can get a folding, easy to use cover for so cheap, and that forgives some of its quality issues.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Vinyl
Stow Away Method: 4-fold
Who Is It Best For?
There exists a type of person on this earth that gets a thrill out of buying really cheap, unproven products and making them work. This cover is for them. It’s quirky, very cheap, and Mostplus is the least convincing name for a knockoff item we have ever seen. It does what it says, though, so if money is your biggest concern or you are just one of the people who like fighting with technology, this is for you.
What Feature Stands Out?
The low cost is the thing that offers the biggest draw for the Mostplus, but it does have another neat feature. It folds and stows upright like the BakFlip, giving you a lot of access to the bed despite the fold-up design.
Our Thoughts
The Tyger T3 is a proven, good quality tonneau that only costs about $50 more than this Mostplus. Get the T3 unless you are comfortable doing some DIY modifications to a product.
That being said, the Mostplus does come with everything that a good cover should come with. It’s got a tool-less installation, it’s easy to flip up, and it is waterproof.
Where you will notice the lack of quality is in the vinyl cover. It’s thin and unlined. That makes it bad at withstanding damage, so don’t expect it to survive the trail. It also means that any yahoo with a pocket knife can get into your bed if they really want to.
At the end of the day, though, if you just need a tonneau cover for general weatherproofing that’s easy to use, you won’t feel ripped off if you pick up the Mostplus.

Pros

Cheap
Stows upright for good bed access
Has tool-less installation rails

Cons

Quality isn’t great
Prone to ripping

10. Best Jeep Wrangler Tonneau: Shadeidea Tonneau

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Trucks shouldn’t get all the love. If you own a Wrangler and want the benefits of a tonneau, this one’s for you.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:
Type: Soft
Material: Marine-grade vinyl
Stow Away Method: Fold and stuff into a carrying case
Who Is It Best For?
It might be a little too obvious to point out, but since this is a product built for Wranglers, it’s best for people with Jeep Wranglers. If you love running topless in your JK but hate it when mud crusts over your camping gear, this is the perfect product. It covers the cargo while still allowing you to enjoy the full top-down doors-off life.
What Feature Stands Out?
The Shadeidea is a straightforward cover that has a lot of little smart things that make it great. First, it folds into a case that can be carried around, so when you’re not using it, instead of leaving it attached to the Jeep, you just throw it into your garage. Second, it just stretches and hooks to a few attach points: no button snaps, no zippers, just stretch, and hook.
Our Thoughts
Why should trucks have all the fun? Wranglers have a bed too, and there’s nothing exclusive about wanting to keep your cargo dry. That’s where the Shadeidea comes in; it’s a tonneau for your Wrangler.
If you have a truck, it won’t fit. Get the Tyger T3 or something.
The carrying case is a neat idea, and the simple way it just hooks on makes it one of the fastest installing covers on our list. Unfortunately, the fast stretch and hook system can leak if it gets caught up on something.
Beyond that, it’s a high-quality tonneau for your Jeep. That’s all it needs to be to be awesome.

Pros

Specially made for Wranglers
Easy to install
Comes with a carrying case

Cons

Only fits Jeep Wranglers
Can leak if it doesn’t fit perfectly

The Ins and Outs of Tonneau Coverage
Still on the fence about getting a cargo cover? That’s fine; we are here to lay out all the facts so you can be sure you are making the right choice. Let’s start with the reasons most people get a tonneau.
The Best Reasons to Install a Tonneau Cover
There are some very good reasons to install a cover over your bed. There’s also a common reason that’s not very good, but it gets built up a lot, so we’ll include it.
Protection From the Elements
This is perhaps the biggest reason to get a bed cover. Most of the things people haul on the day to day are not gigantic; they will fit under a tonneau without any issue. It’s nice to know that your stuff is safe from the elements if it rains or some other weather event.
In general, one-piece roll-top tonneaus like the Lund we recommend offer the best protection since they stretch over the rails and don’t have hinges or seams that can leak.
Security
The second most compelling reason to get a cover is to protect your stuff from other people. This is where fabric covers can be undesirable since many can be undone from the outside of the truck.
They can also just be cut with a knife, so even if they secure from the inside, they don’t do much to stop a determined thief. Compare that to coming out and watching some poor fool trying to cut up a hardshell like the Tyger with a pocket knife.
In the real world, the inconvenience of having to undo a softshell to steal your stuff will deter most thievery. Since the enterprising criminal can’t just reach into the bed and pull out your stuff, they will probably just move to the next vehicle.
Looks
When you cover a truck bed, especially with something clean and low profile like the TruxEdo, it can really make the entire truck look better. Something is pleasing about better aerodynamics. This reason is more subjective than the last two.
Some people likely don’t like the looks, and if you are one of those people, that’s ok. There are a lot of people who do, though, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting a good looking truck.
Gas Mileage
This is the section where the mythology runs wild. There are claims of up to 10% better mileage with the addition of a bed cover. You won’t see anywhere near that level of improvement. Mythbusters famously did an episode about this very thing (Episode 64) and found that the gas saved from a tonneau cover was minimal.
Most people report between 3-4% better economy, which means you would have to buy $16k worth of gas for an average cover to pay for itself. There are many great reasons to pick up a tonneau; it doesn’t need to also be a miracle gas saving device.
Materials
There’s a lot of materials in the tonneau world. The materials are often the biggest difference between an inexpensive cover and a premium cover, so it’s good to know a little bit about what the differences are.
Vinyl
The biggest problem with vinyl is that it’s heavy and doesn’t like to cooperate when cold. It’s good at keeping water out, it’s plenty durable, and it resists damage just fine. You just don’t want to be out on a cold morning trying to roll it up or stretch it back into place. It also scratches easily. If you accidentally drag a toolbox across the top, it will leave marks.
The upside is that it’s cheap; vinyl top covers like the Tyger T3 come in at less than half the price of the TruXedo.
Treated Fabric or Canvas
Compared to vinyl, woven fabrics are lightweight, easy to keep clean, and much easier to stretch and keep tight. They can be easier to tear, although that depends more on the thickness of the vinyl you compare it to. Older fabric covers used to be noisy. They would whip and flap in the wind and be all sorts of annoying unless they were brand new.
Modern fabric systems like you find with the Lund cover don’t do that. They are just as silent as their vinyl and hardshell counterparts.
Hard Plastic
We actually didn’t include any hard plastic tonneaus on our list, but that’s not because they are bad. It’s simply that they are rarer nowadays, and we had limited spots. Many trucks came with hard plastic covers as a factory option, like the SportTrac or Avalanche, so they are still out there. They are lightweight, waterproof, and can be very high quality.
The biggest reason people avoid them is that they fade in the sunlight over time. Everyone has seen an Avalanche going around with plastic trim that has faded to pure ugliness. No one wants that for their bed cover.
Aluminum
The most common hardtop material is aluminum. Most soft tonneaus also contain aluminum, either in the frames of folding units or the support ribs of roll-up units. It’s lightweight, strong, and plentiful on this earth. There’s nothing not to love until you drop something on it and put a gnarly dent into it that wouldn’t have even left a mark on the fabric.
There’s a solution, though. If you just picked up the Tyger T5 and are worried about dents, don’t drop things on it. Easy.
Fabric Covered Aluminum
This is a weird one. Some companies wrap aluminum slats in fabric and make a product that looks like medieval armor. You get a cover that is cheaper than a full aluminum top, but still really durable.
It’s rare to see unless you get into the more premo manufacturers like Roll N Lock. We suggest their E-Power on our list, but they also make a retractable, fabric-covered aluminum product.
How the Cover Attaches to the Truck
[Image:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/black-truck-bed-tonneau-cover-1427995370 alt text: a stretch and snap style vinyl tonneau cover]
It’s hard to talk about how a tonneau attaches to a bed just because everybody has their own idea. Tyger uses these big woodworking clamp looking things, while Gator uses standard bolts. What we can do is define some of the more common terms for you. It probably won’t be the deciding factor when choosing a tonneau, but it will help to know what you are getting into after you order one.
Tool-Less
This is Tyger’s big thing; both the T5 and T3 use big clamps that are easy to operate. Tool-less installs rely on clamping to your truck bed without extra rails, and it makes them the most convenient things to install out there.
Just watch this video and you’ll understand instantly why we talked so much about Tyger’s installation process.
Drill-Less
Gator and Lund offer “no-drill” installation, which means you don’t have to put holes into your bed to thread screws or bolts.
Roll-up covers need their own rail system to attach to, so tool-free rail installations use clamps to hold onto the bed. Other no-drill rails use bolts that need to be tightened with a wrench. Roll N Lock’s rails have to be clamped onto the bed using hex head bolts and screwed into the clamps using Phillips screws. While you technically don’t need a drill, you still might want one.
On Top vs. Inside
If you take a look at the Tyger T5, you’ll notice it sits on top of the bed. That gives you a little bit better waterproofing, and it’s easier to install that way.
Compare that to the low profile Gator Retractable that sits inside the bed. Low profile covers are better for aerodynamics, looks, and security. A thief won’t be able to just work a small tool under the cover and pop the rail off if it’s inside the bed.
There are also in-between covers like the Lund. They sit up on the rails, but the rails are inside the bed, giving it a very low profile and great waterproofing.
Tonneau Accessories
Once you have the cover, the possibilities only get more limitless. If you are a hardcore adventurer, consider grabbing a set of over cover rails to mount a rooftop tent, like the ones we talk about over here.
There are even covers that come with their own rails, like [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NZV7815″]this one[/amazon] from Trax. Grab some vinyl conditioner if you have a vinyl top to keep everything shiny, or puck lights to throw underneath the cover so you can see in the dark. If nothing else, there’s always room for another bed-mounted toolbox.
Enjoy the Height of Aerodynamic Design
Trucks are awesome, but the open bed does present some big downsides. Solve them with a cover. Keep thieves and water away from your important stuff by getting a cover. There’s no substitute for peace of mind, and there’s also no substitute for getting all your camp gear out to the lake safely for a great weekend. More

The best thing about life on the road in an RV is it brings you up close and personal with Mother Nature. National Parks filled with spellbinding beauty fill America from coast to coast, with scores of spectacular and diverse landscapes to explore.
After a long day soaking up all that scenic glory, there’s nothing more relaxing than vegging out in front of the TV. But when you’re tucked away deep in backcountry woodlands, getting a good signal can be testing at the best of times. That’s why you need a top-quality RV antenna: you can still enjoy your favorite shows wherever you may roam.
We’ve put together this in-depth buyer’s guide to educate you on everything there is to know about RV TV antennas. And to help make the purchasing process more accessible, we’ve rounded off a top 10 list of the best products on the market.

Before You Buy an RV Antenna
RV antennas aren’t all one and the same; there’s a fair bit more to the gadget than you may think. Before you start shopping for an antenna to attach to your rig, we recommend you mull over the following eight considerations. Note, this is a list of the top antennas for watching TV while in your RV. If you are looking for an antenna to boost your radio signal, you’ll want this list instead.
Type
RV antennas come in two distinct types—the basic UHF/VHF antenna or a satellite system. If you are looking for free TV over the airwaves, the basic option is your best bet. However, if you can’t imagine living without hundreds of channels and don’t mind a monthly subscription fee, then you’d best opt for satellite.
Dimensions
Roof real estate is essential on an RV as you need plenty of room to squeeze on solar panels, air vents, fans, sports equipment, and A/C units. Look for an RV antenna that will fit within the space you’ve got to spare.
Price
Our recommended RV antennas range from $50 to $1300, so the cost may be the deciding factor when working out what to buy. Forgoing fancy extras like exterior mounting, satellite subscriptions, and in-built boosters will save you significant sums of cash.
In-Built Boosters / Amplifiers (UHF/VHF Only)
Antennas with in-built boosters have an extended range to allow you to obtain a signal where you otherwise wouldn’t. If watching crystal clear TV in far-flung places is a must, it’s worth investing in one of these.
Mounting (UHF/VHF Only)
UHF/VHF RV antennas are either mounted inside or outside the rig, either on the roof or around the windscreen. Exterior antennas are more expensive to purchase and install but boast a superior range.
Multi / Omni-Directional (UHF/VHF Only)
Multi-directional antennas receive a signal from every direction, so you don’t have to move them, but their range isn’t great. Omnidirectional antennas have a long range but must be pointed towards the nearest tower by hand.
Dual Arc Technology (Satellite Only)
High-end RV satellite antennas have a fancy feature called Dual Arc Technology, which tracks signals from both east and west orbiting satellites. As a result, you’ll get a superior signal no matter what area of the country you are driving in, even when the weather’s not being nice. 
Networks (Satellite Only)
If you go for a satellite antenna, you need to think long and hard about which network you want to watch. Some only offer DISH, while others are compatible with DirecTV or BELL TV.
For more in-depth information about RV antennas, skip forward to our buyer’s guide.

Top 10 Best RV Antennas 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna

View on Amazon

Why we like it: This brilliant exterior directional antenna rotates 360 degrees to find the optimal signal.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: UHF/VHF
Mounting: Exterior
Multi / Omni-Directional: Omni-Directional
Dimensions: 12.00 x 16.00 x 8.90 inches
In-Built Booster: No
The OA8500 from KING is royalty in the RV antenna world thanks to its powerful omnidirectional antenna that outperforms the competition at this price point. The in-built signal finder uses SureLock technology to hone in on the best available signal, and an easy-to-use internal knob lets you rotate the antenna up to 360 degrees, letting you watch your favorite shows without interference.
Another nifty feature of this antenna is its built-in signal meter that helps you find the nearest TV tower (no more Googling their locations) to find the best possible signal in a flash. Once the meter locks on, simply run a channel scan on your tuner, and you’re ready to roll.
We find it does an outstanding job at enhancing UHF reception, a massive bonus considering the most popular channels are broadcast in this frequency. Nonetheless, for the most part, it also does well at picking up VHF, so there’s usually nothing to worry about if you want to tune into this frequency as well.
If real estate on your roof is in short supply (as it often is when you’ve stacked on several solar panels), you’ll be pleased to know the KING OA8500 is also one of the smallest exterior antennas on the market. At a petite 12 x 16 x 8.9 inches, you’ve still got plenty of room for solar, A/C, and a fan or two.
The only downside to KING is their customer support isn’t the best. If you run into problems or just want help with the install, expect to wait for days for a response (or work it out for yourself).

Pros

Powerful directional antenna
Compact design saves on roof space
SureLock technology finds the closest tower
Excels at receiving UHF signals
Rotates 360 degrees

Cons

Directional antennas require manual configuration
Customer support can be lacking at times

2. Best Budget Pick: Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna

View on Amazon

Why we like it: This best-selling product from Winegard performs well and is super inexpensive.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: UHF/VHF
Mounting: Indoor
Multi / Omni-Directional: Multi-directional
Dimensions: 12 x 0.6 x 13 inches
Winegard is one of the biggest names in the TV antenna game, and its flagship indoor FlatWave FL5500A model is a testament to their success. Despite being an indoor antenna, the unit boasts an impressive range thanks to its high-tech in-built amplifier. Forget about tracking down a booster separately because Winegard has already got you covered.
A low 1dB of noise ensures the signal is crystal clear, at least compared to many of its low-cost competitors. And the fact it’s an indoor model negates the need for expensive exterior installation. Whether you hang it on a wall or lay it flat on the table or floor, the device does an outstanding job of intercepting a UHF/VHF signal.
This particular model isn’t specifically designed for RVs, but that’s no reason not to purchase one for your rig. The ultra-thin, multi-directional antenna looks sleek and sophisticated as well, perfect for RVers who don’t want to ruin their interior aesthetic with an unsightly design. If you like the look and feel of the FlatWave but don’t want to fork over much cash, it also comes in a cheaper, [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063705PE”]non-amplified model[/amazon] that has a lower range.
A word of warning, though: Multi-directional antennas work best when the TV towers are located in different directions. If you tend to RV in an area where the towers are all located in the same direction, you’d be better off grabbing an omnidirectional antenna. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of RVers out there, multi-directional antennas get the job done.

Pros

In-built booster/amplifier
Impressive range
Reasonably priced
Sleek design

Cons

Doesn’t perform as well as exterior antennas
Not ideal when all TV towers are in the same direction

3. Best Premium Pick: Winegard RVW-395 Sensar

View on Amazon

Why we like it: Put simply; it’s the best UHF/VHF RV antenna money can buy.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: UHF/VHF
Mounting: Exterior
In-built Booster: Yes
Dimensions: 47.6 x 15.9 x 8.5 inches
Omni / Multidirectional: Omnidirectional
If you’re an avid watcher of free-to-air TV and you don’t mind spending extra on a powerful exterior antenna to pick up your favorite UFH/VHF shows, look no further than the Winegard RVW-395 Sensar.
Although it comes in at about double the cost as our top pick, the KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna, it’s well worth it if you’re planning on watching free-to-air TV in remote areas. An effective in-built booster makes the Winegard RVW-395 Sensar the best performing UHF/VHF antenna on the market, boasting a whopping 55-mile range. And with that kind of reach, you’re bound to get a decent signal just about everywhere you go.
We do find the Sensar isn’t quite as good as the KING OA8500 in terms of usability, as there’s no SureLock system to help you pinpoint the nearest tower. Nonetheless, it’s easy to raise and lower with a hand crank inside the RV, and it won’t take you all that long to set it up and start watching some shows.
The big drawback here, however, is the size. The Sensar requires 46.25 inches by 15.25 inches of unobstructed roof space on your rig, a hefty area that inhibits your ability to pack on more solar and other goodies. But if you’re driving around in a big rig or towing an oversized fifth wheeler, then you’ve probably got plenty of roof real estate to squeeze this one in.

Pros

Longest ranged UHF/VHS receiver on the market
Easy to use hand crank and direction adjuster
Perfect for watching UHF/VHS in remote areas
In-built booster for optimal performance

Cons

Expensive
No tower finder functionality
Takes up a lot of room

4. Best RV Satellite Antenna: Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The high-performing Winegard Pathway X2 connects seamlessly to the DISH network in even the most challenging weather conditions.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Satellite
Mounting: Exterior
Dimensions: 24.2 x 22.5 x 20.7 inches
Dual Arc Technology: Yes
Networks: DISH
RVers in love with satellite TV would be wise to invest in the Pathway X2, a high-powered satellite antenna/receiver designed for the DISH network. The expansive Pay-As-You-Go network features a broad selection of quality movies and shows, enough to keep even the most passionate couch potato enthused for months on end. One thing we love about DISH is there’s no pricey activation fee or annual contract, which usually equates to significant savings for the casual user.
Those of you rolling around in massive mobile homes will be delighted to hear the system works with two TVs simultaneously; there’ll be no more twiddling your thumbs while the kids watch Frozen for the third time that day. Another nifty plus is that the antenna is 100% automated, so all you have to do is tell it what state you’re in and let the micro-processor do the rest—that gives you precious extra time to catch up on your favorite films.
Unlike some of the cheaper RV satellite antennas on the market, the Pathway X2 incorporates dual arc technology to intercept both east and west orbiting satellites. And that high-tech duality lets you enjoy the high definition DISH network regardless of the weather conditions.
It’s easy to clean and set up, too. The system runs off one coax cable (no need for an extra power cord), and you can quickly wipe it clean with a damp cloth should you notice the signal falter.
If you need a roof mount kit, you’ll need to purchase one separately. Otherwise, you can just plop it on the ground (use the stand to keep it safe from dew) outside your rig. Just remember to bring it back inside when you’re done because you wouldn’t want a fellow RVer to wander off with this expensive bit of kit.

Pros

Receives east and west orbital arcs for superior signal
Works well in adverse weather conditions
Compatible with the DISH Pay-As-You-Go network (good for casuals)
Automated system tunes TV automatically
Easy to set up and clean

Cons

Pricier than most satellite antennas
Doesn’t include roof mount kit

5. Most Convenient: KING OA1501 OmniGo HDTV Antenna

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The KING OA1501 doesn’t require any tuning or pointing; just place it on the ground, and you’re good to go.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: UHF/VHF
Mounting: Exterior (portable)
Omni / Multidirectional: Omni-directional
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2 inches
In-built Booster: Yes
After a long hard day driving through this gorgeous country of ours, the last thing you want to do is stuff around with a TV antenna to obtain a decent signal. And that’s where the KING OA1501 OmniGo shines—this handy little antenna does all the legwork for you.
The antenna incorporates the best of both worlds: omnidirectional technology gives you an impressive range of up to 50 miles, while multi-directional signal acquisition means you don’t have to point it in the right direction yourself. No installing, no tuning, no rotating—just set it and forget it.
Sure, its range won’t match the dedicated omnidirectional antennas on our list, but avoiding the hassle of manual configuration makes that a worthy sacrifice. Plug it in, turn it on, and let the amplified signal booster work its magic.
Now, there’s one rather big caveat to consider here: the device cannot be mounted onto an RV. Instead, you’ll have to carry it outside and place it on a tripod on the ground (it doesn’t work indoors), which does add a layer of effort.
A magnetic RV mount comes included in the deal, but it’s only intended for temporary use. Should you forget to take it off and drive away, there’s a very good chance it’ll end up on the highway. On the bright side, its durable design is sturdy and weatherproof, so it might still be working when you double back to find it again.

Pros

Omni-directional range with multi-directional signal acquisition
Doesn’t require installation, tuning, or rotating
Compact and lightweight design enhances portability
Range of up to 50 miles in favorable conditions
Comes with a tripod and magnetic RV mount

Cons

Cannot be attached to RV; must be placed outside
Magnetic mount isn’t suitable for driving

6. Best Basic Satellite Antenna: Winegard PL-7000R DISH Playmaker

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The PL-7000R Playmaker brings satellite TV to your RV for an affordable price.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Satellite
Mounting: Exterior
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 13 inches
Dual Arc Technology: No
Network: DISH
Satellite TV is an expensive endeavor, especially when you’re living life on the road. Not only do you need to invest in a pricey dish for your rig, but you’ll have to sign up for a paid subscription to access the best movies and shows.
Winegard understands this, and that’s why they bought out the PL-7000R Playmaker, which costs well over a hundred dollars less than their premium model, the Pathway X2 PA6002R. With the money saved, you can watch a plethora of Pay-As-You-Go movies and shows through the DISH network.
Of course, if you’re paying less, you’re not going to get the same quality, and there are a few notable drawbacks to this device. First off, it doesn’t come with dual orbital arc technology, which intercepts signals from satellites traveling both east and west. In short, that means it won’t quite work as well in adverse weather conditions.
Another downside is the PL-7000R Playmaker doesn’t work on two TVs at once, but for RVers with modest-sized rigs, that isn’t going to be an issue. And finally, it doesn’t come with a roof mount, although you can buy one separately for a reasonable sum.
Despite these missing features, the PL-7000R Playmaker offers the high-quality design you’d expect from Winegard. As part of the package, you get a durable dish with an aluminum alloy reflector for an optimal signal interception. A remote control enhances usability, and in-built apps like Netflix are superb for streaming (internet not included, so use your cellphone hot spot).
What’s more, the dish automatically tunes in to the appropriate orbital locations, so you don’t have to stuff around setting it up manually.

Pros

Good value for money satellite antenna
Works on the DISH network
Automatic tuning mechanism
User-friendly remote control

Cons

Doesn’t work perfectly in adverse weather
Can’t watch two TVs at once
Roof mount must be bought separately

7. Best Boosted Range: Winegard RZ-6035 Rayzar

View on Amazon
Why we like it: A non-crank rotation mechanism and an impressive boosted range make the RZ-6035 Rayzar a worthy contender.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: UHF/VHF
Mounting: Exterior
Max Range: 50 miles
Dimensions: 7 x 16.25 x 8.4 inches
In-Built Booster: Yes
This high-performance model from Winegard comes with an in-built booster to afford the antenna an impressive 50-mile range, which is only 5 miles less than our top premium pick, the RVW-395 Sensar.
Although it works with omnidirectional technology, as most good exterior-mounted antennas do, the RZ-6035 Rayzar doesn’t require you to crank the antenna because the unit is fixed in place. And anyone who’s had to wind up an antenna every day for months and years on end will understand just how tiresome the chore can become.
The streamlined design of the RZ-6035 Rayzar looks sleek on the latest model RVs, and the fact it comes in both black and white options guarantees it’ll look slick on your rig. We found the UHF reception to be outstanding, although VHF was a little lacking at times. At least all the mounting equipment and cables come included in the package, so there’s no need to purchase anything else.
Another big plus of the RZ-6035 Rayzar is it’s been designed to be easily retrofitted over the top of an existing antenna. So if you’ve already got an exterior antenna in place and you’re not entirely happy with its range, then consider upgrading to this model for an easy fix.

Pros

Fixed design doesn’t require cranking
Comes with an in-built booster for a 50-mile range
Strong UHF signal interception
Sleek modern design with two color options
Easily replaces an old antenna

Cons

VHF signal isn’t always perfect

8. Best for DirecTV: KING VQ4100 Quest Satellite TV Antenna

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This high-quality satellite antenna is a brilliant choice for users with a subscription to DirecTV.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Satellite
Mounting: Exterior
Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches
Dual Arc Technology: No
Network: DirecTV
While many of the satellite antennas we recommend work exclusively with the DISH network, the KING VQ4100 Quest is a suitable alternative for anyone who’d rather watch DirecTV.
A subsidiary of AT&T, DirecTV is one of the leading satellite broadcasters in America, boasting a whole host of exciting entertainment packages to choose from. In particular, their sports coverage is better than most, so the KING VQ4100 for those who love nothing more than cheering for their team.
If DirecTV isn’t your network of choice, you can easily upgrade to the [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3GHXNY”]KING KOP4800 One Pro[/amazon] version, which is compatible with the DISH network as well.
As for the equipment, it’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium KINGS product. Its tough weather-resistant design is able to withstand the rigors of Mother Nature, while both portable and roof-mounted options afford ample flexibility. You can even use it to watch two TVs at once, although you’ll need to have two receivers installed. And the fact that it’s powered via the coaxial cable means there’s no need for an external power supply.
On the downside, you’ll only be able to watch Standard Definition programming, which is the primary reason we don’t rate this model as high as others on our list.

Pros

Perfect for DirecTV users
Sturdy weather and wind-resistant design
Roof-mounted and portable options
Doesn’t require an external power supply

Cons

No HD programming

9. Best In-Motion Satellite Antenna: Winegard RT2035T Roadtrip T4

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Roadtrip T4 lets the kids watch satellite TV while you drive.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Satellite / In-Motion
Mounting: Exterior
Dimensions: 15.6 x 18.75 x 15.63 inches
Dual Arc Technology: Yes
Networks: DISH, DirecTV, BELL
Every parent knows how annoying kids can be on a road trip—there’s only so many times you can patiently explain, “No, we’re not there yet.”
But what if there were a way to keep them entertained while you focus on driving? Enter the RT2035T Roadtrip T4, an ‘In-Motion’ satellite antenna that can pick up a crystal clear picture while you’re doing 70mph on the freeway.
While standard satellite antennas don’t have a hope of intercepting signals at such speeds, In-Motion technology overcomes that obstacle—and it’s a godsend for traveling RV families. Of course, it’s highly irresponsible (and illegal) for a driver to watch TV, so you’ll need to position the screen well away from any rearview mirrors.
Aside from the advanced In-Motion feature, the RT2035T Roadtrip T4 makes for a mighty fine satellite antenna. RVers can use it to watch not one but three networks—DISH, DirecTV, and BELL TV—with impressive clarity anywhere in America.
A simple one-push button mechanism sets the machine in action, prompting it to make all the necessary configurations and signal acquisitions on your behalf. It’s super quiet, too, so there’s very little chance you’ll hear the unit over the roar of the engine.
The downside to the design is price: In-Motion antennas don’t come cheap. At well over a thousand bucks a pop, this product is by far the most expensive on our list.

Pros

The kids can watch satellite TV while you drive
Three different networks to choose from
One-push button configuration
Quiet operating mechanism

10. Best for Bad Weather: KING DTP4950 DISH Tailgater Pro Bundle

View on Amazon
Why we like it: This high-tech satellite receiver incorporates dual arc technology to pick up a signal when the weather is playing foul.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Satellite
Mounting: Exterior
Dimensions: 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches
Dual Arc Technology: Yes
Networks: DISH
The DISH Tailgater Pro Bundle is KING’s answer to the Winegard Pathway X2, offering almost identical functionality for a similar price.
Much like the Winegard model, this state-of-the-art antenna features dual arc technology to intercept signals from both east and west orbiting satellites, thus giving the user a superb viewing experience on rainy and cloudy days. You can also connect it to two televisions at once, which is fantastic when you want some alone time. Furthermore, as with the Winegard, you can use it to run apps like Netflix and games, although you’ll need an existing Wi-Fi connection with plenty of spare data.
Coming in at just 8 pounds and measuring a meager 17 x 18.75 x 13.5 inches, it’s smaller and more compact than the Pathway X2, a blessing when you’re running out of room on the roof of your rig.
Although the two products are super similar on paper, we did find the Winegard to have better performance, especially in poor weather conditions. Nonetheless, the Tailgater Pro Bundle from KING is still an excellent RV satellite antenna that’s worthy of consideration.

Pros

Dual arc technology performs well in wet weather
Can be used on two TVs at once
Plays apps like Netflix (Wi-Fi connection required)
Lightweight and compact
Reasonably priced

Cons

Doesn’t perform as well as the Pathway X2

RV Antennas Buyer’s Guide
Here’s where we dish out the nitty-gritty on everything there is to know about RV antennas. We recommend giving this section a thorough read through before purchasing an antenna to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.
What Is An RV Antenna?
An RV antenna, also known as an RV TV antenna, works in much the same way as your TV antenna at home. The device intercepts the radio waves broadcast by nearby television stations or satellites and transforms them into something called ‘radio frequency alternating currents.’ Your TV has an in-built tuner, which uses these currents to create a signal.
The big difference between an RV TV antenna and a standard house antenna is that it’s specially designed to fit on a vehicle and features a compact, wind-resistant design to keep it firmly held in place.
RV UHF/VHS Versus RV Satellite Antennas
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) antennas are the cheapest and most common method of intercepting television broadcast signals in America. Generally speaking, VHF channels occupy numbers 2 until 13, while UHF takes 14 to 51. All the UHF/VHF RV antennas on our list work with both frequencies, allowing them to pick up a wide range of popular American TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and more. UHF/VHF antennas must be within a certain range of a TV tower to function, which can be challenging when you’re traveling about in remote areas.
RV satellite antennas, on the other hand, are an outdoor parabolic antenna, commonly referred to as a satellite dish, which intercepts a signal from a satellite orbiting the earth. As the signals are broadcast from space, there’s no requirement to be close to a TV tower. Therefore, the RVer can watch their favorite TV shows anywhere on earth (provided there isn’t an obstruction like thick foliage or rain clouds), which is ideal for travelers who love getting well off the beaten track.
Because satellite communication technology is expensive, these services require a paid subscription to watch.
As these two technologies are unique, a satellite dish won’t pick up UHF/VHF signals, and a UHF/VHF antenna won’t intercept satellite signals. Of course, if you want to watch both free-to-air and subscription TV, then you can always install both options in your rig.
Outdoor Antennas Versus Indoor Antennas (UHF/VHF Only)
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/travel-holidays-motorhome-satellite-dish-on-1527899078 Alt-Text: RV with an antenna attached to the roof]
All satellite antennas must be installed on the outside of your RV to receive a signal. Note that you’ll also need to have a relatively clear view of the sky, so satellite antennas don’t always work properly when you’re parked in dense woodlands.
UHF/VHF antennas can both be installed inside your RV or out. The interior models are much cheaper, both in the purchase price and because they don’t require professional installation. All you need to do is plug it in and adjust the antenna rods until you find the optimal signal.
Investing in an exterior RV UHF/VHF antenna will allow you to enjoy a significantly clearer signal as the walls of your RV won’t block the radio waves. Furthermore, exterior antennas tend to be bigger and more sophisticated, which results in a superior range.
The only interior antenna we recommend is the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna, which offers a reasonable range at a low-low price. All other antennas on our list must be installed or placed outside your RV.
Satellite antennas must always be installed on the roof or set on a tripod on the ground. As they require a direct line of sight with the sky, they simply won’t work if you try to use them inside.
RV TV Antenna Boosters (UHF/VHF Only)
If you’re always struggling to find a good signal while on the road, an aerial signal booster might cure your TV woes. The high-tech devices work by overcoming signal losses to create a clearer and more consistent picture on your screen.
It’s important to note these machines aren’t magic—they won’t be able to intercept a signal when there isn’t one in the first place. But if you’ve got a weak or inconsistent signal, they may be able to boost it into a more reliable one. And unlike cellphone boosters—which typically cost upwards of a grand—antenna boosters are relatively cheap, so you don’t have much to lose.
Also note, however, that boosters can pick up too much signal or amplify the wrong signals, which may even make the situation worse.
Many of our favorite UHF/VHF RV antennas come with a booster already built into the design. However, you may need to purchase one separately, in which case this model from Channel Master is the best of the bunch.
Multi-Directional Antennas Versus Omni-Directional Antennas (UHF/VHF Only)
There are two main types of UHF/VHF antennas: multi-directional and omnidirectional.
Multi-directional antennas intercept signals coming from any direction, which means you don’t usually have to move them around a lot to find a good signal. However, as they don’t focus in any particular direction, these antennas have a substantially inferior range.
If you tend to stick close to major metropolitan regions, you’ll do okay. But should you venture well off the beaten track, you may find a multi-directional antenna just doesn’t have the range you need.
Omni-directional RV antennas focus their receiver in one specific direction; therefore, you’ll need to manually point the antenna—normally by way of a hand crank—in the appropriate direction. And that means you’ll first have to figure out where the nearest TV tower is (hint: it’s usually in the same direction of the closest city).
The process is a bit more cumbersome, but the benefit is you can pick up a TV signal from much further away than you could with a multi-directional antenna.  If you’re someone who loves getting as far away from civilization as possible, then an omnidirectional antenna is the obvious UHF/VHF choice.
Try the KING OA8500 Directional Over-the-Air Antenna if you want an omnidirectional antenna or the Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna if multi-directional sounds okay by you.
Dual Arc Technology (Satellite Only)
Satellites orbit the earth in either an easterly or westerly direction, and most antennas on the market will only track those traveling one way or another. Some high-end antennas, however, have a specialized processor called ‘Dual Arc Technology,’ which allows them to track both orbital arcs at once.
As satellites traveling in the same direction are often few and far between, Dual Arc Technology allows an antenna to intercept a far superior signal. The difference is particularly profound during heavy cloud or rain, when the satellites on both orbital arcs work together to enhance the signal substantially.
If you tend to travel in perpetually rainy or overcast regions and can’t stand the thought of going without a signal for an extended period, then it would be well worth investing in an antenna featuring Dual Arc Technology. Our favorite model is the Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R Satellite TV Antenna.
How To Improve Your TV Signal in Your RV
Regardless of what kind of RV antenna you’ve installed on your RV, there will still be times when your signal—be it satellite or UHF/VHF—is frustratingly weak. But don’t despair, for there are a few simple things you can do to fix the issue.
Scan Your Channels Again (UHF/VFS Only)
Because you’re always on the move in your RV, your TV could become out of tune as you venture from place to place. To rectify the issue, you can simply re-scan the channels on the tuner that’s built into your TV. Use the remote to open up the settings and look for the option to re-scan your channels, a process that should only take a minute or two.
Research the Broadcast Stations in Your Area (UHF/VFS Only)
Re-scanning your TV tuner doesn’t always automatically find the optimal frequency in your area—sometimes; a little manual tuning can go a long way. Google the correct frequency of the station you want to watch in your area and do a manual scan through the tuner function in your TV settings.
[Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/telecommunication-mast-television-antennas-on-sunset-345863198 Alt-Text: Locate the nearest TV tower]
Another nifty trick is to find out where the nearest broadcasting tower is—again, Google is your friend here—and manually adjust the antenna to point in that direction. Pro tip: the closest tower will likely reside in the direction of the nearest metropolitan area.
Adjust Your Antenna (UHF/VHF Only)
RVers traveling in low altitude areas may be able to raise their exterior antenna to obtain a better signal. If the model you’ve got doesn’t allow this, you could look into creating a manually operated rising mechanism or installing an antenna extension.
Should you have an interior antenna, you might get better results by moving it around and pointing it in different directions.
Camp Strategically (UHF/VHF And Satellite)
Mountains, forests, canyons, and ravines all inhibit the ability of your antenna to intercept a reliable signal. Moving your RV into a wide-open field and avoiding rugged terrain will help you achieve a clearer picture on the TV.
Try parking under the open sky, away from tree branches that may block the signal. Rotating the dish or antenna to give it a clear line of sight with the sky often yields positive results as well.
Check Your Coaxial Cables (UHF/VHF And Satellite)
Closely examine your coaxial cable (the one that connects the TV to the antenna) to check for signs of wear and tear. If it appears frayed or kinked, a replacement cable might help you get a better signal.
You should also double-check it’s properly plugged in. The constant bumps and vibrations that occur on the road have a habit of niggling cables out of place over time.
Plug Into The Cable TV Hook-up At Your RV Park (Satellite Only)
Sure, this isn’t the ideal solution to your weak signal woes. But if you’ve wracked your brains and still can’t find an answer, then opting for a cable TV hook up at the nearest RV park is a sure-fire way to get back in front of the TV.
And if you’re favorite football team is due to kick off an incredibly important game, it’s the only way to guarantee you won’t miss a minute of the action.
RV Antenna FAQs
If you’ve got this far and still have more questions, there’s a good chance you’ll find them below.
How Do I Install an RV Antenna?
Exterior UHF/VHF antennas and satellite dishes may require a professional installation, in which a technician will get the unit working on your behalf. All you need to do is scan for channels on your TV tuner, which you’ll find in the settings menu.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman (or woman), then it’s entirely possible to install these on your own. Pay close attention to the instruction manual to ensure you don’t make any mistakes as you go.
For interior UHF/VHF RV antennas, you’ll only need to plug the device into the TV and move it around until you find the sweet spot.
How Do I Use an RV Antenna?
RV antennas are designed to be easy enough to use for the layman, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting yours to work if it’s in good condition.
Ensure the antenna is installed correctly
Use the hand crank to point the antenna towards the closest TV tower (omnidirectional UHF/VHF only)
Scan for channels using the tuner function in your TV (try the settings menu)
Start watching your favorite shows
Be aware that depending on the type of antenna you’re using, and where you’re located in America, you may or may not be able to obtain an acceptable signal. RV life can be challenging at times, and spotty reception is one of the many hurdles that may come your way. If you can’t fathom the thought of going without TV, then a satellite antenna is worth the extra expense.
How to Point an RV Antenna?
There’s really no right or wrong answer here, and the process often requires a bit of trial and error. Move the antenna around in different directions until the signal improves. If that fails, try re-scanning your channels with the antenna in different positions to see what yields the best results.
Researching where the nearest broadcasting tower is and aligning your antenna accordingly might help expedite the process.
Do RV Antennas Receive Wi-Fi?
The term ‘RV antenna’ refers to TV antennas, none of which are capable of receiving a 3G/4G signal or any other sort of internet connection. Although some poorly researched buyer’s guides out there claim RV antennas are capable of obtaining ‘Wi-Fi,’ that’s simply not the case.
Most RVers use their cellphone as a mobile hotspot, which they can connect to via a Smart TV or normal TV via a streaming dongle like Roku.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your cellphone signal, then you need to invest in a cellphone signal booster.
RV Antennas: Final Thoughts
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about RV antennas and compiled a list of the top 10 options on the market. And as avid RVers and shameless tech geeks ourselves, we’ve spared no effort in bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information on the net.
Now that you’re well versed in the technology and the various different options, we recommend you browse through our recommendations to find the perfect antenna for your needs—there’s bound to be something on there that aligns with your budget and requirements.
And once you’ve got the ideal antenna installed on your rig, you’ll have the freedom to watch crystal clear TV in your RV while relaxing or doing laundry, even when visiting the most remote locales. More

“Cloudy yellow headlights are awesome!” said no one ever. Unfortunately, if you live where sunlight can reach the earth, your headlights will fade eventually. Faded headlights can be dangerous since they don’t work as well, and seeing at night is widely considered an essential part of car performance.
Perhaps worse still, you’ll be embarrassed when you pull up to the car meet with sad-looking lamps that scream “old car.” It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Restoring headlights is easy and fast, especially with a kit that includes everything you need. Keep reading to see our favorite headlight restoration kits for 2020.

Choosing the Right Kit for You
All the big names in car care offer their own headlight restoration system. Brands you know you can trust, like 3M, Meguiar’s, Turtle Brand, etc. Choosing the right one might be as simple as brand loyalty. If you love Rust-Oleum products, they make a lens restoration wipe that will look great on your shelf between the rest of their products.
We believe it’s a bit more complicated than that, though, and you might want to read through this quick guide. That way, you can get the product that fits your situation best.
How They Work
Headlights are plastic, and they get clouded because the top layer gets damaged by UV and scratches. The best way to clear them up is to sand off that top layer and reveal the beautiful layers beneath.
How most kits differ is in how they sand the top layer off. Some use a variety of polishing compounds, some use varying grits of sandpaper, and some use chemicals to soften the layer so you can wipe it off. Many use a combination of methods. Honestly, it’s not a very important consideration when buying a kit. Let the academics and engineers argue about which way is best. All we care about is results.
Power Tools vs. Elbow Grease
There are two main flavors of headlight restoration kit: the kind that needs power tools and the type that uses calories instead. They both have drawbacks and advantages, but your deciding factor will probably come down to whether you have the power tools to do it. The most common rotary tools for buffing and restoration are: die grinders, orbital sanders, angle grinders, buffers, and drills.
Kits for Power Tool Owners
If you hop down to the 3M kit we recommend, you’ll notice that the pictures on the product page all show a drill. The sanding pad itself has a stick coming out of it meant to be chucked into a drill. That means you can sand and buff a lot more area in a lot less time than you could by hand.
Kits for Everyone Else
Sanding by hand is tedious, but you can actually get better results. That’s why the kit we recommend the most is actually a hand kit and not a power tool kit. Plus, you don’t have to lug out the power tools to use them. You can buy one and just restore the lights in the parking lot of your favorite restaurant while your buddy spends twenty minutes deciding which cheeseburger they want.
The Balance Between Effort and Clarity
Most headlight restoration kits on the market will make your headlights look better. There are very few products that just outright won’t work at all, as one would hope. The degree to which they work varies, though. Some will shine your headlights to the point where they are concourse ready. Some will work just good enough to get you a few extra dollars at trade-in.
Generally, the difference between crystal clear and just ok is the effort it takes to get the result. Some kits, like the Rust-Oleum wipes on our list below, take minimal effort. They won’t make your headlights sparkle or anything, but they are good enough for a daily.
On the flip-side, building your own kit from dry/wet sandpaper and compounds takes a lot of effort, but it is the highest quality result you can get. It’s not really worth it when kits like the Sylvania option exist, but technically it’s true.
What’s in the Box?
One more thing to consider when you buy a kit is, “what comes in the box?” Some kits come with attachments or pads that are reusable, and can be used in other applications. Other kits might not include a compound that you really want. The 3M kit, for instance, doesn’t include a clear-coat, but the one from Meguiars does.
None of the kits we mention are very expensive; few are more than $20. If you buy a really cheap kit that doesn’t include a component you really want, you’ll end up spending more hunting down the individual piece.
If we did our job, now you know what to look for. Now you have to sift through the thousands of competing products on the market, hoping that some guy reviewing it doesn’t just have a vendetta against the company. Just kidding, we compiled the top ten here so you can just pick one and know you’ll be getting a good product.

Top 10 Best Headlight Restoration Kits 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Sylvania 3 Step

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The Sylvania 3 Step kit produces the best results, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Activator
Clarifying Compound
Clear Coat
Sand Paper
Cloth Applicators
Lint Free Cloth
Vinyl Glover
Is It Easy to Use?
Super easy. All the parts have labels like “step 1” and “step 2.” You don’t need power tools, and the sandpaper pieces included are big enough to last a long time.
Our Review
The best thing about the Sylvania kit is that when you are done, your headlights will look cherry. There are easier kits, kits with more gadgets, and kits that take way less time. None of them will look as good as the Sylvania, and that earns it the top spot.
The kit itself is reasonably complete. It comes with everything you need, including a clear finishing coat that will keep your headlights looking good for years. That’s usually the first thing a company will skimp out on, but it’s essential to apply unless you want to redo all the work after a year.
The only thing you’ll really want to do if you buy this kit is to remember to mask off your paint around the headlight. Maybe you won’t care if you drive a beater, but the same compounds that soften the top plastic layer of your headlights will absolutely soften the top layer of your paint job. Sylvania doesn’t include that in their instructions, so keep it in mind.
What Else Could You Need?
A roll of masking tape could go a long way towards keeping the car clean. The Visbella kit includes masking equipment, and the Sylvania box is definitely big enough to fit a small roll of tape in.
It’s not a deal-breaker. Everyone should have a roll of blue painters tape on hand anyway. It’s easily the second most useful tape in existence behind duck tape.

Pros

Makes your headlights look amazing
Doesn’t require extra tools to use
Shine lasts a long time

Cons

Takes longer than other kits
The applicator could be bigger

2. Best Drill-Powered: 3M Headlight Lens Kit

View on Amazon

Why we like it: This 3M kit is cheap, works great, and chucks into a drill.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Pad Holder for Drill
Sanding Discs for Holder
Polishing Pad for Holder
Rubbing Compound
Is It Easy to Use?
The 3M kit is incredibly simple. You chuck the pad holder into a drill, step one. Then you use the holder to wet sand the lenses. Finally, you use the holder with the compound pad to polish the lenses. Done.
Our Review
The 3M kit is probably the best value you can get when it comes to a restoration kit. It barely costs over ten dollars and comes with a pad holder you can use for way more applications than just restoring headlights. You just need a drill. If you don’t have one, though, you can use it as an excuse to go pick one up with the money you’ll save over our premium pick. A harbor freight battery-powered drill will work fine. Avoid their house brand headlight restoration system, though. It’s not great.
Once you chuck the holder into the drill, the entire process will be over before you know it. Use the sandpaper, smear on some polishing compound, and wipe off the haze. It won’t produce the absolute best finish, unlike the Sylvania 3 Step, but you can finish in less than half the time.
What Else Could You Need?
You’ll want two things: masking and a clear coat. Like the Sylvania 3 Step, the 3M kit doesn’t come with any masking. It is easier to avoid getting the 3M compound on your paint. The paste-like 3M stuff is cleaner to work with than the liquid spray in the Sylvania kit. The other thing you’ll want is a clear coat to protect the lenses after you restore them.
The Meguiar’s kit contains both those things, but it costs twice as much. Even if you buy tape and wax, you’ll still save money with the 3M.

Pros

Fast
Easy to use
Produces really good results

Cons

The kit doesn’t include a clear coat
Requires a drill

3. Best Premium Pick: Cerakote Ceramic Restoration Kit

View on Amazon

Why we like it: The Cerakote system is a really nice system with a ceramic finish and outperforms other premium products.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Oxidation Remover
Applicator Pad
Sand Paper
Ceramic Clear Coat
Gloves
Is It Easy to Use?
You don’t need a drill, every compound is packaged with its own applicator, and the whole thing comes in a resealable bag instead of a box. That might seem like a dumb thing to point out, until you find yourself with plastic cleaner leaking out of a soggy cardboard box in your back seat.
The individual parts are also clearly labeled based on when you should use them. Honestly, the Cerakote might be the easiest to use kit on our list.
Our Review
We call the Cerakote system “premium.” That’s a lofty way to describe anything that is just a bunch of plastic bags in a bigger plastic bag. This kit, however, earns the title thanks to it’s many intelligent design decisions.
Each individual component is packaged individually and labeled in big, bold lettering. The applicators are color-coded, and the instructions are printed on the packaging in multiple locations. We call the Cerakote premium because of the collection of little things that it excels at.
It also includes a ceramic clear coating. For those of you who don’t know, ceramic clear coats are all the rage nowadays. They are tougher and more durable than your standard wax finishes, and they protect against UV really well. That means once you finish with the easy process of cleaning your headlamps using this kit, you can rest easy knowing that your lights will stay looking great for a long time.
That comes at a price. The alternative from Turtle Wax also includes ceramic protection but comes in at half the price. Meguiar’s offers their own proprietary clear coat, and you can use the applicators repeatedly. You will only find the combination of amazing clear coat and ease of use in the Cerakote kit, though.
What Else Could You Need?
The Cerakote doesn’t include anything to help with cleanup, so make sure you have a bottle of Windex and some paper towels on hand. Also, like almost everything else, it doesn’t come with masking, so grab some blue tape.

Pros

Very easy to use
Ceramic clear coat is really durable
Instructions are really easy to follow

Cons

More expensive than other kits
Headlights won’t be as clear as the less expensive Sylvania

4. Longest Lasting: Meguiar’s Heavy Duty

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Meguiar’s restoration kit is just a very nice kit to work with. The pads are of high quality, and they give you a lot of compound for future projects.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Plastic Cleaner and Polish
Applicator Pad
Wool Pad
Sanding Disks
Easy Grip Sanding Pad
Is It Easy to Use?
If we are completely honest, it’s not the easiest to use. The instructions tell you to use a drill, but they also include a hand applicator. The steps aren’t labeled, and you have to sand for a long time because they don’t include lower grits. The kit is more for a hardcore, break out the clay bar on the weekend type person who has a lot of experience detailing and polishing.
Our Review
Meguiar’s is a household name in the car detailing world, and they have to work hard to keep their high reputation. It shows in this kit. First, it works great. There’s no arguing that. Second, the applicators and pads are of high quality. You’ll be able to keep them around and use them for other projects.
The downside to the Meguire’s is that the company seems to know that the person most likely to buy their product is already familiar with using their other products, which is a roundabout way to say that it’s not very beginner-friendly. Their instructions, for instance, could definitely be better.
If you are looking for an easier to use, high-quality kit, get the Cerakote package. If you want something more dedicated to power tools, Mother’s has you covered here.
If needing to do a bit more work doesn’t scare you, though, you are getting really high-quality products when you buy this kit.
What Else Could You Need?
We are becoming a broken record, but you’ll want to go get some masking tape. It’s frustrating because it’s such a small thing, but only Visabella seems to think you want to protect the paint on your car.
The other thing you might want is a drill. You don’t need one; the kit comes with a hand applicator pad. However, the instructions indicate that it makes life easier if you have one. It totally does, so it’s not bad advice. It’s up to you whether you want to spend money or time.

Pros

High-quality components
Includes clear coat
The result is very good

Cons

It’s a little complicated
More expensive than other kits

5. Best Budget Pick: Turtle Wax Speed Restorer

View on Amazon
Why we like it: It’s a complete kit for ten dollars, ’nuff said.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Bottle of Repair and Renew
Applicator Pad
Ceramic Wipes
Gloves
Is It Easy to Use?
There are only two steps, so there’s nothing to complain about. It takes longer than other kits because it doesn’t have multiple grits of sandpaper to work through, so that’s a mark against it.
Our Review
Turtle Wax is another one of those household names, but unlike the other big names on our lists, the Turtle brand doesn’t feel the need to charge you for their logo. This is the cheapest system on our list. The only way to get a less expensive kit is to source every part out individually.
The price forgives a lot of the issues with the Turtle Wax kit. The applicator isn’t big enough, the instructions aren’t amazing, and it takes a long time to get a decent shine. You do get a ceramic coating, though, so there’s that.
At the end of the day, if you are just looking for a kit to shine up your car on a budget, the Turtle Wax kit fits the bill. Get the more expensive Sylvania 3 Step if you want a really clear lens, or the Cerakote if you really love the ceramic coating.
What Else Could You Need?
If you run out and grab a bigger applicator, you’ll be happier. They don’t cost very much, and it can save your hands from cramping.

Pros

Inexpensive
Ceramic coating is very durable
One step compound is very convenient

Cons

Takes a while to get a good polish
Even if you spend forever polishing, it won’t be as good as other kits

6. Best Applicator: Mother’s NuLens

View on Amazon
Why we like it: Mother’s is a high-quality brand with tons of experience making polishing products, and their ball applicator is super useful.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
PowerBall Polishing Tool
PowerPlatic Liquid Polish
Backing Plate
Restoration Disc
Is It Easy to Use?
The Mother’s kit is simple; there’s not much to do, which makes it really fast and easy to understand. What makes it a bit hard to use is the actual process of applying the finish. It takes practice to get a feel for using a polishing ball.
Our Review
People will fight forever over the merits of Mother’s vs. Meguiar’ s anywhere detailing enthusiasts gather. We don’t want to cause an argument, so we’ll keep it simple. If you want to do more work by hand, and pay more attention to detail, the Meguiar’s is your choice. If you want to work faster and use power tools, though, Mother’s has your back.
The kit includes a ball applicator, which is something everyone should just have anyway. If you own a drill or similar rotary tool, get one. Unlike flat applicators, a ball applicator can get into corners and over curved surfaces. Since most headlights are pretty curvy, you can see why that’s a good thing.
What does annoy us about the Mother’s kit is that it doesn’t have anything extra. It’s a higher-priced kit. It should come with cleaner, sandpaper, and a clear coat, but it doesn’t. You just get a big bottle of wax. The wax is excellent, don’t get us wrong. We just wish it also had a clear coat.
What Else Could You Need?
The Mother’s compound is not a hardcore polishing compound, which means it’s much safer for paint. That means we can’t really chastise them for not including masking. Instead, you have to buy a clear coat, which makes this kit the same as the 3M at nearly twice the price. It’s hard to overstate how useful that ball applicator is, though. That probably makes it worth it.

Pros

Comes with a cool applicator
Comes with enough polish for four or more headlights
Very fast

Cons

No clear coat
Won’t fix deep scratches

7. Most Versatile: Visbella DIY Vehicle Restoration

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Visbella kit is one of the most comprehensive kits out there. They even include tape for masking.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Masking Tape
Wool Applicator
Drill/Grinder Attachment
Sanding Discs
Hand Applicator Pad
Polishing Paste
UV Protective Clear Coat
Is It Easy to Use?
It’s ok. The Visbella kit has a lot of components, which makes it a little intimidating to just jump into. Even the drill attachment is two parts so that it can also work on an angle grinder. Also, the instructions are just ok. They are on a little piece of paper with some fine print on it. Trust us when we say that it’s really annoying when the instructions blow away.
Our Review
First things first, this is the only kit that includes its own masking. Congratulations to them, we won’t have to whine about it in the “what else” section. In fact, we don’t have anything to whine about in that section. The Visbella is a really complete kit.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to whine about, though. Visbella’s biggest flaw is also its biggest asset: it’s comprehensive. You need a drill, you need a lot of patience, and you need to set aside a lot of time to make sure you get to know each step of the process.
The reward for all that work isn’t the best finish on the list. It’s outclassed by the faster 3M kit. All added up, though, it’s cheaper than the 3M kit because it includes a clear coat, so you have to choose which sacrifice you want to make.
What Else Could You Need?
We don’t know. Whatever you want to drink while the wax sets? Maybe some paper towels to clean up if you accidentally spill some stuff on the drill? You don’t really need anything else.

Pros

It’s a very complete kit
The applicator is adaptable for numerous tools
The kit can also be used to fix the clear coat on your car

Cons

Complicated
Leaves some scratches behind

8. Easiest to Use: Rust-Oleum Wipes

View on Amazon
Why we like it: If all you have is some minor fogging, the Rust-Oleum kit is as simple as it gets.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Wipes
Polishing Pad
Gloves
Microfiber Towel
Is It Easy to Use?
Yes, it’s effortless to use. Like most kits, you start with cleaning and sanding. Unlike most kits, the final step is just to wipe it down with a special wipe. It doesn’t get much easier than that. The only frustrating part is that unlike the other wipe based kit from Cerakote, you only get one applicator that you have to use on both headlights.
Our Review
In the quick guide, we talked about how effort is directly tied to quality. The Rust-Oleum was what we had in mind when we said that, it’s the epitome of low effort, ok quality. Yes, it will clean your headlights, as long as the scratches aren’t too deep. Just about everything else will clean them better, though.
The speed and convenience is the selling point, though. If you have a beater or a daily that just needs a quick spruce up, you probably don’t care too much about making the lenses perfect. If that describes you, the Rust-Oleum wipes will work great.
There’s not much else to say, honestly. Yes, they work, no, they aren’t the best, but they are very cheap and easy to use.
What Else Could You Need?
Cleaner and sandpaper, if your yellowing is really bad. The Rust-Oleum wipes are really only for shallow surface issues, if you have serious discoloration, you’ll need to buy your own cleaners and sandpapers. Or just buy a kit like the Sylvania 3 Step that includes all that stuff.

Pros

Inexpensive
Very easy to use
Fast

Cons

Not good for deep imperfections
Doesn’t polish as good as similar products

9. Best For Pros: 3M 025146 System

View on Amazon
Why we like it: If you own a shop, or plan on restoring the headlights of everyone in your neighborhood, this 3M system is amazing.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Powered Sanding Tool
Powered Polishing Tool
Plastic Cleaner
Polish
Sanding Discs
Soft Applicators
Adapters
Sand Paper Holders
Is It Easy to Use?
No. These are tools for someone that is taking headlight restoration really, really seriously. There’s no instructions or color-coded pads, just some bottles and some buffers. The other 3M product on our list has big, full-color instructions and is very simple to use. If you need that, go grab that one.
Our Review
Do you plan on restoring more than ten headlights a year? No? Then save your sanity and turn away. Get the Sylvania kit, you’ll be happy with the results, we promise. Are you willing to drop nearly $500 when everything else costs less than $30? No? Then save your sanity and piece together your own kit.
If you are still here, then take a look. This kit is fantastic. We called the Visbella kit complete, but it’s got nothing on 3M. The Visbella requires you to have a drill, the 3M system includes two. Actually, they are not really drills. They are air-powered random orbitals, and some of the best small buffers on the market. It’s not even about headlights. If you do a lot of polishing and sanding, this kit is excellent.
You just really need to know what you are getting into with this system.
What Else Could You Need?
You need an air compressor, for one. With the compressor, you need hoses, fittings, and a water trap. You should probably also have an entire shop to work in, because the only way to justify the price is if you are going to use these sanders constantly.
You also need masking supplies. If you have a shop, you have those, but this section feels empty if we don’t point it out.

Pros

Includes two high-quality DA buffers
3M polishing compounds work great
Polishing a headlight takes minutes

Cons

Really, really expensive
You need an air compressor

10. Best Drill Sanding Kit: Poliwell Polishing Kit

View on Amazon
Why we like it: The Poliwell kit is just a nice sandpaper kit and drill adapter. You have to DIY some parts of the restoration process, but it’s good for all kinds of polishing.
Editor’s Rating:

What You Get:
Drill Adapter
A Bunch of Sanding and Polishing pads
Is It Easy to Use?
No, it’s not. First of all, you have to go buy your own polishing compounds and clear coats. Second, using a drill to sand is very fast, but it does take a lot of practice to get it perfect.
Our Review
We included this product on our list of car headlight restoration kits for the people that like using their own polishes and cleaners. If you are the type of person that would love to see if toothpaste makes a great plastic cleaner, this is the kit for you.
The Poliwell doesn’t include any chemicals, it’s just a bunch of abrasive pads that attach to a drill. That makes it a lot more useful than many kits just because you can use it for a lot of things that are not headlights. Want to buff your toaster? Boom, you have the kit to do it.
The downside is that after you try all the wacky internet suggestions like Weed Killer and WD40, you are just going to wish you had just bought the 3M kit. At least you’ll have the pads to do other things with.
What Else Could You Need?
Polishing compound, cleaning compound, clear coat, and masking. In fact, you are going to just need everything that’s not a buffing pad.

Pros

Versatile
Drill pad attachment works great

Cons

Despite being marketed for headlights, it doesn’t actually include any headlight specific products
It has a high learning curve

Tips, Tricks, and General Info for Restoring Headlights
Once you have chosen a headlight restoration kit, you are ready to dive into using them. We want to help you get the most out of your product so that we don’t look like big phonies, so we compiled this list of tips, tricks, and general information to help. Just to be clear, though, nothing we say is more important than the kit’s instructions.
Read the Instructions
We said it before, but it needs to be repeated. Every kit is different. Every manufacturer has their own interpretation of the exact process that they designed the kit around. They are the ones that know how to get the best results.
Your pride as a DIYer will not suffer nearly as much as your pride in your car if you end up with a swirly, scratched mess of a front end. RTFM. Consult Manuella. Watch the video if there’s a video. Do it.
Keep Everything Clean
Cleanliness is always important, and when it comes to headlight restoration, there are two main categories.
Masking
We complain about how no kit other than the one from Visbella comes with masking materials, and that’s because you should mask off your headlights before attempting to restore them. The chemicals used to soften and polish the lenses can be damaging to paint.
If you get a little aggressive with your sanding, you don’t want to be sanding off-color. It takes a few minutes to run the tape around the outside and protect things. Bonus point, you won’t have to wipe off the extra goop that gets flung everywhere, just peel off the masking and go.
Clean the Lenses
Some kits include cleaners. Most don’t. The fantastic 3M kit doesn’t include a cleaner. They just low-key mention it on the box that you should clean the lights first, so don’t rely on anyone to remind you. If you go straight into polishing and there are big chunks of debris stuck to your lens, you will be putting deep scratches into the plastic.
Spray some Windex on the lens, wait a moment, then wipe it off. Wipe it off in one direction, and switch to a clean part of the rag every time you complete one pass. That’s just a pro-tip for car cleaning in general, free of charge because we like you. Once it dries completely, then start the restoration process.
Practice Using Power Tools Before Starting
[Image:https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/car-care-concept-mechanic-cleaning-headlights-159537323 alt text: Buffing a car headlight with a giant grinder buffer]
Units like the smaller 3M kit we recommend are built to be used with drills or other power tools. The 3M total system even comes with its own. The thing is, those tools can be a bit tricky to get the hang of. Drills, especially, want to “walk” around when you try to sand with them. You have a lot of leverage because of the length of the tool, and it can be tough to keep the sanding or buffing disc flat.
There’s no shame in practicing on garbage before risking putting deep scratches into your headlight. That’s one of the advantages of the ball style polisher the Mother’s kit comes with. With the ball style, it doesn’t matter if you are perfectly flat or not, it has enough give to conform to the contours.
Do You Really Need a Kit?
No, you don’t. You can just get a handful of dry/wet sandpaper and some wax and have at. ChrisFix, a semi-famous youtube car DIYer, thinks it’s the best way to do it.
The problem with the DIY method is that there are no instructions. There are not convenient labeled bottles or useful applicators. Also, the price of failure is high. Most kits come with soft applicators and the right rubbing compounds to ensure you get a good result.
If you jump into the DIY world with the wrong kind of sandpaper, you can permanently destroy your headlight lens. That means you are risking a $200 part to save like $5. There’s just no reason to.
Remember, restoration kits aren’t the only way you can improve the look of your headlights, especially If you’re willing to invest. Upgrading to LED headlights or a full HID headlight kit can have a much more dramatic effect than a restoration.
Why Do Lenses Get Foggy Anyway?
There are a few reasons, actually. The simplest reason is that dust and other abrasives in the air constantly scratch up the outer layer of your headlights. The biggest reason is that UV light from the sun causes oxidation. Oxidation is also what turns iron to rust, it’s a destructive process that breaks down the plastic lens and messes up your shine.
If you want tips on preventing foggy headlight syndrome or want to know more about some other headlight problems, the Glass Doctor has an excellent write-up here. Just ignore the part about using toothpaste. Just like with other DIY solutions, it’s not worth it to use $5 of toothpaste and potentially scratchy cloth when you could just spend $9 on the Turtle Wax kit.
Clear Headlights, Clear Peace of Mind
“Those headlamps look great!” is something you will definitely love to hear after restoring them. No more dangerous night driving, and it’s amazing how much clear lenses pop. It’s good for you, it’s good to have clean, great-looking parts on your car. If nothing else, it will improve resale value, there’s just nothing to complain about. Grab a kit and get buffing. More