Reviews

“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

The feeling of freedom offered by riding a motorcycle is hard to explain but simple to understand once you find yourself behind the handlebars. However, that freedom comes at the expense of the many comforts and safety measures offered by standard automobiles.
A relative lack of safety is something all riders have to accept, but it’s also why they need to do everything they can to take their security into their own hands. Every piece of a rider’s equipment plays a role in adding to their safety and comfort, and a good pair of motorcycle glasses can make all the difference.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a great pair of sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility or a full face covering to keep dust and wind from causing irritation and distraction, we’ve got you (and your eyes) covered in our list of the top 10 motorcycle glasses currently on the market.
Before we dive into the list, let’s go over the criteria we used for selecting our products and a brief rundown of how the reviews are structured so you can quickly find the perfect pair of motorcycle glasses for your needs.

What to Look For in Our Reviews
When it comes to motorcycle glasses, there are a lot of factors to consider regarding your specific needs and preferences. Each product review will detail the important aspects of that product by looking at the product from three distinct angles: practicality, quality, and the type of person we believe would get the most out of that product.
Practicality
In this section, we’ll talk about the product’s intended purpose, additional features, and important aspects regarding its ease of use. This section focuses on viewing the product from a function over form perspective and will detail the use cases and practical benefits of each pair of motorcycle glasses.
Quality
Every product on our list provides a strong quality to cost ratio, but your specific needs and wants will ultimately decide whether the item offers enough benefits to warrant its cost. No one likes wasting their money and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to decide whether a product is worth the asking price or not. This section is dedicated to describing the quality of the item regarding its materials, build quality, and its design and overall execution.
Who It’s Best For
Our list is packed full of great motorcycle glasses, but finding the ideal product for you is all about figuring out what exactly you’re looking for and which product best meets those needs. This section is dedicated to identifying the aspects of the product we think are most important and the type of person who would most likely be able to make the most of those motorcycle glasses or goggles.
We end every product review with a final pros and cons section that will briefly recap the key aspects of the product so you can quickly scan through the page and find the best pair of motorcycle glasses for your needs with ease.
Without any more stalling, let’s rev up and get into our list of the top ten motorcycle glasses money can buy. We have a more in-depth guide below.

Top 10 Best Motorcycle Glasses 2020

1. Best Overall Motorcycle Glasses: BELINOUS Riding Glasses

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Why we like it: The Belinous Riding Glasses are an all-around great and affordable pair of motorcycle glasses that offer comfort and protection for your eyes no matter what time of day it is.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
These Belinous Riding Glasses provide excellent value at a reasonable cost thanks to their interchangeable lenses and intelligent design. With four lenses that can be easily switched out, these motorcycle glasses are excellent eye protection for riding in various weather conditions and lighting.
The elastic foam padding located around the frames provides comfort for the wearer as well as protection from the lenses getting fogged over during long rides or cold weather. Designed in the style of wraparound sunglasses, these Belinous Riding Glasses are comfortable and lightweight enough for wearing on or off your bike.
Quality
These motorcycle glasses strike a great cost to performance balance by combining intelligent design with sturdy materials. All of the lenses are constructed from scratch-resistant and shatterproof polycarbonate material and the smoke lenses offer UV400 eye protection—a must-have for daytime motorcycle rides for dealing with dangerous, vision-impairing glare.
Belinous is confident in the quality of its product and offers an 18-month warranty that covers any defects in their riding glasses so you can rest easy knowing your money won’t go to waste on these.
Who It’s Best For
These Belinous Riding Glasses are an easy recommendation thanks to their versatility, affordable price point, and sturdy construction. You might not earn any fashion awards for these, but they are perfect for new riders looking to get some comfortable and functional eye protection without breaking the bank.
These motorcycle glasses are also comfortable enough to wear for general outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, or just going for a hike. The interchangeable lenses allow you to easily and quickly switch between the different lens types to best suit the current conditions outside.

Pros

Sturdy and practical
100% UV protection for the eyes
18-month warranty
Inexpensive
Versatile with 4 easily interchangeable lenses

Cons

Not the greatest looking glasses on our list
Only the “smoke” lenses offer UV protection

2. Best Premium Motorcycle Glasses: Oakley Gascan Sunglasses

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Why we like it: Oakley makes excellent eyewear and these Oakley Gascan Rectangular Sunglasses tick all the right boxes when it comes to motorcycle glasses.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
If you have a helmet and a full face mask, a solid pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses that offer UV protection for your eyes and reduced glare are all you really need. Oakley is known for its great sunglasses and these are fitted perfectly for wearing inside a full motorcycle helmet thanks to their wraparound style and tapered arms that allow the frames to fit snugly around your face and head. However, they are not exclusively targeted at motorcyclists.
Quality
Sure, you can buy a pair of polarized lens sunglasses for a fair amount less than these, but you’ll notice where all the corners were cut after a few moments of close inspection. Oakley is a respected eyewear brand that has put time and money into developing custom materials and processes specifically engineered for providing the utmost in comfort, longevity, and visibility.
The lenses on the Oakley Gascans offer 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe while also improving visibility by cutting down on glare. The wraparound style of the frames and lenses provides better peripheral vision than boxy glasses while also protecting you from indirect glare that happens when sunlight seeps in around the edges of standard sunglass styles.
Who It’s Best For
These Oakley Gascan Sunglasses are great for anyone looking for a solid pair of sunglasses but their design makes them particularly well-suited for motorcycle riders. These are an easy recommendation thanks to Oakley’s attention to detail and superb quality.
These glasses are great for general purpose use and are easily comfortable enough for continued use all day long. They also come in a ton of different color options so you can easily customize the look to fit your preferences.

Pros

Fantastic optics and eye protection
Stylish and sturdy
Come in a large variety of style options
Built to last
Comfortable and practically designed

Cons

Not designed specifically for riders
Pricier than most options on our list

3. Best Budget Motorcycle Glasses: MF Payback Sunglasses

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Why we like it: These MF Payback Sunglasses get the job done at a price that is sure to make you smile.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
With how cheap these are, it’s kind of amazing just how well these motorcycles glasses perform. These boast UV 400 lenses that have a double-sided coating that protects the lenses from getting fogged up during use.
The foam padding around the eyes helps to seal off the excess wind to prevent tearing up when riding without a proper face covering. The padding also reduces light leaking that can negatively impact visibility while on the road. Unfortunately, the rubberized coating on the pads around the eyes can lead to a sweaty face especially when worn on a hot day due to the poor ventilation and breathability of the material.
Quality
These glasses are surprisingly well-made considering how inexpensive they are. These aren’t going to win any awards for sturdiest or most attractive riding glasses, but they get the job done at a price that simply can’t be beaten without making major sacrifices either to performance, comfort, or both.
You aren’t going to find a better pair of motorcycle glasses at this price, but a cost this low is only achievable by cutting some corners. The MF Payback Sunglasses aren’t particularly comfortable due to the aforementioned sweating issues. The rubber ear pads on the arms of the glasses can cause some friction and pull at the hair around your ears, but overall these are reasonably comfortable and completely functional.
Who It’s Best For
These are great motorcycle glasses for the budget-minded among us who just want something that cuts the frills and just works. If you’re looking to try out motorcycle glasses for the first time but aren’t sure whether you’ll like using them, these are the perfect tester set. The MF Payback Sunglasses also make for a great stocking stuffer or gift idea thanks to their affordability.

Pros

Seriously cheap motorcycle glasses
UV protection against eye damage and glare
Foam padding to prevent light and air leaking into the eyes

Cons

Not the sturdiest riding glasses out there
Comfort is a little lacking especially for warm weather rides

4. Best Over-the-Glasses Goggles: Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles

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Why we like it: These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles are solidly built and perfect for riders who want to wear their glasses under protective goggles.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
Over-the-glasses goggles are great for people who wear corrective glasses or those who want to keep their glasses and face protected while on the road. These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles offer 100% UV protection, making them perfect for prescription glasses owners that want to add a bit of glare and eye damage protection.
Quality
With shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, these Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles boast a sturdy construction combined with solid design sensibilities and all offered at an affordable price. On the downside, the foam padding on these goggles are a bit on the cheap side and can get a little itchy for some. The plastic body is solid but a little cheap feeling overall with the plastic components on the straps being particularly chintzy.
The flexible strap is solid, thick, and wide enough to offer reasonable comfort and a secure fit. Most glasses fit easily inside of these goggles, as they are designed specifically for wearing on top of your glasses, and the fit is snug without creating any pressure points. The lenses also do a good job of staying clear and easy to see through thanks to anti-fogging technology.
Who It’s Best For
These riding goggles were designed specifically with glasses-wearers in mind and those are exactly who we’d recommend these to. Having said that, wearing glasses is by no means a necessity and these riding goggles are perfectly suitable for being worn on their own.
The smoke lenses offer 100% UV protection so you can use these on their own or go for the clear-coated lenses and put sunglasses on under them. These Pacific Coast Airfoil Riding Goggles do an excellent job of protecting expensive eyewear like prescription glasses or these great Oakley motorcycle glasses on our list.

Pros

Fits perfectly over glasses
Anti-fogging for great visibility
Comfortable with no pressure points
Affordable

Cons

Foam padding could be a better material
Plastic components are on the cheap side

5. FAGUMA Sports Sunglasses

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Why we like it: Inexpensive but built for performance, these Faguma Sports Sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and fit perfectly inside a motorcycle helmet.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
While not designed specifically for motorcycles, most riders will get a lot of bang for their buck with this great pair of polarized sports sunglasses. Their curved design and thin, tapered arms allow them to easily fit even when you’re wearing a full-face helmet. Comfortable and practical enough for everyday use, these glasses are great for improving visibility and reducing eye strain and damage caused from UV rays.
Quality
While these aren’t made to survive the apocalypse, they are sturdy and well-built enough for most practical applications and are well-suited for wearing while riding. The lenses offer 100% UV 400 protection which is a must-have for riders who need to maintain maximum visibility even in the bright sun. The lenses are also shatterproof to protect the eyes from damage in the event of a collision.
Who It’s Best For
These Faguma Sports Sunglasses are a solid pair of UV protection lenses that are suitable for any outdoor activities. While they aren’t specifically designed for motorcycle riders, they are well-suited for the task thanks to their slim and flexible arms and the wraparound design of the frames.
These glasses come in a wide variety of colors and styles so you can easily match them to your personal style. They also have a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can try them out and get your money back if you aren’t happy with them after your first month of use.

Pros

UV 400 eye protection from sunlight and glare
Inexpensive
Comfortable and lightweight
Shatterproof lenses
Available in numerous styles

Cons

Not specifically designed for motorcycle riders

6. Best Standard Motorcycle Goggles: Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles

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Why we like it: These Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles offer everything you need in a pair of motorcycle glasses and nothing you don’t and at a price that is tough to beat.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
These Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles are made with the budget-minded motorcycle fan in mind. As to be expected from a company that specializes in eyewear for riders, these goggles have everything you’d want to find in a pair of riding goggles. The lenses are shatterproof and offer 100% UV protection from eye damage and wreck-causing glare.
These goggles also sport foam padding around the eyes to provide a seal that prevents air and light from leaking into the eyes. Bobster also ventilated their Cruiser 2 Goggles to prevent them from getting fogged over on long rides or in inclement weather conditions. The strap is standard fare, but provides a snug fit and reasonable comfort.
Quality
Bobster has made a name for themselves in the motorcycle niche as manufacturers of solid and practical eyewear and these Cruiser 2 Goggles are one of the most popular products they make thanks to their sturdy build quality and comfort.
The lenses are great and they come in 3 coatings (smoked, amber, and clear) that can be easily interchanged depending on the time of day and the rider’s preferences. Our main complaints are that the strap could be more comfortable and we’re not big fans of the open cell foam because the material can get a little itchy.
Who It’s Best For
These are an easy recommendation for any rider looking to try out motorcycle goggles for the first time. Bobster is one of the most well-respected motorcycle eyewear manufacturers and these are an excellent entry-level offering that provides all the features a rider needs to keep themselves safe and comfortable during road trips.

Pros

Inexpensive yet well-built
Offers 100% UV protection
Excellent ventilation to prevent fogging and provide comfort during long rides
Interchangeable shatterproof lenses for riding in different lighting

Cons

The strap and foam padding could be better

7. Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses

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Why we like it: These Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses offer solid eye protection from wind and debris and good peripheral vision thanks to their clever design.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
These motorcycle glasses are sort of a hybrid of goggles and glasses thanks to their oversized design that allows these to be worn over the top of standard glasses. The side ports give increased peripheral visibility compared to other glasses and goggles like these, but the smaller form factor of these makes them a little hit and miss for glasses wearers.
Not everyone can comfortably wear their glasses under these, but they do offer solid eye protection from wind and debris without negatively impacting visibility much.
Quality
Made with a nylon frame, these Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses are sturdy and comfortable enough for longer rides. The lenses have an anti-fog coating to maintain visibility and the frames and lenses are both ANSI certified as safety glasses so they will do a great job of protecting you from rocks, dust, and wind during your rides.
The foam padding does a decent job of reducing light and air leak so your eyes stay unobstructed and dry while you’re on your bike.
Who It’s Best For
These Global Vision Outfitter Motorcycle Glasses are a very affordable way to try out motorcycle glasses. They are especially nice for riders who wear prescription glasses and want to keep them protected during their rides. The lack of UV protection makes these less than ideal for wearing on their own in sunny conditions, but they can be paired with smaller sunglasses to great effect.

Pros

Inexpensive
Solidly constructed
Can fit over prescription glasses to protect them
ANSI Z87.1+ rated for safety

Cons

May not fit over some glasses
Not rated for UV protection

8. Best Motorcycle Face Covering: Detachable Fogproof Face Mask Goggles

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Why we like it: Combining a face mask with a pair of quality goggles at this price makes these an easy recommendation for people who prefer half helmets but want to keep their face protected.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
This GGBuy Detachable Fogproof Face Mask and Goggles set allows you to easily swap between standard goggles and full-face protection at any time. The face mask sports vents and a breathing filter to keep dust and large particulates from getting in your mouth or airway.
The goggles offer UV protection to keep your eyes protected from the sun and your vision safe from glare. Using this as a full face mask will help keep your face warm during cold rides, and combining this with a half helmet will allow you to easily adjust your gear setup to match the current weather conditions. Furthermore, this mask and goggle combination is excellent for other sporting activities such as playing paintball, snowmobiling, and dirt biking.
Quality
With a price this low, you can expect some concessions made to the overall quality of the product. Having said that, this mask and goggles combo set is surprisingly well-made and fairly rugged.
The goggle lens is made from shatterproof polycarbonate material that offers UV protection and sports an anti-fog coating so you can maintain maximum visibility at all times. The body of the mask and goggles are made from a sturdy plastic that holds up fairly well to a beating.
One of the drawbacks is the attachment system used to allow the goggles and mask to detach and reattach. The plastic components that connect the two parts are a little fragile and prone to breaking if care isn’t taken when attaching and detaching them.
Who It’s Best For
As we mentioned above, this mask and goggles setup is particularly great for riders who prefer wearing half helmets but could use some face and eye protection at times. This setup also makes for a great way to protect your face while participating in all kinds of sporting activities outside of riding a motorcycle. The low cost of this makes it an easy recommendation to anyone interested in protecting their face and eyes.

Pros

Detachable system for easy customization
UV protection from glare and eye damage
Breathable mask with anti-fog coating to provide excellent visibility at all times
Affordable and versatile

Cons

Components are on the cheap side
Attachment system is known to be a bit fragile

9. Surpassme 3-Pair Riding Glasses

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Why we like it: This set of 3 Surpassme Riding Glasses is a bargain that’s tough to pass up thanks to their versatility and surprisingly adequate quality.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
Three sets of motorcycle glasses with different lenses for riding any time of day or night at an incredibly low cost makes these Surpassme Riding Glasses a painless purchase for people who want to give motorcycle glasses a try. The smoke lenses offer UV 400 protection while the other lenses are intended for low light riding.
Quality
All of the lenses are made from shatterproof polycarbonate and the foam padding around the eyes allows these motorcycle glasses to protect your eyes from wind and debris. The padding is made from a silicone material that provides ample cushioning but not a lot of breathability. The pads are designed to allow for some airflow out of the glasses to prevent fogging without causing your eyes to water from excessive airflow.
These are incredibly inexpensive so the materials are rather cheap. The lenses in particular are prone to getting scuffed fairly easily so be careful when handling these motorcycle glasses. Overall, the build quality is surprisingly sturdy for how low these are priced.
Who It’s Best For
These Surpassme Riding Glasses are incredibly affordable for people looking to protect their eyes while riding on the cheap. The three different lens types provided in this set allow you to try out different lens styles without having to fork over much cash and having additional pairs of riding glasses can come in handy when you have someone riding along with you.
All things considered, we think these are best for people who want to try out motorcycle glasses and see how they like different colored lenses. Eventually, avid riders will most likely want to replace these with a higher quality pair of motorcycle glasses, but these will help riders figure out what to look for when buying riding glasses in the future.

Pros

Incredibly affordable
Three different pairs of glasses for various lighting conditions
Smoke lenses provide UV protection
Padded eyepieces protect eyes from wind, dust, and debris

Cons

Cheap materials that aren’t likely to hold up to much punishment
Lenses are prone to getting scuffed

10. Most Stylish Motorcycle Goggles: Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles

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Why we like it: These Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles are inexpensive, super cool, and rather comfortable in the right conditions.
Editor’s Rating:

Practicality
These motorcycle goggles emphasize style over pure practicality, but that doesn’t mean these don’t serve the purpose of protecting your eyes while you ride. The lenses offer UV 400 protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful rays and potentially dangerous glare. The cushioning around the eyes also makes these comfortable while preventing wind leakage that can cause teary eyes, impacting visibility.
Quality
The low cost of these Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles means the quality of the materials isn’t amazing. However, the overall quality of the build is quite nice and the goggles hold up well.
The lenses are made from shatterproof polycarbonate to keep your eyes safe from harm and the plastic body of the goggles is sturdy yet lightweight. The padding is comfortable and prevents any pressure points; however, the material covering it can grow warm and may cause discomfort in warm weather conditions.
Who It’s Best For
These Evomosa Vintage Motorcycle Goggles are more of a style-first option than most other offerings on our list. That doesn’t mean these aren’t fully functional motorcycle goggles however. These come in three distinct style variations with five options for lens coloration. They go great in conjunction with half helmets thanks to the lined band that prevents the goggles from slipping off the smooth surface of a helmet.
We think these are particularly great for people looking to up their style game on their bikes or even for cosplayers and Halloween costumes. Their low cost makes them an easy recommendation when combined with the fact that they offer 100% UV protection.

Pros

Inexpensive
UV 400 protection from glare and harmful rays
Stylish
Lightweight

Cons

Not ideal for warmer climates due to lack of breathability
Lenses are prone to scuffing

Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle Glasses
Motorcycles offer a lot of great benefits: they are cost-effective thanks to fuel efficiency and their relatively low cost compared to standard automobiles, their small size makes them easier and cheaper to park and store, and they are just a heck of a lot of fun to ride.
However, motorcycle riding also comes with its fair share of downsides: they are considerably more dangerous than cars, they’re harder to operate, and riders are a lot more exposed to the elements. The best way to compensate for these shortcomings is by taking all the proper safety precautions and one of the best ways to stay safe while riding is by wearing the right gear.
The Importance of Motorcycle Glasses
While most riders understand the importance of things like gloves, a jacket, and a helmet, one of the often overlooked safety measures is eyewear. Our eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of our bodies—especially when riding at high speeds on an open-air vehicle like a motorcycle.
Not only are our eyes vulnerable, but it also turns out they are pretty important for doing things like riding a motorcycle. When riding something as dangerous as a motorcycle, every second counts – and you never know when you might need to quickly react to conditions on the road.
Getting some dust or a gust of wind in your eye is normally an annoyance at most, but it can be life-threatening when you’re on a motorcycle as it can impact your vision at a dangerous moment in time.
Aside from the immediate harm that can come to a rider as a result of poor or no eye protection, there is also the lasting harm caused by exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. People who spend a lot of time outside like motorcyclists are at a higher risk of experiencing the negative impacts that prolonged UV exposure to the eyes can bring about.
As you can see, everyone should protect their eyes but motorcycle riders have specific risk factors that make it even more important for them to take extra precautions for the safety of their bodies and their eyes.
Motorcycle Glasses VS Motorcycle Goggles
The primary difference between motorcycle glasses and motorcycle goggles is that goggles tend to offer more protection from impacts while glasses tend to provide better overall visibility.
The frames of motorcycle goggles can get in the way of peripheral vision and require you to turn your head more. This is also true of full style motorcycle helmets as the sides of your vision are blocked.
Motorcycle goggles generally do a better job of protecting your eyes and the area around them, but this can come with discomfort for many as the increase in surface area coverage leads to your face getting hotter. However, not all motorcycle goggles and glasses are created alike.
Many styles of motorcycle goggles and glasses are designed to straddle the line between the two, with many glasses sporting padded frames or larger areas of protection for the general eye area and not just the eyes themselves.
Goggles are excellent when used in conjunction with half helmets or visorless helmets as they provide additional protection for your face. On the other hand, glasses are often used in combination with a full helmet and visor setup to provide improved visibility and protection from harmful UV radiation.
Ultimately, choosing between goggles or glasses comes down to personal preference and taking into consideration what other types of gear you wear.
Eye Protection and Visibility
Having a physical barrier between your eyes and the rest of the world is incredibly important for motorcycle riders but good lenses can do more than just protect your eyes from wind, dust, and debris. A good pair of motorcycle glasses can protect your eyes while also improving your overall visibility thanks to modern optics technology.
We already talked about UV protection and how sunglasses are a great way of saving your eyes from the sun’s damaging radiation. But lenses can also help reduce and prevent damage from other types of harmful light rays like damaging blue light produced by modern lights.
Beyond this, properly treated motorcycle glasses lenses can also improve visibility by reducing glare. Polarized lenses can block scattered light rays that cause glare and negatively impact visibility. Blocking light in this way reduces eye strain and provides wearers with less obstructed vision.
Polarized lenses aren’t ideal for low light situations, as they can make an already dark scene even darker and difficult to perceive; however, they are ideal for daytime riding and a combination of polarization and UV protection is recommended for riders who plan on being out on their bikes in the sunlight.
Most of the products on our list offer different lens types so you can pick the ones that will be best for you or get a variety of them so you can adjust your optics depending on the lighting conditions for your upcoming ride.
Bottom Line
Wearing the proper safety gear can make all the difference when it comes to your safety while operating a motorcycle and a good pair of motorcycle glasses go a long way in keeping you and your eyes safe from harm.
As well as glasses, we’ve included goggles and facemasks so you can make an informed choice. Stylish and safe glasses can make your regular rides even more of a joy than they already are. We packed this list full of great motorcycle eyewear options and hoped you found something that’s right for you. More

A flat battery is a sure-fire way to ruin your day. You’ll have to wait around for a roadside assistance service to show up (forking out for a hefty fee if you’re not a member) or try and find someone to kick start your battery with jumper cables.
Neither option is ideal. But there’s one way to revive a flat battery yourself without having to rely on outside help: an AGM battery charger.
These handy high-tech devices are capable of consistently and safely recharging any AGM battery, perfect for when you’re running low on juice, or you’ve accidentally let your battery run completely flat. And they’re not just for automobiles, either, as they can charge the leisure battery on your boat or RV as well as the starter battery for motorbikes, jet skis, ATVs, and a whole host of other mechanical toys.
To help you find the best AGM battery charger for you, we’ve put together an insightful buyer’s guide and compiled a list of the top 10 AGM battery chargers on the market in 2020.

Features to Consider
Before you start sifting through our top recommendations, it’s essential to get a little background info on what to look out for. Take the following points into consideration when shopping for an AGM battery charger.
Price
There’s no point forking out $100 when a $50 charger will do everything you need, so look for a charger that covers your core requirements and nothing more. If you plan on using your AGM battery charger frequently, such as to charge the house battery in a boat or RV, then investing in a more expensive model would be worth it in the long run. Conversely, you plan on using your AGM charger on the rare occasion, a budget option such as the AmazonBasics Battery Charger would suffice.
Type
AGM battery chargers come as chargers, maintainers, and re-conditioners, or a combination of the three. Make sure the model you go with covers what you need. See our section on for more info.
Furthermore, some AGM chargers are explicitly built for PowerSports batteries, a special kind of battery commonly found in jet skis, snowmobiles, ATVs, and other small vehicles. PowerSports chargers won’t work on the starter batteries of bigger vehicles like cars and vans.
Discharge Rating
You need to make sure the discharge rating, which is classified in a unit called amps (A), is suitable for your needs. If you’re not sure what you should get, consult the owner’s manual of your automobile or the sticker attached to your battery for more information. It’s crucial to get a charger with a suitable discharge rate; otherwise, the device mightn’t work at all.
Voltage
Another critical consideration is voltage, which refers to the pressure of the power source on an electric circuit. Look at the voltage of your battery—usually either 6/12V, although it may be higher for large batteries such as those used on boats—to ensure you’re buying the correct product. Take the time to investigate your requirements carefully because if you mess up the voltage, the charger won’t work at all.
Safety
Safety is an important consideration, both for you and your battery. A poorly designed, off-brand charger could cause a potentially lethal electrical shock, while a model without an automatic shut-off could overcharge and damage your battery. We only recommend quality products from trusted manufacturers, so your safety is assured if you shop from our list.

Top 10 Best AGM Battery Chargers 2020

1. Best AGM Battery Charger Overall: NOCO GENIUS5

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Why we like it: The GENIUS5 offers smart precision charging that works like a dream on automobiles and big boy’s toys.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / Maintainer / Re-conditioner
Volts: 6 / 12V
Amps: 5A
Size: 4.61 x 3.43 x 7.95 inches
If you’re after a single, high-quality product that does everything you could ever want and more, then you can’t go past the NOCO GENIUS5. As the latest in the company’s highly sought after GENIUS range, this unit is smaller and more powerful than ever before.
The reason the GENIUS product range has achieved such widespread popularity is because these devices offer more versatility than their competitors. The unit will quickly and safely charge just about any AGM battery on the market—think automotive, marine, RV leisure batteries, and more. It even works on lithium batteries as well, which would save buying a new one if you decide to upgrade further down the track.
Another massive plus is the automatic temperature control, which monitors the outside temperature and adjusts the charging rate accordingly. Should you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, the tech will significantly enhance the shelf life of your AGM battery.
For car owners who forget to switch the headlights off, rest assured the GENIUS5 will get her ticking over again. The device charges batteries as low as 1V, so it’s a brilliant ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card when you’ve let your battery run fully flat, and charging cables come included as part of the deal.
It’s not the cheapest option on our list, but well worth the expense for those with demanding needs.
Note that the device is rated for batteries up to 120 AH. If you’ve got something bigger than that, consider upgrading to the [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3QT226″]NOCO GENIUS10[/amazon].

Pros

Charger, maintainer, and re-conditioner in one
Temperature monitoring and compensation
Works on small and large vehicles alike
Good for lithium as well as AGM
Compact design and lightweight

Cons

More expensive than other chargers

2. Best PowerSports AGM Battery: Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer

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Why we like it: The Battery Tender Plus is a user-friendly and highly-effective AGM battery charger/maintainer that gets the job done.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: PowerSports Charger / Maintainer
Volts: 12V
Amps: 0.75 / 1.25A
Size: 11 x 4 x 11 inches
Deltran is one of the biggest names in the AGM charging world, and this model—their flagship product—is a runaway success. The widely popular 0.75 / 1.25A charger works wonders on smaller vehicles like motorbikes and UTVs, and it’s so simple to use even a complete novice could work it out in minutes.
A super basic two-color monitoring light lets you instantly know the state of charge. If the battery level should drop too low, an ISM adaptive charging function will automatically kick start the power again. Then, once the power level maxes out, it’ll switch back to float mode to avoid overcharging and damaging your expensive AGM battery.
The other big reason we rate this unit so highly is its versatility as the Battery Tender Junior works on a wide array of setups—choose from either 6V or 12V and 0.75A or 1.25A and you’re ready to start recharging your rig. Whether you’ve got a flat battery on your jet ski or ATV, or you just need to restore the leisure batteries of your boat or RV, this nifty little unit will get the job done.
Oh, and the fact it’s small, lightweight, and very reasonably priced also adds to the appeal.
Now, note that this model is a PowerSports battery, so it’s not going to work on cars or larger vehicles.

Pros

Available in multiple volts/amps
Automatic charging capability
Easy to use
Reasonably priced

Cons

Only suitable for PowerSports batteries

3. Best Budget AGM Battery Charger: AmazonBasics Battery Charger 12 Volt 2A

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Why we like it: Low cost and highly effective, Amazon does a brilliant basic battery charger for those with modest charging needs.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / Maintainer
Volts: 12V
Amps: 2A
Size: 2.88 x 3.13 x 8.63 inches
If you just want a straightforward AGM charging solution that actually works, you might want to take a closer look at this cost-effective unit from AmazonBasics. Forget about maintaining, conditioning, or any other fancy bells and whistles, because this model does one thing only: charging AGM batteries.
With either 6V or 12V options, it’s compatible with cars, boats, motorbikes, and most other small vehicles, so there’s a good chance it’ll work for you. Of course, you’ll need to check whether 2 amps are enough for your battery as that isn’t quite enough juice for the bigger power banks found on SUVs and RVs. On the flip side, however, if 2 A are too much, you can easily downgrade to save even more (The [amazon url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTNV9LZ”]0.08A model[/amazon] comes in at under $20).
Worried it might be a little too cheap? Amazon backs the product with a one-year warranty, so you know it’s not going to break straight away.
On the downside, it’s more of a trickle charger than a jump starter, so don’t expect the unit to work on a heavily drained battery. Buy this to keep your batteries well charged rather than to bring them back from the dead.

Pros

Super cheap
Easy to use
Works on a wide range of vehicles
Small and lightweight
One-year warranty

Cons

Won’t charge a heavily drained battery
Not powerful enough for bigger batteries

4. Best Premium AGM Battery Charger: CTEK MULTI US 7002

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Why we like it: The powerful 7A unit charges, maintains, and re-conditions massive AGM batteries with ease.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / maintainer / re-conditioner
Volts: 12V
Amps: 7A
Size: 7.52 x 3.5 x 1.89 inches
If you’re happy to invest a bit more cash in a powerful AGM battery charging solution that’ll last you for years to come, then the MULTI US 7002 from CTEK is about the best money can buy.
The high-tech charger, maintainer, and re-conditioner combo pumps out a whopping maximum level of 7A, which means it’s suitable for starter batteries of bigger vehicles like trucks and oversized RVs. Specifically, the system will recharge any AGM battery under 150AH, even if it’s been left to run down almost entirely flat.
CTEK incorporates an innovative 8-step automatic switch charging system into the design, allowing it to slip between different modes seamlessly for an all-round smoother charge. And that has two distinct benefits for the user: you can set it and forget it plus it’ll extend battery longevity (up to three times the battery life compared to a cheaper charger).  Another plus for folks living in harsh climates is the system adapts to all weather conditions, making it capable of charging efficiently between –4°F and +122°F.
Despite its state-of-the-art functionality, the MULTI US 7002 is remarkably easy to use—the simple interface with big buttons and LED display lights is intuitive for novice and experienced users alike.
The desulphation process used in the re-conditioning mode also works better than most, allowing you to extend the shelf life of your AGM battery longer than ever before. And that reason alone is largely why this state-of-the-art charger can command such a high premium.

Pros

Extends battery life
Doesn’t require any monitoring
Works on big batteries up to 150 AH
Great for harsh climates
Easy to use for novices and pros

Cons

Expensive compared to other chargers

5. NOCO Genius G750

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Why we like it: The G750 does a brilliant job at charging low capacity AGMs, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / maintainer
Volts: 6 / 12V
Amps: 0.75A
Size: 4.5 x 2.7 x 1.3 Inches
If you liked the look of our top pick, the NOCO GENIUS5, but have less demanding charging needs, then the G750 of the GENIUS range is well worth a look. Expect to find many of the same high-tech features and quality craftsmanship as the GENIUS5, but with a lower amperage rating, which equates to a much lower price.
But the lower discharge rate doesn’t mean the G750 won’t be any good for your vehicle as its 0.075 A is ample for charging and maintaining most AGMs, including bigger automobile batteries for cars and trucks. The big difference here is that it won’t charge big batteries that have run completely flat, although you can still use it to revive smaller vehicles such as motorbikes and jet skis (anything up to 30AH can be brought back from the dead).
The system works on a variety of other lead-acid type batteries and has both 6 and 12V settings for optimal versatility. And like other NOCO products, all you need to do is plug it in and let the automated system work its magic.
The G750 comes with a generous 5-year warranty, which is far longer than most options on our list.

Pros

Compact and affordable
Highly regarded brand
Can maintain and charge large batteries
Can charge small batteries from a low voltage
User-friendly automated charging

Cons

Won’t charge big batteries from a low voltage

6. Best AGM Battery Maintainer: Schumacher SC1299 Automatic Battery Maintainer

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Why we like it: The Schumacher SC1299 does just one job, and it does it exceptionally well.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Maintainer
Volts: 12V
Amps: 0.08A
Size: 3.00 x 4.00 x 9.00 inches
Should you already have an AGM battery charger, and you’re looking to add a maintainer to your tech collection, then the Schumacher SC1299 is an excellent choice. Because the product serves solely as a maintainer, it works exceptionally well and comes in at a very reasonable price.
Although the unit runs on a modest 0.08A, that’s more than enough given the task at hand. While chargers require higher amperage to get batteries back up and running again, maintainers only need a small amount to keep them level. The bottom line? 0.08A is pretty decent in this context.
A handy multi-stage charging mechanism allows for optimal precision, which helps enhance the longevity of your precious AGM battery. It’s easy to use, too, with charge status LEDs and a simple interface. And just in case you do mess up and hook the clamps in reverse, a built-in protection device will automatically switch it off to stop you overcharging the battery.
While it does a brilliant job on most vehicles, don’t expect the product to maintain big batteries for trucks, tractors, RVs, and the like. You’ll have to look elsewhere for that, specifically, something like the CTEK MULTI US 7002.

Pros

Purpose-built maintainer
Affordable maintaining solution
Easy to use even for novices
Reverse clamp protection

Cons

Doesn’t charge batteries
Not suitable for large vehicles

7. Schumacher SC1281 Fully Automatic Battery Charger

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Why we like it: This state of the art product from Schumacher is powerful enough to jump start big vehicles.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / jump starter
Volts: 6 / 12V
Amps: 30A (charger) / 100A (jump starter)
Size: 11 x 10 x 8 inches
Weight: 12.65 pounds
Sometimes you don’t have the time or patience to wait around for hours to trickle charge your AGM battery. There will be times when you need to juice up your car battery straight away so you can take it for a spin. And at those times, you need the Schumacher SC1281, a fully automated AGM battery charger that doubles as a jump starter.
A powerful 100A in jump starter mode gives you the energy you need to get the engine ticking over straight away, affording you the freedom to hop in the driver’s seat and get on the road. It’s not just for small cars either, as the SC1281 has enough power to jump-start SUVs and pick-up trucks.
Another great unique feature about this product is its alternator-run diagnostic function, which allows you to pinpoint electrical issues with your battery. The feature is probably best left to the techie types, but it’s nice to have nonetheless.
Of course, the Schumacher SC1281 works wonderfully as an everyday battery charger; its beefy 30 A of power and microprocessor-controlled automated float mode allows you to recharge rapidly and safely. What’s more, the included LED lights, and a simple push start/stop button improve usability.
The only drawback? It might be a little too powerful. You’ll need to carefully check whether the system is appropriate for your battery to avoid frying it through overcharging.

Pros

Able to jump-start cars big and small
Whopping 30A of power
Electrical diagnostic function
Fast and precise charging
Easy to use (aside from diagnostics)

Cons

May overcharge your battery
No maintainer or re-conditioner function
The diagnostic process is complex

8. Best AGM Battery Charger for Boating: Promariner 43021 Battery Charger

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Why we like it: Twenty amps of power allow this heavy-duty device to charge big boat batteries with ease.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / Maintainer
Volts: 12 / 24 / 36V
Amps: 20A
Size: 14.5 x 6 x 8.5 inches
Sailors in search of a turbo-powered battery charger and maintainer for their beloved seafaring vessel have long been turning to Professional Mariner. The industry-leading maritime battery specialist has been producing high-quality products for over 35 years and the Promariner 43021 lives up to their high standards.
This powerful maritime charger is designed to be installed onboard, which negates the need to carry around various portable chargers to kick start your ship. And its impressive in-built energy-saving mode and fast-charging capability allow you to bring your battery back up to full in as little as 8-10 hours—an easy overnight charge.
The fact the company has included an automated multi-stage digital charging function ensures your marine AGM will last longer than ever before, and that’s a definite plus as batteries of this size don’t come cheap. Another cool feature is its ‘distribution-on-demand’ technology, which automatically allocates amperage from your engine starter battery to your house or trolling motor battery as required—a truly high-tech innovation that optimizes efficiency.
The battery charger has been known to overheat, although it does come with a respectable two-year warranty so you can expect to get a good amount of use out of it.

Pros

Powerful 20A for big marine batteries
Multi-stage charging improves battery life
Distribution on demand enhances efficiency
Installed onboard, so no portable battery required
Charges fast from 8 to 10 hours

Cons

Rather expensive
Sometimes overheats

9. Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger

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Why we like it: This petite battery charger from Optima packs a punch.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / maintainer
Volts: 16V
Amps: 4A
Size: 8.2 x 3.7 x 7.4 inches
Who said good things had to come in big packages? The Optima 400 is one of the smallest chargers on our list yet pumps out a whopping 4A, enough to bring back most AGM batteries from the dead. The potent little unit has enough juice to restore flat batteries as heavily discharged as 1.25V, far lower than most other chargers on the market.
Aside from being small and lightweight, we also love how the Optima 400 can be set upright on an included stand or hung from above—perfect for home or professional garages with a scarcity of space.
A hybrid LED charging gauge and LCD display lets you monitor the state of charge at any time, making this swanky device more user friendly than most. Furthermore, a built-in battery health and performance monitor enhances the battery maintainer function, allowing you to extend the overall longevity of your AGM.
The unit costs quite a bit more than a basic AGM charger, but it’s worth it for frequent users. Although it comes with a generous three-year warranty, you’ll need to be careful to keep your original receipts.

Pros

Small yet powerful 4A device
Revives car batteries as low as 1.25V
Comes with stand and hook for hanging
LED gauge / LCD display for usability
Works well as a maintainer

Cons

Costs more than other chargers/maintainers
Impossible to claim on the warranty without original receipt

10. NOCO GENIUS2

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Why we like it: The GENIUS2 does a stellar job at fulfilling your everyday charging needs without breaking the bank.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Type: Charger / maintainer / re-conditioner
Volts: 6 / 12V
Amps: 2A
Size: 3.43 x 4.25 x 6.97 inches
While the NOCO GENIUS5, is our favorite battery charger overall, the lower amperage version of the NOCO GENIUS2 is an outstanding alternative for users who don’t need stacks of power. This compact model is significantly cheaper, smaller, and lighter, all valid reasons to purchase it if 2A is sufficient for your needs.
Other than the amperage rating, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two models. Both have precision charging with an integrated thermal sensor to power you up in any climate, as well as an anti-sulfate re-conditioning function to get your time-worn AGM back into good health. And despite coming in at a notably lower price point, the GENIOUS2 can still revive 40 AH batteries from as low as 1 V. You can even use it on lithium batteries should you decide to make the switch at a later date.
Before you get too excited, remember that 40 AH is well below the average car battery size of 50-100 AH. In short, it’ll work brilliantly on your motorbike or dune buggy but not the family car.

Pros

Small and affordable
Charges, maintains, and re-conditions
Precision charging and temperature control
Revives batteries as low as 1V

Cons

Modest 2 A discharging rate
Doesn’t work on batteries over 40 AH

AGM Battery Charger Buyer’s Guide
It’s always wise to do a little background research into a product before pulling the trigger and making a purchase. We’ve done the legwork for you by compiling this in-depth guide on everything you need to know about AGM battery chargers. Read on to become an expert on AGM batteries and how those techy types manage to keep them adequately charged.
What Is An AGM Battery?
AGM, which stands for absorbent matt glass, is a type of lead-acid battery that’s especially common in automobiles, from motorbikes to cars and oversized trucks. The key to the AGM’s success is its absorbency—it’s capable of soaking up the sulfuric acid inside through superfine fiberglass mats, which prevents the corrosive acid from spilling or leaking.
As a result, AGM batteries can withstand an enormous amount of bumps and vibrations, far more than most other battery types on the market. And for that reason, coupled with a relatively cheap manufacturing process, they’re the electric battery of choice for just about anything that moves.
Amps and Voltage
We pay close attention to amps and voltage in all our reviews, as these are two critical factors that determine whether a product will be right for you.
Voltage (V)is the pressure an electrical current is under when it passes through a circuit board. In simpler terms, you can think of voltage as kind of like a system. American homes run on a 120V system, which powers all the appliances you use in your day-to-day life. Generally speaking, however, in the automotive space—think RVs, cars, boats, etc.—we tend to use 12V, although lower (6V) or higher (24V / 36V) isn’t unheard of either.
Amps (A) basically refer to the electrical flow or power of the charger, and the higher the amperage, the more powerful it will be. Small AGM batteries like those found in motorbikes are fine to be charged on something as little as 0.75-1.25A, while bigger batteries might need 3A or more. If you have to charge an extensive battery system on a heavy vehicle like a yacht, then you might need as much as 20A (like the Promariner 43021 Battery Charger, for example).
Understanding Amp Hours
Whether it’s AGM, another lead-acid type, or even lithium, we use the term Amp Hours (AH) to refer to how much power you can draw from a battery before it runs flat.
To give you a rough idea, a small motor found on something like a dirt bike or jet ski will have a starter battery of approximately 30 AH. Bigger vehicles require more amp hours in the starter battery to get the engine running, with most cars sitting somewhere between 50 and 100 AH. The leisure batteries of boats, RVs, and off-grid homes will be bigger still, sometimes up to 200 AH and with multiple cells connected to the same system.
Note that some AGM battery chargers are rated for use up to a maximum number of AH. If you’ve got a bigger battery than that, you’ll need to find a more powerful charger.
AGM Battery Charger Types
There are three different types of AGM battery chargers, each of which performs distinct functions. It’s quite common for a unit to do the job of more than one type; for example, charger/maintainers are particularly prevalent.
Chargers
These are by far the most common variety, and they do precisely what the name implies: recharge an AGM battery to top it up or bring it back into a working state.
AGM chargers are specially designed to run on the correct level of voltage and amperage to safely and efficiently restore power to an AGM battery. Using any other kind of charger could damage or destroy your AGM, so never try to mix and match.
Maintainers
Battery maintainers, as the name suggests, maintain the current level of the charge in the battery—it won’t go up nor down.
But why would one want to maintain the same battery level, you may ask? Well, when AGM batteries are kept in storage for a lengthy period, the battery will slowly discharge and eventually run flat. Over discharging an AGM battery will damage the system and significantly reduce its lifespan, and an AGM battery maintainer will prevent this from happening.
Re-conditioners
Again, re-conditioners do exactly what they claim: re-condition a badly worn and poorly performing battery back into a more effective state. Over time, contaminants will build up inside a battery cell and prevent the unit from producing the optimal amount of power—and eventually, it could even stop working entirely. The re-conditioner uses a high-tech system to clean out the blockages and improve the overall performance of the affected battery.
These dedicated devices are commonly found in auto-repair shops. The fact they’re rather expensive and not entirely necessary for day-to-day use means they’re not widely purchased for domestic purposes, although you will find a few combo options on our list.
PowerSports Batteries
PowerSports batteries are specifically designed for small, outdoor leisure machines like ATVs, ski mobiles, jet skis, and low-horse-power motorbikes. Some battery chargers, such as the Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer only work with PowerSports batteries. Therefore, if you buy one to use on your car battery, you’ll only be wasting your money as it won’t work at all.
Battery Jump Starters versus Battery Chargers
Generally speaking, battery jump starters are a different product altogether, one that’s designed to immediately pump enough power into your AGM battery for you to start using the vehicle straight away. Battery chargers, on the other hand, will slowly recharge a low (or perhaps even fully flat) battery over time, anywhere between two and twelve hours.
However, some manufacturers combine both functionalities into the same product. See our review on the Schumacher SC1281 if that sounds like something you need.
The Benefits of Owning an AGM Battery Charger
The primary purpose of owning an AGM charger is the ability to recharge your vehicle battery once it runs flat or dangerously low. AGM batteries need to be charged slowly with the correct amperage and voltage; otherwise, you could end up damaging or ruining it. Attempting to charge an AGM battery with any other kind of charger that isn’t specifically built for the purpose is asking for trouble.
Having an AGM charger at home is convenient, as it allows you to recharge your battery without removing it from the engine bay or getting the car towed to an auto repair shop.
Aside from recharging your battery, AGM chargers have another useful purpose: monitoring. Many varieties come with an electronic display that tells you the current level of charge and can give you an indication of how badly worn out your battery is. That way, it won’t come as a surprise when it comes time to buy a new one, and you can budget your expenditure accordingly.
Using an AGM Battery Charger
Non-mechanically minded folks don’t need to worry about wracking their brains to comprehend an overly complex system because AGM battery chargers are remarkably easy to use. Although the exact process varies between models, the general procedure is to connect the cables to your battery, plug the charger into the power grid, and switch the unit on.
High-quality AGM battery chargers will automatically shut off at the appropriate time to avoid overcharging the battery. Furthermore, the better models have in-built microprocessors that gather information about the relevant elements within the battery and regulate the correct voltage and current. In this situation, it’s just a matter of ‘set it and forget it.’
There are a few simple things to remember, however:
Clean the cable connectors before using them because dirt and dust can accumulate and significantly reduce the efficiency of the charger.
Always connect the cables to the car battery before plugging it in and turning it on. You don’t want to be handling a live current under any circumstances.
It’s best to wear a thick pair of gloves while connecting the cables. A thin layer of dried sulfuric acid, which looks like a chalky white powder, may accumulate on the battery, and it’s best not to let this come into contact with your skin. Alternatively, you can carefully wipe it clean with a rag.
Remember to connect the positive and negative cables into the right port—there will be a marking engraved into the battery. No matter what battery you buy, the red cable will be positive, while the black cable will be negative.
When to Charge Your AGM Battery
Most AGM batteries reside within the engine bay of an automobile, and these generally don’t need to be charged up at all (at least not manually, anyway). A car’s alternator draws electricity from the pumping pistons inside the engine to recharge the battery as you drive, which means you don’t have to worry about it. However, if you run the A/C too long or forget to turn the headlights off, then you’re battery will run low, and you’ll need to recharge.
Leisure batteries, AKA house batteries, which are used in boats and RVs, will also usually (but not always) draw power from their gasoline-operated engines. However, as the engine isn’t running all the time, it’s often necessary to charge them from an external source, the most efficient of which is the AGM battery charger (solar panels can only provide so much juice).
AGM batteries shouldn’t be discharged more than 50% to avoid permanent damage over time. The avid sailor and RVer has a voltage meter installed in their rig and knows to stop drawing power and start recharging once it hits 12.05V in order to preserve the longevity of their battery.
The Charging Time
The amount of time it takes to charge an AGM battery depends on several factors—the battery capacity, condition, and the charge rate—so it’s impossible to provide an exact figure. Expect to wait anywhere between two and twelve hours for a full charge up. A high-end AGM battery charger will automatically shut off when it reaches the optimal level, which makes life easier.
Of course, you don’t need to recharge a battery fully to start your car. Many cars can start with a battery voltage as low as 11.9V.
The Best AGM Battery Chargers
If you’ve made it this far through our guide, you’re now something of an expert on AGM batteries and the best ways to charge them. Whether you just want to maintain or re-condition your AGM to extend its shelf life or you need to charge it regularly from the mains, there’s an AGM battery charger out there to suit your needs.
Take the time to mull over our meticulously researched top 10 list of AGM battery chargers to find the device that best works for you. More

Cars and Coffee. Cruise Night. Hot August Nights. They all have, well, a lot in common actually. A lot of noise, people kicking tires, and chocolate-covered hands way too close to freshly polished chrome. They also have cars that shine and sparkle better than when they were brand new.
Whether you are in the show, in the parking lot, or just want your car to stand out while running errands, achieving that shine on your ride is always a worthy endeavor. The good news is that there are a ton of products, collectively called spray waxes, that can condense the hours it takes to get that sparkle down to minutes.

An Introduction to Spray Wax
We get it. You are busy. Way too busy to spend an entire afternoon with a clay bar, a tub of paste, and a pile of clean rags. That’s why we wrote this guide. Keep going to read about the main features of spray wax, and browse through our top ten picks. If you have a few spare minutes, get some tips and in-depth knowledge in our complete guide below.
Benefits of Spray Wax
If you want a full breakdown, check the bottom of the page here. The short of it is that spray wax is faster than traditional wax, but still offers great short term protection from the elements. Using spray wax is easy, good for your paint, and is a great way to get things shiny in a now sort of way.
What Spray Wax Isn’t
Spray wax shines your car, protects the paint, and makes it easier to keep clean, but it’s not a replacement for a good wax job. It’s also not a cleaner. You use a spray wax to keep your clear coat awesome between detailings and after washing. If you spend any time online reading reviews, you’re going to read reviews hating on spray wax because people didn’t understand that it’s not a deep cleaner.
Apply spray wax to a clean car with good paint. Yes, even the ones that say they are also cleaners. Stuff like Shine Armor claims to be a cleaner and a wax, but they are only talking about a bit of dust or spotting. Rubbing dirt and grime into your paint will scratch and destroy the finish. Best case scenario: if you wax a dirty car, you apply a nice protective layer to the dirt. Don’t be like the people who can’t read directions and yell about it online.
Key Features of Spray Wax
Spray waxes have a handful of features that make them great. Let’s break them down real quick so you know what to expect. We’ll touch on how spray waxes do these things down below if you really want to know the science stuff.
Protection from Water
Waxes repel water, which is great for protecting your ride from mud and other liquid stains. Water protection helps eliminate water spots after a wash too. That makes it easier to keep a car clean with a quick rinse.
Protection from UV
UV damages a car’s finish, so the more you can do to protect your paint from the sun, the better. Some sprays are specially formulated to offer better protection against UV, like the Car Guys product we recommend.
Protection from Dust and Debris
When the wax is applied, no matter the form, it hardens over time to form another layer of protection from scratches and chips. Products with ceramic, like the Meguiar’s spray wax here, offer better debris protections than pure carnauba like the Mother’s.
Make Your Car Shiny
Like a treasure from a sunken pirate ship, or something like that, Wax makes your paint pop. Spray wax is a great, quick way to get the most out of the clearcoat. Unfortunately, there is usually an inverse correlation to the amount of shine you will get and the amount of work you’ll have to do. Torque makes a product that takes longer to use, but looks fantastic.
How to Choose the Best Spray Wax
There are hundreds of spray waxes on the market, and most of them are really similar. That makes it super irritating to pick the best, so we broke it down into three main categories. How good the protection is, how easy it is to use, and how good your car will look.
Durability
Durability is the combination of how good the wax protects against different elements and how long it lasts. Good UV protection becomes useless if it washes off after the first rain.
Ease of Use
The number one reason to use a spray wax over a paste wax is the speed and convenience it offers over the more traditional method. If it takes a ton of work and time to use a spray wax, it will need to do something else outstanding to justify buying.
Looks
Spray wax has to make your car look good. That’s the bare minimum, but there’s some nuance to it. Some waxes offer a higher level of shine, some work better on dark colors, and some are better for certain surfaces like plastic or rubber.
As a note, when it comes to looks, we’re going to use subjective terms like deep. In general, there are two desirable finishes. A deep, glass-like shine tends to result from a thick, even coating of material. A shallower, glossier “wet look” shine is still really good looking. It just will lack the mirror finish that a more expensive process will get you.
As we mentioned before, hundreds of these things are on the market, and they all claim to be the best. The truth is they might have things that make them better in certain areas, but nothing is the greatest at everything. We reviewed and ranked 10 of the best, so it’s easy for you to choose one and shine.

Top 10 Best Spray Waxes 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Car Guys Hybrid

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Why we like it: It’s legitimately hard to find bad things to say about the Car Guys Hybrid Spray. It looks great, protects well, and even smells good.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
Few products on our list offer great water resistance, great UV protection, and extra scratch resistance. The Car Guys spray does. It’s not the longest-lasting, that would be the Torque further down, but it will get you through a few months without reapplying.
Ease of Use
It’s safe for all surfaces, so you don’t have to be careful spraying. The sprayer is excellent, so you don’t have to fight with it. You can finish an average-sized car in 15 minutes. You can even use it to help dry your car, so you don’t have to worry about completely drying off after a wash.
The only thing to watch out for is heat. Most spray waxes don’t do well in the heat, so it’s not something that you can really avoid. The Car Guys spray is just extra unfriendly if it’s too hot.
Looks
Your car will look fantastic. This hybrid spray has carnauba for that deep shine and builds up enough of a layer to hold that mirror finish for a long time. The Shine Armor Polish might look better at first, but the Car Guys will still have kept your car looking good after a month.
Our Thoughts
It’s really simple. If you just want to get a great spray and not think too hard about it, Car Guys is perfect. The only thing we don’t love is the price; there are cheaper sprays that work almost as well—namely, the Turtle Wax Ice. The sprayer on this unit is nicer, though, and honestly, that makes the price difference worth it. It’s amazing how frustrating a gunked up sprayer can be.

Pros

Looks great
Easy to apply
Offers good protection

Cons

Could cost less
Sensitive to heat

2. Best Budget Pick: Lucas Slick Mist

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Why we like it: The Lucas Slick Mist works excellently and is nearly half the price per ounce compared to average spray waxes.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
The Slick Mist doesn’t have any advanced UV protection and it’s not formulated for scratch resistance. It does offer really great water resistance, however, allowing it to hold up even after multiple washes. The instructions suggest reapplying it every month, but you’ll be able to get away with a lot longer.
Ease of Use
Good sprayer? Check. Applies evenly in a single coat? Check. Doesn’t need an excessive amount of buffing to look great? Check. Ok for use on most exterior materials? Check. Just make sure your car is dry before applying it.
Looks
One of the best things about the Slick Mist is that it still makes your car look awesome despite being cheap. Usually, the shine is the first thing to go when we talk about inexpensive sprays, but Lucas seems to have worked that kink out. You can even use it to shine stainless and chrome, and nothing beats the look of polished chrome against mirror-finished paint.
Our Thoughts
Every so often, a product comes along to remind us that we’re in the future now. Go back twenty years and try to tell someone there’s a really cheap, easy to use spray that will make your car look just as good as it did in the showroom. You’d be laughed out of the building.
The only way it could be better and the only thing keeping this spray wax from the top spot is the lack of advanced protection. Both the Car Guys and the Turtle Wax have that extra bit of durability for protecting your paint. If they somehow added the same coating to this product, we don’t think you’d see anything else being used at car shows.

Pros

Very inexpensive
Easy to use
Gives a very decent shine

Cons

Low UV protection
Car should be completely dry before applying

3. Best Basic Protective Wax: Turtle Wax Ice

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Why we like it: Turtle Wax Ice offers a great balance between shine, protection, and price.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
The UV and scratch protection are great, but where this spray wax shines is in water protection. Few products will make water bead and roll like Turtle Ice will. It doesn’t seem to last as long as other sprays, but as long as you reapply it monthly, you should enjoy some really top-notch protection.
Ease of Use
It’s in the time it takes to get a good finish with the Turtle Ice that the flaws start to show. If you don’t buff it long enough, you get streaks. Don’t get us wrong; it’s still a lot faster and easier than a traditional paste job, but compared to the options from Lucas or Meguiar’s, it can feel like forever. Also, the spray drips. You’ll notice we talk about the sprayer a lot. Use the Turtle Wax to learn why we emphasize the value of a good sprayer.
Looks
Assuming you get the streaks out, see above, the Ice looks great. However, just because of the risk of haze or streaks, people with lighter colored cars will probably be happier than people with dark colors. The extra water protection will help keep your car cleaner though, and means won’t have to work as hard to keep your car looking great.
Our Thoughts
When it comes to value, you have two options. The Lucas spray wax looks great and is easier to apply. If you are all about detailing your ride before a show, get that one. The Turtle Wax offers really great protection for the cost, though.
If you want to better protect your paint and don’t care as much about the shine, get this one. The other choice you have is to pay a lot more and not have to compromise, but who wants to pay more?

Pros

Good UV protection
Inexpensive
Great water protection

Cons

Takes a while to buff
Sprayer could be improved

4. Best Premium Pick: Shine Armor Quick Coat

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Why we like it: Shine Armor’s 3-in-1 technology makes it about as close as you can get to a single bottle detail spray. It cleans, shines, and protects with minimal effort.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
The strength and protection that Shine Amor offers are best in class. It lasts a long time, it’s probably the best UV protection you can get in a spray bottle, and it will stand up to a hard wash. The only thing that it’s not great at is water-repelling. The Turtle Wax is better at that.
Ease of Use
Shine Armor gets points off for being temperamental. You can’t use it on a wet car, or a hot day, or directly in sunlight where different areas can dry at different rates, or with a standard terry cloth. It’s just really important that you do it their way. The good news is that if you follow the directions, it’s a fast, painless process. It’s part cleaner, though you shouldn’t rely on it. Treat it more like a detailing spray, you wouldn’t use it to clean your car, but you would use it to touch up your car.
Looks
The shine is deep, lasts forever, and unlike the rest of the sprays, you can even rejuvenate an older finish. It’s not the best tool for rejuvenation, but it will improve an old paint job. The only thing better is also made by Shine Armor, and it’s down here on our list. Largely the difference is in the carnauba content. The more pure wax offers a better shine but doesn’t offer the protection this does.
Our Thoughts
Oh man, this is a great product. It’s a dream to use, as long as you follow the directions. It lasts for months, and you definitely won’t be using it as often as other products. And it looks really good, can it do no wrong?
Well, it turns out that if you spend a whole bunch of money, you get a pretty good product. It’s the most expensive spray per ounce on our list, and it’s even on the higher end of detail products in general, save the F11 types, but we won’t go there. That makes it really hard to justify.
It’s so expensive because it comes in a tiny bottle. Not only do you have to pay a lot per coating, but you also have to buy it more often. It’s hard to justify the cost when stuff like the Lucas Slick Mist is so much cheaper and still works fine.

Pros

Beautiful shine
Is a mild cleaner in addition to being a finish
Great UV protection

Cons

Expensive
The bottle is tiny compared to everything else

5. Best for Car Shows: Chemical Guys Banana Spray

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Why we like it: The Chemical Guys Banana Spray is fun, and sometimes that’s what you need in today’s world. Oh, and also, it will make your car look great with minimal effort.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
The durability is fine. It’s on par with other wax heavy sprays like the Mother’s California Spray. Beading will be good, but not as good as ceramic or hybrid sprays. UV protection is ok but not as good as formulated sprays. It will last six weeks or less. That’s just a downside to the high wax content sprays; without additives to make it harder, it will wear off a lot faster.
Ease of Use
We are going to compare it to the Mother’s product again since they are both high wax content sprays. In this category, that’s a good thing, because these are some of the easiest to use sprays out there. Spray on, wipe off. It takes minutes, and your car will shine.
Looks
Do you like shiny? Because the Bana Spray brings the gloss. It’s not a deep shine like the Shine Armor Polish, and it won’t make any attempt to restore your clear coat like the Shine Armor Quick Coat will. But it will make good paint pop. It nails the “wet look” on plastics and vinyl too, so go wild with it.
Our Thoughts
The Car Guys wax is still easy to use and offers better protection. Lucas Slick Mist is just as fast and versatile but costs less. Neither of them smells like banana, and neither of them will spark conversation like the Banana spray. That makes this the perfect thing to take with you when you go to Cars and Coffee. You can shine your car while people ask you dumb questions, and you can lure in that barista you like with the smell.

Pros

Smells like taffy
Really nice shine
Easy and fast to apply

Cons

Doesn’t offer great protection
More expensive than Mother’s, which is pretty much the same but doesn’t smell like taffy

6. Fastest Spray Wax: Meguiar’s Quick Wax

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Why we like it: The Quick Wax is formulated to be wiped up before it dries, making application super fast.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
It’s about the same as the Lucas Slick Mist. You’re not going to get the best protection from a product that’s meant to be a fast shine. Turtle Wax Ice and Car Guys have better water protection, and formulated products like Shine Armor are better for UV. It will also only last about a month. All in all, it’s not terrible, but you will want more if your goal is durability.
Ease of Use
It’s not the easiest thing on the list, but it is the fastest. You can do two coats and get a really nice shine in the time it takes you to prep for other sprays. There’s nothing really special about the process; it works the same way as the Lucas Slick Mist. It’s just that the combination of slow dry time, fine spray, and low streaking make it a bit faster to use.
Looks
If you have a new car, it will keep it looking new. If you have great pain already, it will keep it looking great. If you have an oxidized clear coat and tons of scratches, it will make it look like you poured some water on an old paint job. The Quick Wax will never build as thick as other waxes, so it won’t ever look as good. It’s ok, but like the Turtle Wax, it’s not great.
Our Thoughts
The Meguair’s Quick Wax is a purely middle of the road product. It’s something you buy if you don’t really care to have the best, but still want to keep your car waxed between detailings. Avoid Concours events, and you’ll be thrilled.

Pros

Very fast to apply
The bottle is large and easy to use
Inexpensive

Cons

Durability could be improved
The Car Guys spray is only a few dollars more, is very similar in application, and is a better product

7. Best Spray Wax and Wash Combo: Meguiar’s Premium Wash and Wax

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Why we like it: This kit comes with everything you need to make your car look stunning, including buckets and rags.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
The wax this kit comes with is one of the most protective on the market. It’s right there with the Shine Armor or the Turtle Wax. Meguiar’s calls it a unique special ceramic hybrid, but it’s pretty much the same as any hybrid wax. That’s a good thing because those types of waxes offer the best durability out there.
Ease of Use
I mean, the kit comes with everything you need, which is awesome. But the wax isn’t friendly to plastics, so you have to make sure to keep it controlled. It also takes a long time. The product can dry almost immediately, meaning you can only work in small areas at a time.
Looks
Looks great. It’s not the deep, beautiful shine of something like the Shine Armor Polish, but you get that satisfying glossy wet look that lasts for a long time.
Our Thoughts
If you are just getting into detailing your car, or just need a really handy kit, Meguiar’s has your back. This kit includes buckets, rags, wash, and wax. The wax is one of their better ones, the wash works well, and the wash mitts make something fun to use once before throwing away and replacing with some high-quality sponges.
The price is a bit of a gut punch. This is the most expensive entry on our list, but that’s because of the amount of stuff you get. Per ounce, the wax is average in price, and you are basically getting the buckets and towels for free. We think it might be expensive to just buy for yourself, but it would make the absolute perfect gift for someone who just got a new car.

Pros

Comes with everything you need to wash and wax
The wax offers great protection
The wash is good too

Cons

It takes a long time to do it right
The initial price is high

8. Best High-Quality Shine: Shine Armor Polish

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Why we like it: The Shine Armor Polish is probably the closest you can get to a traditional paste job when it comes to brilliance.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
Shine Armor Polish has no additives for UV protection, and it doesn’t get as hard as ceramic or hybrid sprays, but the water beading is fine. This product really is very close to a traditional paste wax. You get a fantastic shine, really good water control, and ok dust protection. That comes at the cost of the sciency stuff other sprays like the Meguair’ s Premium Wash and Wax or the Car Guys sprays have.
Ease of Use
Usually, high-end sprays like this are harder to use, but the Shine Armor Polish’s simplicity saves it from that fate. It’s just as easy as the Banana Spray or Lucas Slick Mist. It does take longer if you want to really buff out any hint of streaking. Most of the cheaper sprays it’s just not worth doing, but this is one of the best looking products on our list. It’s worth the extra five minutes.
Looks
Oh man, we’re just going to say it. The Shine Armor Polish is the best looking spray on this list. It’s hard to make that claim because there are many great looking products in today’s world. Car Guys makes a great product that will give you a beautiful shine. So will the Torque Mirror Shine, and per ounce, both are cheaper. But if you need the absolute best of the best in the looks department, here it is.
Our Thoughts
It’s another expensive product in a tiny bottle from Shine Armor, and if you read our thoughts on the Quick Coat, then you can probably guess our thoughts on the Polish. It’s great, but probably not worth it unless you really, really want that super shine. That’s it, enough said.

Pros

Easy to apply
Beautiful
Mildly restorative

Cons

Expensive
Not very good protection

9. Longest Lasting Spray Wax: Torque Mirror Shine

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Why we like it: The Torque Mirror Shine is a good looking wax that will protect your car longer than most sprays.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
It says six months on the bottle, and the Torque is probably the only spray wax that can get close to that claim. That’s fantastic. You can’t get better longevity out of a spray bottle, not even the Shine Armor.
The protection layer is not as hard as other sprays. You might get some dust and water sticking, but at the same time, no spray will protect your car past a month or so. The time between coats might make the average protection over the course of a year way better with the Torque unless you religiously apply wax.
Ease of Use
Like the other higher-end products, the Torque is temperamental and needs a perfect vehicle to work. They recommend multiple coats, multiple buffing sessions, and only apply the product after a complete clay bar session. Frankly, it’s a pain in the butt to get the Torque spray’s full benefits, and that’s only marginally acceptable because you don’t have to do it nearly as often as other sprays.
Looks
People will argue all day whether a polymer shine, like this product, or a heavy wax shine like the Shine Armor Polish, is better looking. Either way, you are going to get that mirror shine if you use the product correctly.
Our Thoughts
The Torque spray is meant to compete with the “professional” sprays like the F11. It totally does, in the sense that it’s a bit overpriced, and there are much cheaper sprays that look just as good.
That being said, the Torque Spray is an excellent product. If your car is new and you want to keep it looking new as long as possible, you won’t be disappointed.

Pros

Great shine
Lasts a long time
A little bit of product goes a long way

Cons

Expensive
Takes a long time to apply correctly

10. Easiest to Use: Mother’s California Spray

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Why we like it: Mother’s California Spray if you just want to take a few minutes to wax, and don’t expect much more from it.
Editor’s Rating:

Durability
It will last a month, offer adequate water protection, mild UV protection, and dust will be marginally easier to wipe off. In other words, it’s fine but doesn’t stand out in any way. The only thing that makes it worthy of our list is that it’s cheap and comes in a big bottle. You can overcome the durability limitations by applying it frequently without feeling bad.
Ease of Use
We call a lot of things easy to use. That’s largely because that’s the whole point of spray waxes, and the truth is the Mother’s isn’t the best. It’s more or less tied with any of the other spray-on, wipe off waxes. The Lucas product on our list is just as easy, and the Banana Spray is just as easy and smells like banana.
This spray wax gets to be called the easiest to use because it is the stand out feature of the California Spray wax. It cleans, it polishes, and it takes minimal buffing to avoid swirls.
Looks
Your car will look great after using the Mother’s California Spray. It’s a high wax content spray, and it’s going to make your clear coat shine. The issue is that it’s not going to last as long as others. Again, though, you get a ton of it for cheap, so just reapply when necessary.
Our Thoughts
The Mother’s Spray Wax is the definition of perfectly adequate. It does what the label says, and nothing more. It won’t surprise you, it won’t let you down, and it costs exactly what you think it should cost.
What that makes it really good for is a baseline for everything else. If you are just getting into detailing, or want to learn about how different products work, then get the Mother’s and have at it. That way, when we say things like “the Shine Armor might not be worth the extra price,” you can be like, yeah, because the one from Mother’s isn’t that much worse. Conversely, when we praise the Lucas Spray for their sprayer, you can be like, yeah, because most sprayers are garbage, and I hate them.

Pros

Inexpensive
Meets expectations
Easy to apply

Cons

Sprayer is garbage
Doesn’t offer great protection or great anything, really

All About Spray Wax
Wax is one of those things that’s easy to understand on the surface, but gets super deep the more you look at it. We aren’t going to get into the chemistry of it, but we do want to set you up with all the knowledge you need to argue about it with your friends.
What Does Wax Do Anyway?
A car’s finish has a bunch of layers, and all of them have different attributes. The primer creates a surface that paint can bond too and sticks to the metal. The paint gives it color. The clear coat makes it shiny and protects the paint.
Each layer has defects because nothing in life is ever perfect. Wax fills in those defects so that dirt and water can’t get trapped in them. If you are a visual learner, let Bart from Donut Media explain it. He’s talking about ceramic finishes specifically, but the underlying principles are the same.
Spray Wax vs. Paste Wax vs. Liquid Wax
Wax comes in three main flavors. (Note: please don’t eat the wax!) Wax comes either in spray form, paste form, or a liquid. Sometimes it’s not really a liquid, it’s more like a gel, but for this article’s purposes, a gel is a liquid. If you want to venture into the world of other waxes, we here at AutoQuarterly already have a guide to set you up right here.
Paste Wax
Paste wax is a lump of goop that sometimes has the consistency of a crayon, and sometimes has the consistency of a good flan. Ideally, it’s in-between the two. It all depends on the brand and temperature.
To use paste wax, you have to spend a ton of time spreading an even layer over your car’s entire surface, then wiping off the excess. Remember Karate Kid? Wax on, wax off. That’s how traditional wax, an ancient martial art, works.
The hard work translates to the most durable, shiniest finish you can get. Nothing compares to a good old fashion shine and wax.
Spray Wax
This entire article is all about spray wax, so hopefully, you have a pretty good idea what it is by now. It’s like paste wax, but you can just spray it on and wipe it off. No super long wax on, wax off martial art practice session.
The downside is that it’s never going to be as durable or as long-lasting as a paste job. You won’t build up the layers needed to get that miracle shine, and it won’t get hard enough to save you from the elements. It’s absolutely perfect if your car just needs some shine maintenance, though.
Liquid Wax
Wax as a liquid is the balance between spray and paste. It’s a little easier to use than the paste, but it still takes longer than the spray. You get a good layer of protection, but it’s not as good as the paste layers.
The Compounds in Spray Waxes
Modern spray waxes vary significantly in composition. In ye olden days, carnauba was king. It’s wax made from palm trees. Nowadays, you got ceramics, polymers, and whatever weird stuff is in Meguair’s green bottle wax. So what do they do?
Natural Wax
It turns out that wax occurs all over nature and is used by plants and stuff for the same reason we use it for our cars. It repels water and keeps things clean. Like we said before, carnauba comes from palm trees. Natural waxes don’t last as long, which we point out a lot during the review section. They do look great. That’s why waxes like Shine Armor Polish rate higher in the looks department.
Synthetic Wax
Better living through chemistry is a saying made famous by DuPont. They make finishing supplies, so they know. Polymer waxes have come a long way since they made that slogan in 1935, and some people prefer the look and advanced protection that synthetic waxes offer. Torque makes a great synthetic spray, but most waxes we reviewed are hybrids between synthetic and natural. That gives you the natural shine and synthetic protection.
Ceramic
Ceramic is the newest player in the finish scene. It’s harder than even the hardest waxes and is a super cool word to have on a wax bottle. The truth is that unless you are getting a hardcore ceramic coating, the amount of ceramic in a spray wax isn’t enough to make a huge difference.
Products like the Shine Armor Quick Coat have ceramic in them and do offer some of the best protection, but one of the biggest benefits of a ceramic finish is the amount of time they last. Spray waxes don’t last.
How to Use Spray Wax
Spray wax is easy to use. So easy, we can run you through the entire process here and feel confident you can get great results no matter what product you choose.
Gather the Materials
First, make sure you have a bunch of clean microfiber towels. The Car Guys spray comes with some if that makes your life easier. Other useful things include a handful of old rags, just for cleanup, and a drying cloth just in case there’s water hidden somewhere.
Wash Your Car
This can be as complicated or as easy as you want. There’s plenty of waterless washes out there that work fine or products like the Meguair’s kit we recommend come with a whole car wash kit. Popular Mechanics has a pretty good rundown of how to get great results.
Read the Directions
We all know you will wait until the last minute to read the directions. That’s fine. Though do your best to read them before actually applying the wax. It’s just that every product is a little different, so you want to make sure there isn’t some secret to it that can make your life way better.
Dry Your Car
Air dry, chemical dry, sunlight, shammy, use whatever works best for you. Even if the spray wax you grab says it works on wet surfaces, we guarantee it will work better on a dry surface.
Apply the Wax
Some waxes you apply by spraying onto a rag and then messaging into the paint. Other’s you just spray onto the paint directly. Either way, work in small areas to avoid streaks due to the wax drying out.
Wipe Off the Wax
This is where the directions will help. Some waxes need to dry partially before being wiped off. Others, like the Lucas spray, can be wiped off immediately.
Buff if Necessary
Waxes like the Banana spray can be buffed to a mirror polish after spraying. Again, read the directions. Buffing will make sure you get the most shine you can get.
Apply Another Layer of Wax to Any Bald Spots
Some products, like the Torque, simply suggest applying another layer to the entire car. Most of the time, you just look for a dull spot and touch it up. That’s it, enjoy the sparkle.
Ready, Set, Spray
Spray wax is the best way to keep your car looking great between hardcore detailings. That means you have no excuse. Go blind people during cruise night; it’s the right thing to do. More

You’ve heard of a car cabin air filter. It’s mentioned every time you stop by your local mechanic for an oil change. But what is it, and why is it so important? You might also be wondering how often you should change it, and how to choose the best cabin air filter for your car. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about cabin air filters and see our top picks for 2020.

How to Choose the Best Car Cabin Air Filter
Before jumping into our picks for cabin air filters, let’s talk about the different types to choose from and what key factors to consider when buying a new cabin air filter.
Types of Cabin Air Filters
You know that it’s the time to invest in a new cabin air filter for your trusty four-door, but how do you know which type of filter is best? While each type of cabin air filter is designed to handle dust and odors, not all do so in the same way.
Charcoal Cabin Air Filters
Charcoal cabin air filters catch dust and debris while also absorbing nasty fumes and unpleasant odors. For the best results, charcoal cabin air filters should be changed once per year or every 15,000 miles.
Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filters
Activated carbon filters work the same way as charcoal cabin air filters but use activated carbon to absorb airborne contaminants that pass through your vehicle’s ventilation system.
Particle Cabin Air Filters
Particle cabin filters trap tiny particles before they enter your car. These filters are ideal for filtering out pollen, dust, smoke, mold spores, and other small particles.
Electrostatic Cabin Air Filters
Each layer of an electrostatic cabin air filter is electrostatically charged so that the filter can trap ultra-fine particles, including cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, mold spores, bacteria, and diesel carbon.
HEPA Cabin Air Filters
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters provide a filtration efficiency rate of 99.7% at 0.3 microns, blocking out allergens like pollen and dust. However, they’re not as good when it comes to filtering out harmful odors.
Key Features to Look For in a Car Cabin Air Filter
Much like anything, there are a few key features to look out for when buying a car cabin air filter:
Compatability
Each model of car requires a specifically-sized air filter. While a brand may claim to have a universal fit, that’s not necessarily true. Before you commit to buying a cabin air filter, check if it’s compatible with your car.
Protection
Cabin air filters are designed to block out dust and dirt particles. Some are also able to take on foul odors. If you’d like a cabin air filter that can protect against even finer particulates and more pungent odors, be sure to buy a filter like the K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter.
Longevity
While some cabin air filters need to be changed after one year or 12,000 miles, others can last for even longer.
Driving Conditions
Do you live in an urban environment plagued by pollution? Then consider a HEPA-rated filter like the Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter. If you don’t, an air filter like the Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter may fit the bill better.
We have sorted through the bestsellers and forever favorites to find the best car cabin air filters of 2020. Check out our top picks below!

Top 10 Best Car Cabin Air Filters 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter

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Why we like it: The Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter uses three layers of filtration to protect against dust, allergens, and fumes. It also lasts longer than most other cabin air filters.
Editor’s Rating:

The Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter is an excellent buy if you’re in the market for a reasonably priced cabin air filter that uses activated carbon to protect against dust and odors. Unlike other cabin filters, the Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter also features honeycombed charcoal weaves engineered to last up to 25% longer than other filters.
Compatability
This filter works with a range of vehicles. Whether you’re the proud owner of a Dodge Ram pickup or have a Subaru Forester sitting in your driveway, this cabin air filter will be sure to please.
Protection
The Spearhead Premium Breathe Easy Cabin Filter boasts three layers of filtration: one for dust, an antimicrobial filter to block allergens, and an adsorption filter to soak up some foul odors. It’s also densely packed with activated carbon and uses industrial strength electrostatic media to trap even the smallest particles.
Longevity
If you want an air filter that will last longer than the standard 12,000 miles, this air filter is an excellent choice because it uses honeycombed charcoal weaves to last up to 15,000 miles.
Driving Conditions
If you live in a highly polluted area, this air filter will do just fine. If you’re trying to combat smells, though, this air filter may not be the pick for you. While it does feature a layer specifically designed to soak up odors, it cannot soak up stronger scents like diesel fumes or passing fast food smells.

Pros

Uses activated carbon
Multiple filtration levels
Lasts 25% longer

Cons

Doesn’t offer strong odor protection

2. Best Budget Pick: EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: If you’re hoping to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter and its wallet-friendly price tag.
Editor’s Rating:

The EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter uses activated carbon to provide cleaner airflow. It’s also straightforward to install and is able to improve HVAC performance.
Compatability
This cabin air filter works with nearly every vehicle on the market, making it an easy pick if you’re looking for a cheap cabin air filter.
Protection
Using activated carbon, the EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter is able to prevent dust and debris from entering your car’s interior. It’s also able to stop foul odors, though not altogether.
Longevity
While the EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter should last a year, you’ll probably have to replace it before then. Fortunately, because it’s priced so low, purchasing more than one in a year isn’t too costly.
Driving Conditions
You can expect this cabin air filter to handle most driving conditions. While it’ll undoubtedly provide cleaner airflow, it won’t necessarily stop bad smells altogether.

Pros

Low price
Improves HVAC performance
Prevents dust and debris in cabin

Cons

Won’t stop odors altogether
May not last a year

3. Best Premium Pick: K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: The K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter is the best of the best. Though it does cost a pretty penny, it’s well worth the investment.
Editor’s Rating:

There’s a reason the K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter is the first on our list. This cabin air filter is designed to protect against just about everything. From dust to mold, this air filter has got you covered. Of course, several other features are worth mentioning when it comes to this premium car cabin air filter.
Compatability
The K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter is compatible with a number of vehicles, including Toyota, Subaru, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, and Scion models. If you own a car made by another manufacturer, K&N does offer additional cabin air filters to choose from.
Protection
This air filter uses state-of-the-art filtration technology and an electrostatic charge to protect against mold, dust, mildew, fungi, germs, and other pollutants. Equip your vehicle with this cabin air filter, and you’ll experience a noticeable difference in smells.
Longevity
Unlike other cabin air filters, the K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter is washable. That’s right, you heard it here. This cabin air filter can be washed and reused multiple times, making it extremely eco-friendly.
Driving Conditions
This electrostatic cabin air filter will do fine in just about any driving situation. Whether you’re in a polluted city or a rural area, you can count on this filter to protect your vehicle from particles and odors.

Pros

Uses advanced technology
Is washable, re-usable
Protects against smells

4. Best for Allergies: Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: This car cabin filter is HEPA-rated and is designed to trap even the smallest of microscopic pollutants.
Editor’s Rating:

Pollutants are no match for this HEPA-rated cabin air filter. Opt for the Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter, and be confident that you’re protecting your car’s interior. Though, do keep in mind that this air filter did impact airflow for some customers, making it a poor choice for city slickers in the summer months.
Compatability
The Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter works with many different vehicles, Toyota and Lexus, included. If you don’t see your vehicle listed, check out the Bosch Automotive Store to find a compatible cabin air filter.
Protection
This filter comprises three layers and provides the cleanest air possible with 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns. Its support layer supports and protects the surface of the filter while the HEPA layer traps microscopic pollutants like pollen, mold, and other common allergens. Its last layer, a static cotton layer, is designed to improve particle-holding capacity and prolong the filter’s life.
Longevity
Bosch recommends replacing your cabin air filter every 12,000 miles or per your vehicle owner’s manual for maximum efficiency.
Driving Conditions
As we mentioned earlier, if you live in a polluted area, opting for a HEPA-rated filter makes for a great choice. Unlike other filters on the list, the Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter is remarkably efficient at providing you with the cleanest of clean air.

Pros

HEPA-rated
Protects against common allergens
Remarkably efficient

Cons

Can restrict airflow

5. Best Two-Pack: Puroma Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon

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Why we like it: The Puroma Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon comes with not one but two air filters. Buy ahead and save both time and money.
Editor’s Rating:

For less than $15, you’ll get two cabin air filters when choosing the Puroma Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon. Enjoy enhanced HVAC performance and easy installation. Do be aware that the filter might smell the first few times of use. Don’t worry, though, the factory-fresh odor will wear off.
Compatability
This filter works with most Toyota model years, along with many other vehicles. To be sure it’s a match for your car, though, make sure to check your trusty owner’s manual.
Protection
The Puroma Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon features an activated charcoal layer that efficiently removes dust and particles, keeping them well entering your vehicle’s interior. The car cabin air filter also features advanced filter technology to provide you and your passengers with a healthier in-car environment.
Longevity
While these filters are meant to last 12,000 miles, they can stop working efficiently before that. Fortunately, with two in the pack, that’s not much of an issue.
Driving Conditions
Pairing an activated charcoal layer with advanced filter technology makes this filter a good choice for areas where fine particles or debris might be a problem. It should have no problem combatting smells, either.

Pros

Includes two cabin air filters
Used advanced filter technology
Works with most Toyota models
Features an activated charcoal layer

Cons

Odd smell first few times of use
May need to be replaced before 12,000 miles

6. Best Activated Carbon: Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon

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Why we like it: The Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon is well priced, comes with two cabin air filters, and uses activated carbon to combat smells.
Editor’s Rating:

The Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon is a do it all kind of cabin air filter. It doesn’t come with an outrageous price tag, features two cabin air filters, and uses a slew of technology to ensure that it actually does what it’s supposed to. One of its only potential downfalls? This filter can slow down airflow on a hot summer day.
Compatability
The Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon is compatible with most vehicles. Before purchasing, we do recommend confirming this.
Protection
The Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon is made up of 24 layers. Each layer is densely packed with baking soda and activated carbon to trap particles and prevent bad smells. Too much pollution can impact the efficacy of this cabin air filter, though.
Longevity
While the Kootek Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon is meant to last a year, the more polluted an area you live in, the less likely it is to reach that 12-month mark as trapping larger particles will impact the filter’s longevity.
Driving Conditions
If you live in a polluted area, this is not the best car cabin air filter for satisfying your needs. The more pollution this cabin air filter faces, the less likely it is to last for a full year. In hotter weather, this cabin air filter can also slow down airflow, which is not what you want to hear when getting behind the wheel on a hot summer day.

Pros

Comes with two air filters
Uses activated carbon
Protects against pollution

Cons

May not last a year
Can slow airflow

7. Best Against Pollen: Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter

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Why we like it: For allergy sufferers, we would like to introduce you to the Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter. Unlike other cabin filters listed, this one uses consistent filtration to take on everyday allergens.
Editor’s Rating:

The Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter is designed to filter out pollen, spores, dust, and harmful gases. For allergy sufferers, its consistent filtration performance is worth rejoicing over. Unfortunately, shipping problems have been reported when ordering this filter. For some, while it arrived on time and in good condition, it didn’t come adequately wrapped inside of the box.
Compatability
This filter was made to fit most Volkswagen and Audi models. Though it is possible, it might work in your car. To confirm, check your owner’s manual.
Protection
The Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter uses activated carbon from MANN-FILTER to prevent almost 100% of particles from entering your car. Whether it’s pollen or soot, count on the premium activated carbon layer to protect you and your passengers from tiny particles, and even harmful gases and unpleasant odors.
Longevity
To ensure optimal performance, you should change this filter every year. Fortunately, it’s easy to install and doesn’t require a mechanic’s touch.
Driving Conditions
With its well-equipped carbon layers, this cabin air filter will work well even in polluted environments. It’s even able to take on the foulest of smells, making it a safe city dweller option during summer.

Pros

Uses activated carbon
Prevents allergens from getting in your car
Easy to install

Cons

Shipped without a bag

8. Easiest to Install: ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: The ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter is a suitable pick for Honda owners because of its modest price and its ability to prevent 99. 5% of all dust, pollen, air pollution, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants from getting into your car.
Editor’s Rating:

This cabin air filter means business. Whether it’s dust or air pollution, the ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter is no match for it. Unfortunately, however, this cabin air filter isn’t as good as stopping unpleasant odors.
Compatability
The ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter works with all Honda models. Remember, though, this is always worth confirming before pressing the buy button.
Protection
When it comes to dust or other air contaminants, the ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter has what it takes to stop them. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for smells. Whether it’s smoke or diesel fumes, this cabin air filter likely isn’t capable of stopping it.
Longevity
The ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter will last a full year or 12,000 miles. For the best results, make sure to change it on time.
Driving Conditions
For polluted areas, the ECOGARD XC36080 Premium Cabin Air Filter is a good pick. If you live in an area that doesn’t always smell like a bed of fresh flowers, though, this might not be the cabin air filter for you.

Pros

Protects against air contaminants
Isn’t expensive to buy
Works in most Honda models

Cons

Doesn’t protect against odors

9. Best for Odors: EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: This cabin air filter uses both baking soda and carbon to make sure it keeps the air in your vehicle clean.
Editor’s Rating:

The EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter fits in several different kinds of cars, is modestly priced, and uses baking soda and carbon to prevent particles and smells from entering your car’s cabin.
Compatability
Whether you drive a Toyota or a Subaru, this car cabin air filter is likely to do just fine in your car. Also worth mentioning? The EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter is very easy to install, meaning there’s no reason to stop at the local mechanic next time you need a new cabin air filter.
Protection
The EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter uses carbon and baking soda to trap particles and prevent smells. While it does a great job of preventing particles from entering the vehicle’s cabin, it’s no match for more potent fumes.
Longevity
Like other cabin filters on the list, the EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter should be changed yearly.
Driving Conditions
For polluted areas, the EPAuto CP285 Premium Cabin Air Filter is an okay choice, though you could certainly do better by opting for a HEPA-rated filter like the Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter.

Pros

Will put a stop to particles entering your car
Uses baking soda and carbon
Easy to install
Cheap price

Cons

Doesn’t offer strong odor protection

10. Best for Air Flow: FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter

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Why we like it: The FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter filters up to 98% of dust particles and is used in 80% of all vehicles built since the 2000 model year.
Editor’s Rating:

The FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter is a champ when it comes to combatting debris, preventing odors, and improving airflow. Not to mention, it comes accompanied by a price tag that won’t break the bank.
Compatability
This cabin air filter can be used in 80% of all vehicles built since the 2000 model year, meaning there’s a good chance it will work in your car. To be sure, take a gander at your owner’s manual before purchasing. If your vehicle is older than that, this cabin air filter simply won’t work.
Protection
This cabin air filter uses Arm & Hammer baking soda combined with carbon to clean the air flowing through your car’s ventilation system. In doing so, it more airflow for better performance while also preventing musty odors from taking residence inside the vehicle.
Longevity
The FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter is easy to install and, unlike other cabin air filters on the list, should be changed every 15,000 miles.
Driving Conditions
This cabin air filter is able to remove 98% of dirt, dust, and airborne allergens from the air passing through your car’s ventilation system. Whether you’re in a densely populated city with bumper to bumper traffic or find yourself winding along a scenic road, you can breathe easy knowing the FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter was designed to reduce your exposure to airborne contaminants.

Pros

Easy to install
Lasts longer than other cabin air filters
Uses baking soda
Works in 80% of vehicles

Cons

Only works in 2000 model years or newer

Your Guide to Buying the Best Car Cabin Air Filter
In this section, we’ll take a deep dive into the different features you should consider when choosing the best car cabin air filter for your car.
What to Look for in a Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is a 2000 model year or new, it likely came standard with a car cabin air filter. However, there’s little to no chance that the salesperson who sold your car explained what it does, when to replace it, and what to look for in your next car cabin air filter. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to buying a new car cabin air filter, you need to consider what features are most important to you. For some drivers, a filter that catches dust and allergens is all they need. For others, combatting musty odors is an absolute must. You also need to consider the air quality of where you live. If you live in an area with poor air quality, you might want to invest in a cabin air filter that’s better able to catch dust, dirt, and other tiny particles before they even enter your car’s cabin.
With four different types of car cabin air filters available, you will have plenty to choose from. Fortunately, with cabin air filters like Bosch 6055C HEPA Cabin Air Filter and the K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter on the market, there is no shortage of right products to choose from.
Benefits of Car Cabin Air Filters
There are more reasons than one to keep your car outfitted with a clean cabin air filter. Not only will it improve your car’s airflow, but it will also help put a stop to allergens invading your interior. If you’re looking to protect your engine from dust and other particles, you should make sure to check out our list of the best engine air filters.
Increase HVAC Performance
Can you remember the last time you replaced your cabin air filter? If you’ve never replaced it, chances are it’s a mess. Unfortunately for you, that mess can negatively impact HVAC performance by not supplying enough air to your car’s interior. To increase HVAC performance, regularly change your car’s cabin air filter. Not sure how often that should be? Not to worry, we’ll get there below
Say Goodbye to Foul Odors
If you’re met with a musty smell every time you get behind the wheel, it’s time to get a cabin air filter replacement. To say goodbye to foul odors behind the wheel of your car, opt for a filter replacement that has activated carbon or charcoal to absorb foul odors.
Breathe Easy
Allergy sufferers can attest that being hit with a coughing or sneezing fit is never fun, especially when on a long drive. Consider a carbon air filter designed to trap dust, pollen, and other allergens to help you breathe easier next time you take the wheel.
Car Cabin Air Filter FAQ
Unsure of what a cabin air filter does? How often your car’s cabin air filter should be replaced? In this brief FAQ, we’ll answer the most commonly asked questions about cabin air filters.
What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?
Your car’s cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through your car’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system and is designed to catch dust, pollen, and other airborne material. Some cabin air filters, like the Mann-Filter CUK 2939 Cabin Filter also prevent foul odors.
Do All Cars Have a Cabin Air Filter?
A majority of cars come standard with a cabin air filter. If you’re unsure if your vehicle has a cabin air filter, check your owner’s manual.
How Often Should I Change the Cabin Air Filter in My Car?
If you still have that owner’s manual handy, finding the answer to this question should be easy. Typically, though, manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter in your car every 12,000 or 15,000 miles.
Does a Mechanic Have to Change the Cabin Air Filter?
Sure, a mechanic might tell you otherwise, but you don’t need one to change the cabin air filter in your car. Changing your cabin air filter yourself can save you both time and money. Rather than waiting at the mechanic and forking over a pretty penny, change the cabin air filter yourself. Do so in as little as 15 minutes, and without having to pay a sizeable fee.
How do I Change the Cabin Air Filter in My Car?
First, figure out where your cabin air filter is. Most are located behind the glove compartment, or beneath the windshield. Changing your car cabin air filter doesn’t require many tools, and can be done quickly. Just check out this video
Does the Cabin Air Filter Affect My Car’s AC?
Of course! That’s why it’s so essential to change your cabin air filter regularly. If your car’s filtration system is clogged, it will lead to a lack of airflow. For maximum airflow and better ventilation, change your cabin air filter regularly.
Keep the Air in Your Car Clean!
Now you have the inside scoop on what a cabin air filter is, why it’s essential, and how often you should be replacing the one in your car. Not only that, but we’ve given you the inside track on some of the best options currently on the market today. With this information in hand, you can be confident when purchasing a new cabin air filter for your car. More

Everyone wants a car that looks brand new even after years of ownership and thousands of miles on the clock. The simplest way to keep your paintwork looking sharp is to keep it protected by a strong clear coat varnish.
A quality clear coat refreshes and protects the factory paint job on your car, makes colors more vibrant, and creates a shell over the bodywork, shielding your ride from minor scratches, dings, and other damage. Keep reading to see

Picking the Best Clear Coat For Your Car
A clear coat is exactly what the name suggests it is. It’s literally a clear coat of paint, with no color or other pigmentation added to it.
Clear coats are applied to your car as a final step, on top of the other layers of paint. Because it has zero pigment and is completely clear, a clear coat sits on top of the existing color and acts as a varnish or second skin. Here is what you want to keep in mind while shopping for clear coat paints.
Finish and Gloss
One of the biggest reasons to buy a clear coat is to enhance the look of your paintwork. Some clears have higher gloss levels than others, for example, SpeedoKote Ultra High Gloss Glamour Clear has one of the highest levels of gloss we’ve ever seen, and that leads to a much better-looking finish. Obviously, this also means a little more work to polish it out, but we think it’s worth the effort.
How the Coat is Applied
There are three ways to apply clear, by spraying it on and wiping, by rattle-can spray, and by professional paint spray-gun.
The first two methods are generally more suitable for single panels and spot work because you’re not going to get the same even coverage as you would with a spray-gun. But there’s a cost investment with spray guns, and it might not be worth picking up an expensive kit just to apply a clear coat to your car every couple of years.
Ease of Application
Spray cans or hand-applied clears are also much easier to apply. A spray clear requires a lot of initial setup and might lead to other issues like ambient temperature control or extensive preparation.
Toughness and Resistance
The second reason to apply a clear coat is to protect your car’s finish. If you’re not looking to maximize gloss and finish, you’re probably looking for the best protection you can find.
A clear like KBS DiamondFinish is incredibly tough, giving the best level of protection against impact damage, environmental issues, and chemicals.
Lifespan
No paint job lasts forever. The lifespan of a clear is based around many factors, but can include the quality of the application, where the vehicle is stored, how often you drive it, and environmental factors like how hot your summers are and how acidic the local rain is.
Most good clear coats will last at least a year or two, and some can last up to five.
Cost
No one has an infinite budget, and monetary cost is an obvious concern when you’re buying a new product. Most clears aren’t expensive, especially spray application clears. A lot of the cost can come from supplementary costs, like cleaning materials, spray-gun attachments, and more.
Types of Top Coats
Not all clear coats are created equal. There are different types of clear coat varnish, which are all suited for different situations.
Topcoat Clear Coat
A topcoat clear coat is what can be thought of as the standard clear coat. It’s generally applied as a last step by the manufacturers, over the base paint. Topcoats are normally simple to polish, give a glossy finish, and dry fast.
Turbo Clear Coat
Turbo coats are designed for a quick fix. They’re great for repairing paintwork after a crash, and help to cover superficial damage from scratches and dents. Turbo coats need a lot of polishing, but dry fast and buff to a glossy finish.
Glamor Clear Coat
A glamor clear coat is moisture resistant and takes a long time to dry, but buffs to a super glossy, showroom finish.
Higher-Solid Clear Coat
Expensive, and harder to apply because of the thickness and the extra drying time, higher solid coats provide the best level of protection, and are the correct choice if you live in an area with tougher weather conditions.

Top 10 Best Clear Coats for Cars 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: SpeedoKote SMR-130

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Why we like it: Trusted by professionals, SpeedoKote is diamond hard and buffs to a professional shine, without the hard work that a lot of other brands demand.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
The biggest reason we rate SpeedoKote so highly and the main reason it’s at the top of our list is the incredible level of protection it offers.
Once SpeedoKote has been applied correctly, it dries into a rock hard armored shell, which provides protection against almost everything your vehicle could face out on the road. SpeedoKote is the full package. It’s tough against impact, has fantastic UV sun damage protection, oil and chemical defense, including road cleaning chemicals, and one of the strongest weather resistances on the market.
How it Looks
Compared to other clear coats, SpeedoKote acrylic urethane clear coat goes on incredibly smoothly, and dries to a very high gloss, top quality shine. Once it’s dry, SpeedoKote is easy to buff, without many of the issues you might face from cheaper brands, for example, major smearing. That makes SpeedoKote a great product for amateurs as well as professionals.
Car detailers, driving teams, and other experienced professionals trust SpeedoKote to protect their vehicles. If it’s good enough for a seven-figure track car, it’s good enough for you.
Ease of Use
The only real downside with SpeedoKote products is how difficult they are to use. They are designed as a professional level solution, which means you’re going to have to have a decent setup to apply it correctly. The minimum is a garage and a spray gun, but being able to control the temperature and minimize dust particulates is also recommended.
The package comes with one gallon (128 ounces) of clear coat mixture and one quart (32 ounces) of activator. The product is mixed in a 4:1 ratio, which activates it and gives you a short window to spray it down. Once the coat is applied, it touch dries in minutes, and it is ready to buff in as little as 4 to 6 hours.
SpeedoKote should be applied at a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re mixing, it’s also worth being careful about how much you use. The standard gallon is generous and far , so it’s deceptively simple to over mix and end up with waste. SpeedoKote clear coats can be more expensive than other products, but when you factor in the long shelf life, one purchase could easily keep your car safe several times over.

Pros

Fantastic protection against everything
High gloss, beautiful finish
USA made, to match US car standards

Cons

Needs a spray gun to apply

2. Best for Paint Matching: Dupli-Color Clear Exact Match Top Coat

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Why we like it: Dupli-Color is designed to match perfectly to your existing car’s color. If you need to touch up damage or color match a panel, choose Dupli-Color.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
Dupli-Color has been in business for 60 years, and it shows. This clear coat requires the standard 3 layers to provide sufficient protection, but once those layers have been applied the resulting finish is a tough and hard-wearing glossy shell.
It’s resistant to all of the usual suspects, protecting your paintwork from weather effects, salt, oil, chemicals, UV, scratches, and dings. While it doesn’t have the same level of protection as some more dedicated clears, you can always choose to apply more layers if protection is something you need.
How it Looks
Dupli-Color is a premium automotive clear coat, and it shows. When you order it, you order based on the existing paint job. Dupli-color can be ordered to precisely match the shade list of your vehicle, and each spray is formulated to provide the best finish possible, down to the precise year your car was made.
Spray cans like these can be harder to apply evenly over large areas, so we recommend a clear coat like this one for smaller touch-up jobs. If you need to cover an entire car, or you’re respraying several major panels, it could be worth either purchasing or hiring a spray gun, or going to a professional.
A rattle can like this is never going to match the appearance of a clear coat applied using a spray gun, and might require more buffing for an even finish. But with a little care and elbow grease, a can or two of Dupli-Color will leave your car looking fantastic, with a strong, clear gloss shine.
Ease of Use
Dupli-Color clear coats are made to color match your car’s existing paintwork, down to the year it rolled off the assembly. It’s compatible with all standard OEM paint finishes, and it’s designed to be used after you apply a new layer of spray paint. The list of compatible vehicles goes back over 50 years, so no matter what you’re driving you’ll be able to find the perfect coat.
Spray cans are the easiest type of clear coat to use, so even first-timers should be able to get an even finish. Dupli-Color cans are designed specifically for use on bodywork, with an EZ touch 360 nozzle which is simple to use and lays down the clear coat evenly, minimizing streaks and other problems. Be careful in cooler weather though, as that can cause the nozzle to clog.
Unlike a lot of clear coats, Dupli-Color dries incredibly quickly. Some coats can take upwards of a day to dry fully, but Dupli-Color is touch-dry in 30 minutes, and ready to handle in 60 minutes. Most clear coats need multiple layers, and the short drying time means you could do this in a day, saving you massive amounts of time and getting your vehicle back on the road as fast as possible.
The downside of spray cans is that they’re not designed to cover an entire car’s bodywork. Instead, it should be used for small scale touch-up jobs, body damage, and matching car accessories.
On the upside, you get a lot of paint for the money, and it’s very reasonably priced, making this the perfect choice for protecting repairs or damages.

Pros

Suitable for any vehicle, with any paint job
No mix, no fuss, easy to spray and apply
Dries incredibly fast

Cons

One can will only cover one panel with three coats, on average
You might have to abandon the can with a small amount left in it, because of spatter

3. Best Premium Pick: KBS Coatings 8304 DiamondFinish Clear Coat

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Why we like it: A super hard coat that’s designed for performance and great for harsh weather
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
KBS DiamondFinish makes good on its name. Once it’s down and dried, it’s almost invincible. It’s a single part formula with 60 percent solids. This leads to a much tougher finish than you find with two-part, unmixed clear coats, which are most other clear coats on the market.
The coat itself is flexible, which minimizes chipping, peeling, and flaking. Sometimes, clear coats need replacing way before they should because of a scratch or chip that spreads, and this minimizes that.
It boasts strong environmental protection, including UV. It’s great against oxidation and yellowing, and resistant to harsh weather. Finally, the coat is highly heat resistant, which means this is suitable for the protection of cylinder heads and engine blocks.
How it Looks
We’re not going to lie. Compared to high-gloss performance clear coats, KBS DiamondFinish doesn’t have quite the same level of shine.
It’s only a semi-gloss finish, and will be ready to polish within 24 hours of application. With this in mind, it’s better for vehicles aimed at the race track and performance cars whose paintwork is already high-gloss, or vehicles that are going to see a lot of hard wear and tear, like trucks and vans.
Ease of Use
Despite being designed for industrial use, with applications that go beyond cars and vans and into domestic and marine machinery, KBS DiamondFinish is surprisingly simple to use.
You’re still going to need a spray gun or roller brush to apply this, but unlike a lot of other clear coats, it’s very user friendly. For a start, it can be used directly on metal, so you can treat chrome and other exposed metalwork as well as engines in the same coat without worrying about flaking or peeling.
Two, it can be applied directly over existing paintwork. Some clear coats need a brand new coat of paint to effectively bond, and if applied over existing paint that’s been dry for longer than a few days, won’t lay correctly and will quickly peel back.
Supposedly, KBS DiamondFinish can be used with minimal surface preparation, letting you spray this directly onto your car. Though we would still prepare the area properly, wiping everything down to remove all particulates and other foreign objects that could cause a poor finish.
You can buy exactly what you need, with pint, gallon, and quart options available, and you don’t need any extras or additives because it all comes as one ready-mixed package.

Pros

Unparalleled protection
Heat and corrosion resistant
Simple to apply for such a strong product

Cons

Expensive
Only a semi-gloss finish

4. Best Budget Pick: USC Spray Max 2k High Gloss Clearcoat

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Why we like it: If you need to clear coat your car, but don’t have the options for something like SpeedoKote that requires expensive paint guns, USC Spray Max 2k is the next best thing. It’s as simple as using a can of spray paint, but still gives excellent results.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
For a single application spray, USC Spray Max 2k offers really good protection. The chemical resistance and all-weather coverage of the coat is really high, so this is great if you live somewhere that sees a lot of rain and snow. Like all clear coats, scratch resistance is down to how many layers you use, so if you’re worried about pebbles, debris, or branches damaging your paintwork, buy extra and put down at least 3 layers.
There is a slight issue. Lack of UV coverage. Most modern paints are a lot more UV resistant, but if you’re driving an older vehicle and want to preserve the color of your paintwork, you might want to look at another product.
How it Looks
Once it’s dry, USC Spray Max leaves your car with a high gloss, durable finish. As one of the more basic spray cans, you’re not likely to get the same finish you would with a higher-end product.
You also need to leave the coat for at least a week before wet sanding or buffing it to a polish. But with a little love and TLC, the results will come close to much more expensive products, for a lot less hassle and cost.
Ease of Use
Compared to most clear coats, USC Spray Max 2k is ridiculously easy to use. When your car is prepared, you activate the paint by pulling out the tab from a can, then giving it a good shake, just like spray paint. This breaks the internal seal and starts mixing the components. Packs start at two cans, which is enough for around one coat on an average-sized sedan.
The cans are light and easy to hold, with a special nozzle that’s different to regular spray cans. It’s designed to work just like a spray gun nozzle, so you get a level, even and clear flow. It only takes a few minutes to cover a panel, making this by far the simplest product on our list.
Spray Max 2k is great for quick jobs, touch-ups and repairs. As this is a rattle-can, it’s not suited for full-body coverage. If you’re careful it might be possible, but expect to have to buff out some streaks and runs. At this point, it might be worth considering whether you’d be better served dropping a little more cash on an air compressed spray gun and something like SpeedoKote.
This clear coat can be applied to almost all vehicles without worry, and adheres to the basecoats on all vehicles with very little preparation. Just remember that once you’ve pulled the tab on the can the contents will start to cure, so has to be used within 48 hours of breaking the seal. That means, if you need to apply multiple coats from one can, you should budget time accordingly.

Pros

Simple to use and simple to apply
Works on top of any base coat
Budget cost

Cons

Only lasts 48 hours after activation
Not suited for full vehicles

5. Best Anti-Corrosion: POR-15 45718 Top Coat Gloss Clear

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Why we like it: A dedicated anti-corrosion topcoat that can extend the life of metal that’s dying to rust.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
POR-15 is designed to prevent corrosion and other direct, physical threats to the paintwork of your vehicle. That makes this a fantastic option if you’re commonly driving longer distances, or driving on roads where you can expect your car to face chemical hazards.
As mentioned, this can also be used on bare metal, so it’s great for sealing aluminum parts on an engine, or areas that have been chromed.
One warning. Direct contact with oil will break down the clear coat. A quick spray down will fix the issue, but it’s something to bear in mind.
How it Looks
Despite being a clear coat that’s designed to fight against rust, the finish is really good. It blends well and buffs out easily, with no dry lines. Once it’s polished, you’ll be left with a high quality and super glossy finish.
Ease of Use
Ready to use out of the can, POR-15 can be used on paint or straight onto bare metal, with no primer or undercoat needed. Both common application options of spray can or ready mixed paint are available.
For best results, wipe down the area you’re treating, and make sure you thoroughly clean off any rust first, because it doesn’t bond well at all with rust. It’s also worth applying an anti-rust solution once the area has been stripped down, like POR-15 rust preventative spray, to keep it clear for longer.
While the formula has generally good adherence, for best results spray onto dry area, and don’t overspray, as it can dry to a gummy finish.

Pros

Excellent anti-corrosion and anti-rust formula
Easy to use, with rattle-can and paint options
Can be applied straight to bare metal

Cons

Oil attacks the formula

6. Best for Wheels: VHT SP184 Clear Coat for Wheels

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Why we like it: Expensive wheels need specialist protection, and VHT SP184 offers everything you need on the road. Heat shielding, chemical resistance, and general protection. It’s all there.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
The wheels on your car take the most beating. It stands to reason, as they’re the part that’s in contact with the road. Anything that gets kicked up, whether it’s dirt, oil, or chemicals, or even just plain old water spray, is going to hit them first and hit them hard.
That means wheels can age a whole lot quicker than the rest of your car, and if you’ve invested in a decent set of alloys, watching them dull down or even corrode is heartbreaking.
The main threat your wheels will face on the road is road-based chemicals and oils. VHT SP184 is designed to be chemical resistant, and works on all steel and aluminum wheels.
The powerful formula resists cracking and fading, resists oxidation, and is strong enough to stand up to the rigors of long drives, salt, dust, even large stones. Finally, it’s temperature resistant up to 250 degrees, so the finish isn’t going to bubble or warp even if you’re running big sports discs and have to slam down on your brakes in an emergency situation.
How it Looks
VHT SP184 clear coat is a wet-look clear gloss. It’s designed to be used straight over paint, especially VHT’s wheel paints, which can be bought alongside the clear.
As it’s so simple to use, it’s easy to get a professional finish, even if you’ve never done anything like this before. The finish lasts a long time, and even after several months will look like new after a quick wash and polish.
Ease of Use
VHT clear coat is a can based spray. It’s simple to use, and can be sprayed directly onto bare metal, primer, or finished paint straight out of the packaging. With a clear coat, especially a wheel paint like this one, most of the finish can be attributed to the preparation. Start by sanding down, cleaning, and degreasing your wheels.
Once the wheels are prepared, spray a single light coat for coverage. VHT clear coat is touch dry in around thirty minutes, and dries completely overnight. Once that initial coat is dry, spray a second, thicker coat for protection and finish.
Spray paints like these are more susceptible to runs, and you need to be especially careful when you’re using these as you’re not spraying onto large, flat panels. Make sure to spray from at least 12 inches away. It’s better to apply multiple smaller coats rather than one heavy one.
A single can is probably not enough to cover a large set of wheels, especially if you drive a larger vehicle or a truck. Plan for at least two, possibly three cans.

Pros

Incredibly easy to use
Good resistance to everything your car will face on the road
Nice finish

Cons

Can nozzles can occasionally jam

7. Best Anti-Rust: Rust-Oleum Automotive Gloss Clear Body Coat

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Why we like it: A dependable and easy to use spray with fantastic rust protection
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
Rust-Oleum’s acrylic lacquer formula is very durable and offers long-lasting protection against all the usual threats, including UV, weather, and scratching.
On top of the standard protection offered by clear coats, Rust-Oleum also offers great protection against rust, hence the name. Considering that rust is one of the issues that can cause the most damage with older cars, anything that can help you prevent that damage on your classic piece is great.
How it Looks
Rust-Oleum’s low volatile organic compound blend comes out shiny and sharp. It’s easy to polish, by hand or machine, and the rich formula can be buffed to an incredibly high-gloss finish.
Ease of Use
Rust-Oleum comes ready to use straight out of the tin. It’s easy to apply and sprays on smooth, but  requires a paint spray-gun system.
Once it’s down, it’s touch dry in about half an hour and ready for more coats. Even better, with Rust-Oleum, unlike a lot of clear coats, there’s no recommended number of coats. That means you can lay down as many coats as you want, until you’re happy with the look and the level of protection you’re getting.
It works on almost all acrylic enamels, so should work with your manufacturer, unless you’re rolling in some super-obscure bespoke paint job. Even then, it should be fine. Just check with the manufacturer first.

Pros

Light formula is easy to spray
Can be thinned out as needed
Dries to a protective shine that’s easily buffed

Cons

Packaging is terrible

8. Best Full Kit: Color N Drive Deep Gloss Ceramic

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Why we like it: If you don’t have any of the gear needed to apply a clear coat from your own home, this kit by Color N Drive has everything you need for the job, start to finish, in one box.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
Contrary to what you might think, a hand-applied clear coat can almost give you the same level of protection as a professionally applied clear that’s been laid down with a spray-gun.
Once applied, this clear coat can last for up to 5 years. It’s supposed to last for around 150 washes,  according to the manufacturers, which translates out to washing your car about once every two weeks. However, if it’s not applied correctly or you face a lot of tough situations and rough weather it can start to peel sooner, after around one or two years.
The protective coating is acid rain resistant, water and dirt repellent, as well as UV and calcium resistant.
How it Looks
Considering this is a clear that’s designed to be applied purely by hand, the result is impressive. It’s a deep, glossy shine that bonds with an enhances the color of any standard manufacturer’s paintwork.
Ease of Use
Color N Drive Deep Gloss is specifically designed to be as simple to use as possible. The idea is that someone with zero experience in car detailing could use this. The boxed kit contains everything you need to treat and coat your car with a solid, long-lasting clear coat.
To use, you clean the car down, making sure that the surface is clean and free from anything that could cause the coat not to bond. Then spray it down with the included pre-treatment solution and spread it. Once dry, spray the ceramic clear coat over your car and spread this evenly with the included tools.
Once the first coat is dry, repeat the process, then polish up to an even and glossy shine. It’s as simple as that. The kit supposedly contains enough solution for treating two cars, so you can quite easily treat your partner’s vehicle in addition to your own, or save the remainder and re-treat your own in a year or two.
The only downside is how time-consuming the process is. Because you’re not using power tools, it can take a good half of a day to finish the whole process. But considering you should only have to do this once every few years, that’s not a huge ask.

Pros

Incredibly simple to use, and the whole kit is provided
Good protection
Decent finish, with a high gloss

Cons

Takes a little more elbow grease than some clear coats
Bond might fail if the initial surface isn’t cleaned properly

9. Best for Gloss: SpeedoKote Ultra High Gloss Glamour Clear

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Why we like it: A ridiculously glossy, professional finish, balanced by the cost and fact that it’s a professional standard product that’s difficult to use.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
SpeedoKote Glamour Clear has a high amount of solids, which translates to increased protection over lower solid clears.
The finish is tough, even after only the two recommended coats, and it has exceptional UV resistance, which is great as you’ve probably bought this with an eye to protecting the valuable look of your car.
The only downside with high solid clears is their increased tendency to peel, so you might need to reapply this a little more often than other choices.
How it Looks
Let’s be fair, if you’re spending the money on SpeedoKote Ultra High Gloss, you’re buying it for the look.
This clear coat is an elite level product that will give you a show level finish. It has the highest level of gloss and distinctness of image (DOI) out of any product on the market. DOI is how much light scatter you get from a surface, and the ridiculously high DOI of this clear coat means that you’re going to end up with a mirror finish on every panel, every time.
Compared to other clear coats, you’re also looking at better than average leveling and high levels of gloss retention. Both of these things make this ideal for restorations of older paintwork, or regular re-application in the case of track cars.
For professionals, the formula can be mixed at different thicknesses, letting you fine-tune the curing time and finish, and set it precisely to the look of your ride.
Ease of Use
To go alongside the professional quality finish is a professional difficulty of application. As with all SpeedoKote products, to apply this clear you’re going to need garage space and a spray-gun system.
According to SpeedoKote themselves, the best way to apply this clear coat is with a spray-gun with a specific 1.3mm tip. Apply the first coat, then flash harden with a heat gun and leave for 10 minutes, before applying a second coat and leaving to dry.

Pros

The single best finish on the market
Ultra-high gloss protective shell
Good protection, especially against UV damage

Cons

Very expensive
Harder to apply than other clear coats

10. Best for General Use: TopCoat F11 Polish and Sealer

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Why we like it: If you’re unsure about which clear coat to buy, and you don’t know what’s going to suit your vehicle, TopCoat F11 is a solid bet. It’s designed to be simple to use, and work on almost anything, including cars, boats, planes, even fabrics.
Editor’s Rating:

Protection
Once treated with TopCoat, your paintwork is protected from the full range of problems your car might face on the road, including dust and debris, bird droppings and bug residue, acidic rain, and weathering.
The application process also helps to cover up existing damage, including paint imperfections, scratches, and spiderweb cracks.
TopCoat F11 is designed to work with more than just cars. It can apply a protective, hydrophobic coating to almost anything, including bikes, planes, boats, and other vehicles. It also works on non-porous building materials (anything not brick or concrete) and even fabrics. That means you can buy a kit and treat everything you have. Restore the water-resistance of biker jackets, gloss to leathers, even spray down your garden shed for extra protection.
How it Looks
TopCoat F11 is a combined sealant and polish. Because of this, getting a glossy, even finish is incredibly simple.
It’s a single-step process that naturally improves color, hides imperfections, and brings paintwork up to a gleaming shine. It’s also designed to work alongside waxes and other polishes, lowering the time that it takes to wax your car by as much as half.
Ease of Use
TopCoat F11 is probably the simplest clear coat on our list. It’s a one-step application process that works on anything without and special preparation. But it’s still recommended that you clean down your car before application as you would with any other clear.
It contains no volatile organic compounds, solvents, or abrasives and it’s odorless, meaning it can be safely used in tightly enclosed spaces without ventilation. F11 can also withstand high temperatures, making it safe to use on your engine, brakes and other parts that are exposed to heat, as well as on grills and stoves around the home.
Finally, F11 is designed as a wax replacement, which means it polishes as it’s applied. You’re still going to need to go over the finish with the right tools, but it does save you time and money on wax.

Pros

Incredibly easy one-step application process
Good value for money
Suitable for use on almost anything

Cons

Not as protective as dedicated clear coats

What You Need to Know When Buying a Clear Coat for Your Car
Every clear coat is different. From the method of application to the finish, every individual brand does things differently. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Does My Car Need a Clear Coat?
Clear coats massively increase the protection your car has from damage to the exterior. A good clear coat can protect your car from the elements, including acidic rain and from paint fading through the sun’s UV rays. Thicker clear coats can even protect your paintwork from scratches and other visible damage, whether that be stones kicked up whilst driving, bushes and branches, or simple day to day wear.
There are two reasons you might need to purchase and apply an aftermarket clear coat is simple.
First, some car manufacturers apply a thin clear coat or don’t apply one at all. Because of the benefits of a clear coat, if you know that your car doesn’t have the protection of a clear coat paint job, buying and applying one yourself is a smart choice.
Second, like all paintwork, a clear coat slowly but surely wears out over time, meaning that it needs to be reapplied every few months to every few years, depending on outside conditions. With an older vehicle, or if you regularly drive on roads that are heavily salted, oily, or treated with chemicals, reapplying a clear coat to keep your paintwork protected is a smart investment.
What Are the Benefits of a Clear Coat?
Clear coats sit on top of your paintwork and act as another defensive layer, but they also have other benefits, including:
Increased Durability
The main benefit of a clear coat. Another layer of paint protects the pigmented paint underneath, meaning that damage that would otherwise leave visible scratches or dents will just hit the clear.
Enhancing Existing Paintwork
A clear coat is much cheaper than a complete respray or spraying a panel. If you have a vehicle with tired or old looking paintwork, a clear coat can bring out the color and shine of existing paintwork.
Manufacturer’s Necessity
Some paints require a clear coat. For example, illusion powders need a clear coat because a clear coat has different light refraction properties to paint, setting off the paint underneath.
Hiding Minor Damage
Scratches and other tiny imperfections in the paintwork might not normally be seen but are visible when you’ve recently had the car waxed. These imperfections ruin an otherwise perfect finish, but a clear coat will fill in these gaps and help hide the issues.
Selling Your Car
People buy with their eyes, and first impressions matter. A lot of the time, people decide whether they want the car in the first few seconds, and will only be put off if they find something wrong. Making your vehicle look as glossy and clean as possible can tip the scales when it comes to the buyer getting out their credit card.
How Do I Prepare My Car for Applying a Clear Coat?
Like all paint jobs, the key to an even and attractive clear coat is all about preparation. Make sure you have everything ready before you begin.
Check your base coat for imperfections. Clear coats will do nothing to hide bumps, smears, swirls, or dirt. It can potentially make the issue worse by highlighting these problems, and once the clear coat is down, there is nothing you can do to fix the problem besides strip the paintwork down to nothing and start again.
If you can, test your clear coat before you spray anything valuable. You can test on a scrap piece if you have anything available, or a piece of flat, glossy card.
Most clear coat varnishes require multiple layers. Start light and build up. Applying a heavy first layer can cause shrinkage in the paint, which might lead to early cracks or peeling.
Spray at a distance of around 6 to 8 inches, unless your specific product says to do differently. Any closer can cause bubbles or dripping, and too far can lead to irregular coverage.
Your last coat should look the same as it will once the coat is dry. If your final layer of clear coat isn’t glossy, reapply the coat or stop and assess what’s going wrong.
Prepping your car when you spray your clear coat also depends on how you’re applying it. There are two situations when you will be applying a clear coat; when you’re re-spraying a panel or a whole vehicle or spraying clear coat over the existing paintwork to spot fix.
How to Apply a Clear Coat Over New Paintwork.
Begin by following the manufacturer’s instructions for the base coat of paint you are applying to your vehicle.
Once the basecoat has dried for the appropriate amount of time, make sure it is clean and dry.
Apply the clear coat straight over the top, as if it was another coat of paint.
Some clear coats may require multiple layers. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying.
Once the clear coat is applied, leave to dry, then buff to a shine.
How to Apply a Clear Coat Over Existing Paintwork or Repair a Patch of Damaged Clear Coat.
Begin by wet sanding the area that needs to be sprayed until it’s smooth.
If reapplying clear coat over an existing surface, you will also need to feather the edges where the new clear coat meets the old.
Clear the area to be treated with a degreasing finish cleaner.
Once the degreasing cleaner is dry, wipe the area down to make sure it is free from dust.
Apply your clear coat as you would any other vehicle paint.
Once My Clear Coat is Applied, Can it Be Waxed?
Almost certainly. A clear coat is just another coat of paint, and applying a good quality wax on the top of a well-applied clear coat can act as another level of defense.
If you’ve recently applied a clear coat, it’s best to leave your car for 4 to 6 weeks to give it time to fully cure. Once a decent time has passed, you’re free to buff your pride and joy to a gleaming shine as much as you want.
It’s still worth checking the instruction of your favorite wax, because some waxes can be too high grain or rough for a thinner clear coat. Modern clear coat paints can be crazy thin, down to as little as 30 microns, (30 millionths of one centimeter) thick.
It’s also worth being careful when applying the wax, as rubbing too hard or using a rougher cloth for a long time in one area can wear away a newer clear coat before it has time to properly treat and harden.
What Can Cause My Clear Coat to Peel Off?
No clear coat is going to last forever, and a sign that your clear coat needs replacing is peeling, either in one place or across the whole body of your vehicle. Here’s a few things that can cause a clear coat to start peeling:
Environmental damage: This is one of the most common causes of a clear coat starting to peel. Ultraviolet light from the sun is an oxidizer, and over time it’s going to damage your clear coat by burning the external surface, making it rough and turning it white.There are two ways to deal with this. The first is to minimize sun exposure by keeping your car out of the sun when it’s not being used (another reason to clear out your garage.) The second is to wax your car often, which provides a second barrier against UV damage.
Impacts from debris can cause a tiny chip in your clear coat, which can start to peel away from the rest of the car. If you have a single small peeling area, it’s possible that your paintwork was hit by something like a small pebble. If this is the case, you probably don’t need to replace the whole coat, and can just touch fix it.
If you’ve recently received your car from the factory, and the clear coat is already starting to peel, there might have been an issue in the factory. The most common cause of this is the clear coat being applied a little too long after the main paintwork was finished.
Where is the Best Place to Apply My Clear Coat?
A clear coat, like all types of spray painting, is susceptible to environmental conditions. Excess heat or cold, humidity, or strong wind conditions can ruin the finish before you even apply the first layer of varnish. It’s best to apply your clear coat in a garage if possible, because that gives you the best control over your environment.
If you don’t have access to a garage, wait for a day that has mild weather with low wind conditions. This is going to minimize the chances that you’re going to have issues when applying your clear coat. But this is still risky. No one can control the weather, and a sudden rain shower or burst of wind can spoil everything.
Do I Have to Mask My Windows when Applying a Clear Coat?
Yes. Just like when you’re painting bodywork with color paint, you will have to mask your windows to prevent the clear coat from getting onto the glass.
Once you’ve covered your window with masking film, you’re free to coat your car with a clear coat. It’s always worth leaving the masking film in place until the clear coat is completely dry.
If you do make a mistake and end up with clear somewhere on a window, it buffs easily out of glass with ultra-fine steel wool (0000 gauge is the recommended,) and some warm soapy water.
Can I Still Use Car Washes After I’ve Treated My Car with a Clear Coat?
This is a difficult question. Whilst car washes themselves aren’t going to damage your clear coat, if any dirt or grain is picked up during the process and ground against the bodywork, it will almost certainly cause damage to your clear coating.
Modern car washes have systems built into them that pick up when the machinery has grabbed hold of a pebble or some dirt, so this is less of a problem with machine car washes than you might think.
The problem is manual car washes. It’s much easier for a person with a cloth to pick up a tiny stone and carve a layer out of your clear coat without noticing. The worst part of this is that you might not notice until a few days later when it starts to peel away, and at that point there is nothing you can do except strip your paint down and start again.
If you regularly take your car to a manual car wash, this is something you need to think about. As we’ve mentioned earlier, even using a cloth that’s too rough can take the surface off of a clear coat, so make sure that the people washing your car are using soft towels and mild waxes.
Final Thought
If you’ve got the tools, a clear coat that is applied using a spray-gun, like either of the SpeedoKote products in our list, are easily the best choice.
It leads to a better finish and a tougher, more protective coating. While it takes a little more effort and set up, the results are more than worth it, and pay for themselves ten times over. More