If your car is covered in scratches and swirls, it’s time to rethink how you clean it. The process of washing your car by hand takes time and elbow grease — not to mention, water and car soap can damage the paint if not done with care — but that’s not the only option. There are plenty of DIY car cleaning kits on the market, but a lot of them are cheap and low-quality, and some are downright dangerous to use. If you’re considering buying a car cleaning kit, do your research and make sure it’s worth the money and safe to use.
Read on to learn more about our favorite car plastic care products.
Our Editor’s Best Automotive Plastic Care Products Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer | Bring Plastic, Rubber, and Vinyl Back to Life! | User Friendly Trim Restorer | Safe Auto Detailing Supplies | 8 Oz Kit with Foam Applicator
- RESULTS THAT LAST! – Are you tired of wasting time and money on plastic restorers that claim to last long? They always look great in the beginning.. only to fade after a few days, or maybe a month if it’s decent! Our product will renew, seal, and protect any interior/exterior surface and WILL LAST.. for several MONTHS!
- SURVIVES RAIN! – Does this sound familiar? You spent all that time perfectly applying a new product and it looks great! Wow, you finally found the one! BUT… after the first rain-fall, you look in disgust at yet another product that left ugly streaks down the side of your beautiful vehicle... STOP THE MADNESS! Our product repels water and stays looking good for several months!
- NO MORE OILY MESS! – Do you hate all the oily, greasy gel dressing products that stay wet and never fully dry? That describes about 90% of the plastic and trim restorers on the market today! Well lucky you! We made a product that will restore and leave a great finish, but more importantly, it will completely dry to the touch! No more ruining your detailing towels and supplies with cheap oil-based products!
- WHY CHOOSE CAR GUYS? – We Care About Quality! Our products are made with the latest advancements in science, using the best equipment available. This helps us make consistently high-quality products that always work great! Every formula we make is mixed and bottled, in the USA, by hard working Americans!
- REAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT! – The CAR GUYS team actually cares about customer satisfaction! If you ever have any concerns, let us know, and a person from our team will do everything in our power to make it right.
$16.99
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
Meguiar's Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer - Restores Black Plastic & Faded Trim Pieces While Adding Durability & UV Protection - 12 Oz
- CAR PLASTIC RESTORER: One 12 oz bottle of Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer brings new life to all non-painted exterior plastic, vinyl and rubber trim
- VERSATILE CAR CARE: Hand-applied cream that works on non-painted bumpers, moldings, door handles, rearview mirror housings and windshield cowlings
- JUST A DROP: Thicker formula only requires a dime-sized drop on a foam applicator pad, giving you full control over the application and reducing the risk of overspray on surrounding paint
- REVOLUTIONARY FORMULA: UV clear coat technology allows Meguiar’s black plastic restorer to significantly outlast conventional protectants and trim care products
- GREAT BENEFITS: Durable, non-greasy formula dries almost instantly and will not streak when treated surfaces get wet
$9.10
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 3
CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Ceramic Coating Black Trim Restoration to Last Over 200 Washes – A Ceramic Coating, Not a Dressing
- 2 YEAR GUARANTEE! - You read it right! We'll come right out and make a guarantee that nobody else will. Cerakote Trim Coat is a CERAMIC coating that will last 2 years. Our product is NOT a temporary greasy dressing that will disappear after a couple washes or a good rain. Unlike other products, there's no "top secret" sauce that apparently makes a product last for a couple months… This is a CERAMIC coating that will lasrt over 200 washes.
- DOESN'T WASH OFF! - You've done it over and over again. You buy the new magical product that claims it lasts "a long time" (whatever that means) and you spend a bunch of time applying it, greasing up rags, squirting it all over the place and by the time you get a couple days of rain, you're back to where you started.
- RESTORES AND PROTECTS YOUR TRIM - This product is a restoration kit, NOT FOR NEW TRIM. Cerakote Trim Coat will RESTORE and PROTECT your black, unpainted plastic trim for 2 years. Period. No gimmicks, no fine print, no secrets.. Just a CERAMIC coating that actually cures to your vehicle's plastic giving it years of protection, while looking amazing.
- NO MORE GREASY MESS! - One Cerakote Trim Coat Kit comes with a pair of gloves and 10 individually packaged, pre-moistened wipes. It's simple, you follow the instructions, open a pack and start wiping. You don't need to spray greasy product all over your vehicle and rub it in, or squirt gel on a pad and start buffing while destroying pads, towels and your clothes. What happens later that day when you step on your greasy running board or lean on your bumper? Grease. Tons of it.
- IT'S SCIENCE - Buyer beware! There's a big difference between secret snake oil, and science. Don't be fooled into purchasing "top secret" ingredient and additive products that make false claims. What's the secret to Trim Coat? We'll be straight-up because we develop, manufacture, package and ship all our products here at Cerakote HQ where we have in-house, world-class chemists. Trim Coat is a CERAMIC based product that brings out the pigments and bonds to your plastic. That's science.
$16.88
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 4
3D Trim Care Restorer of Faded & Dull Plastic, Rubber, Trim & Bumpers - Renews Surface to Original Appearance - Long Lasting Shine & Protection 16oz.
- RESTORE TO ORIGINAL LOOK … 3D Trim Care is a premium trim gel that restores faded and dull plastic molding, trim, and bumpers to their original, shiny form!
- NON-GREASY … 3D Trim Care has a non-greasy formula that is easy to apply and gets deep into the surface to bring the black trim color back to life!
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY … 3D Trim Care is designed to last long and protect your plastic trim even after washing your car!
- LIKE NEW RESULTS … 3D Trim Care gives your trim that 'like new' look and is excellent for any car with plastic trims or bumpers!
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA ... We've been researching and creating exterior and interior car care products for over 25 years now. A quarter of a century of giving our customers uncompromising quality. Go ahead, experience a trim restorer that's tried and trusted.
$19.99
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 5
Chemical Guys TVD_107_16 VRP Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Non-Greasy Dry-to-the-Touch Long Lasting Super Shine Dressing for Tires, Trim and More, Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More, 16 fl oz
- THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION - VRP is an easy-to-use protectant that restores a deep black look, enhances shine, and protects vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces against harmful weather conditions and extreme heat..Fit Type: Universal Fit
- IT'S ALL ABOUT RESULTS - Vinyl, rubber, and plastic trim are sensitive to fading and staining caused by harmful weather conditions; VRP helps restore a like-new appearance to exterior and interior surfaces; The premium water-based cream dressing nourishes and protects to restore a deep-black shine.
- NON GREASY WATER BASED FORMULA - Achieve a non greasy deep wet look on both interior and exterior vinyl, rubber, plastic and tires with this water based dressing. Quick and easy application with no sling and no mess.
- DRY-TO-THE-TOUCH FORMULA: Premium sprayable VRP Super Shine Dressing finishes dry-to-the-touch and will not attract dirt or dust. Easy to use premium spray keeps exterior rubber and plastic looking great in all weather conditions.
- THE #1 BRAND IN CAR CARE - Beginners and professionals alike choose Chemical Guys, not only for the finest car care products, but the world class customer support and vast detailing knowledge; Chemical Guys is more than a brand - it's a lifestyle with a worldwide following
$11.60
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 6
Stoner Car Care 91034 Trim Shine Protectant Aerosol for Automotive Interior and Exterior Restores, Moisturizes, and Conditions Vinyl, Rubber, Leather, and More, 12 Oz, Pack of 1
- REJUVENATES & RESTORES: Stoner Car Care Trim Shine Protectant rejuvenates interior and exterior plastic, vinyl, rubber, and trims, restoring original color and brilliance.
- UV PROTECTION: Provides a durable layer of protection against sunlight and UV rays, helping prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration.
- VERSATILE USE: Offers a lasting shine for trim, tires, bumpers, dashboards, and more, suitable for various surfaces.
- EASY APPLICATION: Achieve professional results with minimal effort. Spray and walk away—no wiping or buffing needed.
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: Stoner Car Care is formulated, manufactured, and distributed in the USA. We use superior ingredients to deliver unmatched performance and reliability you can trust. We're committed to your satisfaction—If anything doesn’t meet your expectations, contact us, and we’ll make it right!
$9.48
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 7
Adam's Black Trim Restorer (4 oz with Applicator) - Restores Plastic Trim to a Rich, Black Color with a Factory New Appearance, Lasts Several Months Per Treatment
- ✅ RESULTS THAT LAST - Black Trim Restorer is a game-changer for those plastics that just don't seem to want to get perfect again, and it will last a few months per application too! You're going to love this product, 110% satisfaction guaranteed!
- ✅ EASY WIPE & DRY APPLICATION - Applying is simple and easy - pour a few drops onto the red applicator pad, and carefully spread it across the trim piece in a nice even motion. Work the product in thoroughly and allow to dry for several hours. Then take an Edgeless Utility Towel and wipe away any excess residue afterward. In most cases there will not be any residue, but if you apply too heavily, there may be some excess that needs to be wiped away.
- ✅ LASTS SEVERAL MONTHS PER TREATMENT - Adam's Black Trim Restorer is a temporary dye coloring to bring back a nice dark color to faded exterior trim pieces. Black Trim Restorer applies easily with a Microfiber Applicator Pad, or our Ceramic Coating Applicator, which works great for tighter spots. You will want to make sure the trim is as clean as possible before applying this product, so we would recommend wiping it down thoroughly with Eco All Purpose Cleaner or Tire & Rubber Cleaner first.
- ✅ WHY CHOOSE ADAM'S FOR YOUR AUTO DETAILING PROJECT - Sometimes exterior trim becomes so faded that constant exposure from the sun can cause the trim to dry out and begin to lose the color pigmentation in the plastic. In such cases, our VRT - Vinyl, Rubber, Trim dressing may not be able to fully bring back a deep, rich color to the plastics. This is where Adam's Black Trim Restorer will be necessary.
- ✅ 110% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - Proudly crafted in the USA, this state of the art restoration product. This product is specially designed using the most advanced technologies available. We pride ourselves on customer service and satisfaction and believe that this is THE BEST Black Restorer for Vinyl, Trim, Plastic and Rubber on the market! If you don’t agree, we’ll do everything we can to make it right.
$12.74
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 8
Meguiar's G14716 Ultimate Protectant, For Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic - 15.2 Oz Spray Bottle
- Ultimate interior and exterior protectant for vinyl, rubber and plastic provides superior protection and shine that lasts for weeks and weeks
- Features innovative UV clear coat technology for outstanding UV protection
- Long-lasting protectant creates rich shine and darkness; ideal for vinyl, rubber and plastic surfaces like dashboards, door panels, exterior trim pieces, molding, tires and more
- Non-greasy formula dries fast
- Withstands washing and rain without streaking
$9.98
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 9
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish - 10 Fluid Ounces
- SEE CLEARLY: Renew your plastic without replacement with Meguiar's PlastX Plastic Cleaner. This clear plastic scratch remover quickly improves long-term wear and tear on a variety of uncoated plastics, leaving behind water-resistant polymers.
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: This plastic restoring car cleaning gel works all around your vehicle. Damaged surfaces of headlights, taillights, plexiglass, and plastic soft-top windows are no match for PlastX's invisible MDAT plastic polishing compound.
- SAFER NIGHTTIME DRIVING: With crystal-clear plastic, this headlight polish enables safer driving in the dark by improving the effective distance and brightness. It's simple car care that could make all the difference.
- TURN BACK TIME: Reverse years of light scratches, cloudiness, yellowing, and oxidation in minutes with a one-bottle headlight restorer.
- NO REPLACEMENT NEEDED: Save money on expensive or hard-to-find parts by doing it yourself. Add PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish to your car detailing kit for an easy solution that gets the job done that day.
$7.64
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 10
NADAMOO Plastic Restorer, Highly Concentrated Ceramic Coating for Cars, Back to Black Automotive Exterior and Interior Trim Scratch Remover Kit, Restore Faded Plastic, Vinyl & Rubber, 30ml
- 【True cross-link technology】 Our plastic & trim restorer uses an advanced hybrid cross-link polymer technology, allowing it to significantly outlast conventional protectants and trim care products. The liquid goes beyond the surface, penetrates and bonds to the pores in plastics. It conditions and seals the plastic for a great looking, long-lasting ceramic coat finish, bringing black and shine back from the dead instantly.
- 【Resists UV rays, water and dirt 】 The specially-made formula forms a smooth coating with high surface tension, which can reflect and hold back the sun's UV rays and avoid the harm toward inside plastic objects. The coatings also have hydrophobic properties, meaning they repel and bead water. Even through rain showers or car washes, it’ll remain intact. This is an oil-free solution that doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky residue, so it doesn’t attract dust or other particles.
- 【Last for 6 months】Neither the heat of the sun nor the force of the rain could not move the ceramic coat easily. One application wil keeps your car exterior looking good for 6 months.
- 【Highly concentrated formula】A tiny amount goes a long way, which conserves the product. With the included soft cloth or sponge, this wipe-on trim restorer only takes a few drops to spread across a large piece of plastics.
- 【Wide Application】Our Plastic Restorer can be used to restores, conditions, renews, and protects nearly any black plastic on your vehicle, including black bumpers, mirrors, window trim, handles, dashboards, door panels, and more.
$19.99
Buy on Amazon
Best Automotive Plastic Care Products Buying Guide
Before choosing the best automotive plastic care product you should consider following options:
1. Cleaner and wax products: The first step in caring for your car’s exterior is choosing the right cleaner and wax product.
You can find waxes in liquid or paste form. Liquid waxes have the advantage of being easier to apply, but their lifespan is shorter.
Paste waxes take a little more effort to apply, but they last longer. You can also get waxes in solid stick form, which will last the longest but is difficult to apply.
If you’re detailing your car, you should use a cleaner and wax together. These products are easier to apply and last longer than cleaner-only products.
2. Car wash: After choosing the right cleaner and wax, you’ll need to use it regularly.
You can do this by hand washing your car, but most people use a car wash. There are many car washes on the market, but a few things to keep in mind when choosing one:
• Suction: Look for a car wash with strong suction if you live in a wet climate. Strong suction will prevent water from pooling in your car wash.
• Material: The car wash’s material will affect its durability and lifespan. Look for a car wash made of a durable material.
• Speed: Car washes come in different speeds: low, standard and high. Standard is the most common. High-speed car washes are best for large vehicles, while low-speed car washes are better for small vehicles.
• Rotating brushes: Look for a car wash with rotating brushes if you want to achieve a deeper clean.
3. Clay bar: Using a clay bar is another excellent way to clean your car.
Clay bars are made of a special clay that removes dirt and grime from your car’s body, leaving it smooth and clean. They can also be used on your car’s wheels.
4. Waxes: Whether you choose a cleaner and wax or a wax-only product, you’ll want to use it regularly for a clean, smooth finish.
What else you should know about automotive plastic care products
What are automotive plastic care products?
There are a variety of automotive plastic care products available on the market. These products can help to clean, protect and restore the plastic surfaces of your vehicle.
Do I need to use a separate product for each type of plastic on my car?
You may need to use a separate product for each type of plastic on your car, depending on the severity of the damage.
What are the benefits of using automotive plastic care products?
There are many benefits of using automotive plastic care products. These products can help to protect your car’s plastic surfaces from UV damage, scratches, and other wear and tear. They can also help to keep your car’s plastic looking new and shiny.
Are there any risks associated with using automotive plastic care products?
There are always risks associated with using any type of care product, whether it is for your car or your body. It is important to read the labels carefully and follow the directions to avoid any potential hazards.
What is the best way to apply automotive plastic care products?
Most automotive plastic care products can be applied using a clean, soft cloth.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best automotive plastic care products. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best automotive plastic care products will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.