Just picked up my Octavia TDI Elegance today - see my introduction.

Couple of niggles with it.

Looks like previous owner has been abroad, as headlights still have the leftovers of the stick on masking that you have to put on when driving on the continent.

Can anyone recommend what to use to get rid of the residue (without harming the headlights)? There is still some of the original masking stuck on the headlights, also.

Thanks

Sticky Stuff Remover or isopropanol are 2 which work. Tar remover is another.

Sticky Stuff Remover or isopropanol are 2 which work. Tar remover is another.

Blimey, that was quick Denis.

Is 'Sticky Stuff Remover' just your own term, or is that a product name?

What is isopropanol?

Sticky Stuff Remover is a Bettaware product, I think, but similarly named products are fairly widely available from elsewhere, eg Lakeland. Isopropanol is otherwise known as isopropyl alcohol. My son uses it in his work as a firbre optic cable engineer for cleaning electrical components etc without leaving any residue.

Just picked up my Octavia TDI Elegance today - see my introduction.

Couple of niggles with it.

Looks like previous owner has been abroad' date=' as headlights still have the leftovers of the stick on masking that you have to put on when driving on the continent.

Can anyone recommend what to use to get rid of the residue (without harming the headlights)? There is still some of the original masking stuck on the headlights, also.

Thanks[/quote']

after going to austria last year, I used common or garden meths to remove the residue - took a couple of applications and a bit of effort, but it did the job

WD40

I had considered meths. Have you noticed any ill effects to the headlamp?

I've very nervous of using anything to be honest after reading someones tale of woe here

Thanks

Isopropyl alcohol is a great way to clean the headlamps out of any residue. It's found most commonly on nail polish remover.

Isopropyl alcohol is a great way to clean the headlamps out of any residue. It's found most commonly on nail polish remover.

Funny you should suggest that, as the wife mentioned that!

Cheers for you reply.

Isopropyl alcohol is a great way to clean the headlamps out of any residue. It's found most commonly on nail polish remover.

Is that so? I'm no expert on nail polish, but when I used to make model aircraft, it was similar to cellulose thinners - amyl acetate. Isopropyl alcohol is very safe because it is inert, but it is not as strong as thinners.

My understanding of nail varnish remover is that it is acetone. Hence my concern when it was suggested for removing stickers from paintwork the other day, although of course today's paints are not cellulose, I was still worried it would be too strong.

White spirit's always worked with the headlamp stuff for me.

WD40

I had considered meths. Have you noticed any ill effects to the headlamp?

I've very nervous of using anything to be honest after reading someones tale of woe here

Thanks

No ill effects - I checked this morning, just to keep you happy !. You could always test a small area first ( © just about every cleaning product on the market these days)

Also, if meths not available, I'd try lighter fuel

I'm surprised that wd40 hasn't mentioned that WD40 also works.

BTW, use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the polycarbonate.

I'm surprised that wd40 hasn't mentioned that WD40 also works.

BTW' date=' use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the polycarbonate.[/quote']

Yep....good for removing tar. I would also suggest isopropanol.....evapourates without leaving a residue.....also good for cleaning the MAF.

Thanks everyone.

I gonna give meths a try.

I don't know if this product is offered in Europe, but I use Meguiar's Plastic X for clear plastics. It's a specially made product for automobile lamp covers, and other clear plastic surfaces. It's used just like normal paint wax: applicate, then remove with a clean cloth.

Thanks everyone.

Used meths (lilac colour) this evening - worked well. Had to spend a while cutting through the residue, but that was a good sign (ie not too strong).