Many drivers face the problem of blown headlights. These are among the most important things to keep clean on your car.
These powerful beams not only let you see the road, they also help other drivers see you.
“Most lenses are made from polycarbonate. This material is great for withstanding tough road conditions without cracking, which you definitely want, but it doesn’t perform well in the sun.
To protect them initially, manufacturers cover the lenses with a UV protection film. But over time, this film is destroyed, allowing the plastic to oxidize.
If your headlights are fogged up or yellowed, then it is clear that the oxidation process has begun, and this could be important at the next periodic technical inspection,” explained the autovit.ro specialists in an analysis.
They’ve identified steps on how to reset your headlights, so you’ll have optimal nighttime visibility again in no time.
What materials are needed for cleaning
The easiest way to do this is to purchase a comprehensive headlight restoration kit. You can choose one of the most popular kits on the market. They all work pretty much the same way.
You can also buy the products individually, which is good for people who already have some parts. Basically, you need:
- a few different grits of wet/dry sandpaper (1000, 2000, and 3000 grit levels are generally safe choices);
- polishing paste;
- paste wax;
- UV sealant;
- a roll of blue painter’s tape;
- microfiber towels
.
According to the autovit.ro analysis, the price of a home headlight polishing session is quite low, but it is still recommended to use quality materials, so as not to damage the glass of the headlights. One thing is for sure, the operation done in your own garage will be much cheaper than in an auto maintenance salon.
The method of cleaning the swept headlights
Step 1 – Washing and horizontal sanding
Wash the opaque headlight with warm soapy water. Rinse with plenty of clean water and leave to dry. Then mask the area around the lenses to avoid scratching the paint (a critical step for proper headlight polishing at home).
Dip the sandpaper in water, then start with the right grit for your situation. Sand in one direction. In sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit.
If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with 1,500 grit and work your way up to 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with 1,000-grit paper.
Step 2: Rinse and sand vertically
Rinse and change direction with the next grain. Keep doing this until you’re done with the 2500-grit paper.
Step 3: Polishing the lens with polish
Wash the headlight with plenty of cold, clean water and dry it. Dampen a corner of the flannel cloth with polishing compound. Using firm pressure, buff the headlight in a circular pattern until smooth and clear.
Step 4: Polishing the lens
Let the polish dry, then use the clean side of the cloth to wipe off any polish residue. Repeat the polishing process.
“Depending on the damage to the headlight, some small areas may still appear fogged. Try touching up just those spots with polishing compound. Polish the area again and check. The lens should look perfectly clean.
To keep your fog lights clean, wash them often with a mild detergent and a soft bristle brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly with water, and dry.
Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or chemicals not intended for this purpose. You can also apply a protective film after this step.
While there are several methods to clean plastic lenses or headlight polish at home, including household items, a specialized solution like a headlight lens restoration kit is the best way to restore yellowed headlights and protect them from the future. yellowing”, according to the analysis.
Automotive experts recommend adjusting the application and method according to the severity of the oxidation for best results.
