With the wet season now upon us, the last thing you’ll want is to drive in the rain with headlights that don’t work. One of the most important safety precautions that a driver can take is making sure that your headlights are working optimally. Not only do they allow for you to see the road, but they enable other motorists to see you. Let’s take a closer look at what causes foggy headlights and how to clean them.
What are foggy headlights?
If you notice that the light coming from your headlights is a lot less clear, and that the protective layer has become yellow, chances are your car is suffering from foggy headlights.
Headlights are made from a thick plastic made of polycarbonates. These plastic covers are much more scratch-resistant and durable but over time as the polycarbonates are exposed to UV rays, the outer layers begin to break down and degrade. This process allows the plastic to oxidize, which is where the yellow tinge comes from.
How to DIY clean your headlights
If the oxidization has already begun, you can simply clean your headlights to restore them to like-new condition.
Option 1: With Toothpaste
To clean your headlights, you can simply try the toothpaste method. The toothpaste will help remove the oxidized layer from the plastic which will bring back the original clarity of light that you get from your headlights. Firstly clean your headlights with Windex, soap and water. Then, apply toothpaste (with a little baking soda works great) and start scrubbing. If your headlights are salvageable, you should notice them return to their original colour slowly.
Option 2: Use a DIY Headlight Restoration Kit
To clean your headlights, there are kits available online that promise to restore foggy headlights in no time. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Wash the headlights with warm soapy water
- Mask the outside area with masking tape so you don’t scratch the paint
- Sand your headlights gently and according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Buff the lenses with polish and let it dry
- Depending on the damage of the headlights, you may need to repeat the above step a few times
- Use a micro-fiber cloth to rub the excess polish off
And there you have it! DIY maintenance like restoring your headlights to like-new condition may seem a little scary to non-mechanics, but it’s relatively easy once you get the hang of it!
