“How to Clean Car’s Headlights ?”

Headlights are a must for the safety of the traveler at night or in unfavorable weather conditions. In due course, the headlamps get smoked up, yellowish, or dirty, which would hamper your view and devalue the automobile appearance. This article is a general guide on how to clean car headlight using different methods with the aid of household items, commercial kits, and maintenance tips. By the end of this, you will know just how to restore clarity back to your headlights and make them look almost new again so you could have more visibility on the road.

Why Do Headlights Become Foggy and Yellow?

Usually, headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic. This is a strong material but wears out very quickly. Also, the sun, dirt on roads, dust, and cruel weather cause oxidation. Oxidation here means that the plastic reacts to oxygen, breaking itself up in the process. Especially, UV rays harshly affect this type of plastic and create a sort of yellowish, haze-colored appearance. What’s worse, dirt on the road damages the lens and makes them less clear and effective in principle.

Importance of Cleaning Headlights

Cleaning headlights makes your vehicle look more attractive while making it safe to use. Icy headlights do not allow sufficient light at night, which makes you and other road users vulnerable to danger. Clear headlights ensure that enough light is sent through the beam, and therefore, you are in a better position to see what is ahead, including obstacles, pedestrians, or other road vehicles. Moreover, cleaning your headlights will save you money on replacement, which can be quite a costly affair.

Preparing to Clean Your Headlights

Before starting to clean, collect the necessary materials. Below is a list of common household items and products that can be used in cleaning headlights:

1. Soap and water – for an initial cleaning
2. Masking tape – For protection of the paint surrounding the headlight
3. Microfiber cloths or sponges – For cleaning and wipings
4. Toothpaste – Mild grinding for polishing
5. Baking soda and vinegar – for removing grime and oxidation
6. Sandpaper (800, 1000, 2000 grit) – for hardening off harsh oxidation
7. UV sealant or wax – After washing it, protect the headlight.

Once you have all your equipment, here is how you can clean everything:.

Method 1: Using Soap and Water

This is the most primitive yet safest method, and often helpful if your headlights only have minor dirt or fogging. It’s a first good step before using more abrasive techniques.

Steps:

1. Wash the Headlights:Use warm water with a little drop of dish soap to fill. Apply a microfiber and rub softly on the headlights with surface dirt, dust, and grime; flush clean water.
2. Dry Completely: . Dry the headlamps using a dry microfiber cloth, making sure there is no water remaining.
3. Inspect: Once dry, inspect the headlights. It probably requires a different cleaning method if they are still cloudy.

Method 2: Toothpaste and Baking Soda Solution

This may contain some light abrasives that might shine away the oxidation, leaving headlights clearer. Additional scrubbing or stain-removing effects can even be enhanced with baking soda.

Steps:

1. Preparation: Masking tape around the edges of the headlight will keep the paintwork safe.
2. Apply Toothpaste and Baking Soda Mixture: Take a small bowl and make a paste of baking soda and non-gel toothpaste in equal proportions. Rub the paste directly to the headlight using a soft cloth.
3. Scrub Gently:Rub in the paste using small, round motions over the headlight’s surface. Do it for 5-10 minutes depending on the extent of oxidation.
4. Rinse and Wipe: Rinse with clean water and apply using a microfiber cloth
5. Inspect and Repeat if Needed: Repeat the process if it is a bit cloudy. Apply car wax for that shine that creates a protective coat on top.

Method 3: Using Sandpaper for Heavy Oxidation

You’ll be able to see very effective removal of the yellowing and fogging if your headlights are quite severe, using sandpaper. Be prepared to take up a little more time on this approach, though, since you’re going to see that you actually have to sand very carefully in multiple stages.

Steps:

1. Preparation: Masking tape again around the headlights to protect the car paint.
2. Wet the Sandpaper: Soak the sandpaper in water for 10-15 minutes. You’ll use 800-grit sandpaper to begin with, progressively higher grits as you continue.
3. Sand the Headlights: Start sanding with 800-grit paper, using gentle back-and-forth motions. Maintain a wet surface throughout to avoid scratching.
4. Move to Finer Sandpapers: Go for about 5-10 minutes with 800-grit, then switch to 1000-grit and finally 2000-grit for a final attempt at a very smooth finish.
5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse well with water, and apply a microfiber cloth to remove as much of the water from the light as possible.
6. Apply Polish or Sealant: The headlight should be mattened at this point. Use a polishing compound on the headlight and buff in using a microfiber cloth. Seal with UV or wax to prevent future oxidation.

Method 4: Commercial Headlight Restoration Kits

For your convenience, you can purchase restoration kits over the counter at a very affordable price. These commercial kits are really easy to use and can be applied right at home. Most of these kits will include all that is needed: polishing compounds, sanding discs, and UV sealants, among other things.

Steps:

1. Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions accompanying the kit.
2. Apply as Directed: Most kits require you to sand and polish the headlights before applying a protective coating.
3. Finish with Sealant: Use the sealant supplied with the UV sealant kit. It ensures that the headlights do not turn yellow again.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Headlights

Maintain cleaning as follows after you have cleaned your headlights:

1. Apply a UV Sealant Regularly: Sealant under UV forms protective layer that reduces the impact of sunlight in the headlights
2. Wash the Headlights Frequently: Do not leave your car outside to dry up when washing; scrub the headlights with much effort to prevent grime from accumulation that may damage them.
3. Park in Shade When Possible: Shading protects the headlights from direct sunlight that accelerates oxidation, hence prolongs the clarity of your headlights.
4. Use Protective Films: Some light protection films can also be purchased that ensure protection against UV rays and debris.

Conclusion

1. Well, cleaning your headlights is an investment to begin with, and that’ll make both the appearance and safety of your car that much better. You don’t have to be a genius or spend piles of money going to a professional. You can use items such as toothpaste or baking soda, go through an intensive sanding, or even obtain a commercial kit designed specifically for headlight restoration. With proper maintenance and a bit of care, you’re sure that your lights will stay bright, clear, and ready to handle the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use WD-40 to clean headlights?

WD-40 can sometimes provide a temporary answer because it puts oil over the headlight, and since it removes oxidation to an extent and then dries, more of the fogginess is covered. It’s not actually cleaning and it doesn’t last; it just halts the problem for a little while.

Q2: How often should I clean my headlights?

This relies upon factors such as exposure to weather and road conditions. Cleaning every 3-6 months may keep it clear for a longer period, and you can also apply a UV protectant.

Q3: Are there alternatives to UV sealants?

You can also get some protection using a UV sealant from car wax. Commercial sealants might last longer than car wax but still give protection when there is not a sealant around. Applying a fresh coat of car wax every few months will help the headlights remain clear.