FrançaisEnglishThe elements are tough on all parts of your car, including your headlights. Over time, your car headlights can become yellowed and foggy, causing them to dim. Because this is a slow process, you may not notice how low your light level is at first.
To make sure your visibility is always at its best, restore your headlights every two to four years.
After a few years of shining through slushy winters and being pelted by the harsh UV rays of the sun, your headlights are bound to dim. Faded headlights make it harder for other motorists to see you and reduce your ability to spot obstacles in the darkness.
Most modern car headlight covers are made of plastic, which is stronger and less likely to shatter than glass in an accident. While this might also make them more prone to sun and salt damage, it also means they are very easy to polish.
The climate you live in will influence how often your headlights need restoring. Over a 10-year period, you’ll probably need three or four restorations.
Follow these steps to restore your headlights from home.
Start by cleaning your headlights with a mild cleanser and dry them off with a microfibre towel. Apply masking tape around the edges of the headlights to protect the surrounding paint.
Gently sand the headlights with sandpaper. You can do this by hand or with an orbital sander. Wipe away any residue with a microfibre cloth.
Next, apply a generous amount of the polish of your choice.
The most popular home remedies call for toothpaste or baking soda. For baking soda, mix it with a bit of water first to make a thick paste. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought polish.
Leave the polish on for several minutes to dry slightly.
With a microfibre towel or brush, gently work your way around the headlights in circular motions. As you polish, the yellowness/fogginess should begin to disappear.
For those who prefer to minimize the amount of elbow grease, there are different headlight restoration kits that come with the polish/paste and polish pads required to get the job done. Some even include a rotating foam polishing ball that you can attach to a power drill.
With a clean towel (and water, if needed), buff away any leftover polish. Your headlights should immediately appear brighter. If the light is still dim, you may need to replace the bulbs.
A thorough restoration can be done in about 45 minutes, a small investment of your time for better sight and safety on the road.
Regular care and cleaning can help you extend the life of your vehicle’s headlights and save you money on replacement lenses down the line.
To further improve your visibility on the road, follow these tips:
For more advice on how to maintain or restore your headlights, chat with an expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.
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