Have you ever tried driving with dim headlights? Not only that it makes driving difficult, it could also cause accidents on the road. You wouldn’t want your car to be towed or be involved in a crash just because of blurred headlights, right?
So, what causes dim headlights? Headlight covers are made of tough, polycarbonate plastics, allowing it to withstand harsh conditions. Sometimes, it is just covered with dirt and grime, making it look dull and dim. It might just need simple cleaning, which is particularly easy. But sometimes, despite cleaning with soap and removing dirt, the lenses may still look hazy. This is actually due to the wearing out the UV protective film that shields the lenses from harmful rays of the sun. Once this protective layer is worn out, it will cause oxidation on the headlight lenses, making it blurry and dim despite cleaning.
But no worries, this doesn’t mean it needs replacement immediately. You can repair these hazy headlights on your own by just following these simple steps. The repair methods may vary depending on the severity of the problem with the headlight lenses, but one of these may be worth trying.
Hazy headlight repair with toothpaste
If you want a quick fix, you can use toothpaste to repair dimness of your headlights. Yes, you heard it right – toothpaste! Known for its abrasive properties used in cleaning teeth, toothpaste can also be used to make your headlights clear once more. To do this, you must first protect the surrounding area with painter’s tape or masking tape. This is to prevent chemicals from making unnecessary damage to the car paint around the headlights. Then, wet the area with water and apply the toothpaste in a piece of cloth. Rub it in the headlight lenses, while carefully adding force for a better clean. You may also add toothpaste if you want to. Scrub it in a small, circular motion then rinse with water. Allow it to air dry. If you are planning to use car wax, you may rinse it again to make sure there’s no residue left. Allow it to dry again before applying car wax.
Hazy headlight repair using auto glass cleaner and automotive polish
If the haziness didn’t go away that much after using toothpaste on it, you may also try using glass cleaner and automotive polish. Following the same procedure above, secure the area around the headlights by putting painter’s tape or masking tape. Then, spray the glass cleaner liberally and wipe it with a soft cloth. Afterwards, apply the automotive polish using a different cloth, in a circular motion. Do it slowly but stay on it for several minutes to let the polish work. You can rinse it with water after and apply car wax after drying. The last part is optional though, but is suggested to prevent faster oxidation of the headlight lenses.
Hazy headlight repair using polishing compound kit
This is the last but most effective, yet another easy way to repair a hazy headlight. You can use a polishing compound kit which contains the polishing compound, UV sealant, paste wax, and various grits of wet and dry sandpaper. You have to start by taping the surrounding area to keep it safe from chemicals and damage from the sandpaper. Next, wet the headlight lenses clean it with soap. Afterwards, wet the sandpaper and start sanding the area. Start with the coarsest sandpaper, replacing it with the least coarse as you go on. Make sure to keep it wet to prevent scratching and work in one direction. You can use a spray bottle or a hose to keep it wet. Replace the sandpaper later on with lesser coarse one and change your direction. Once you’re done, work on the opposite direction with the least coarse sandpaper. Work on it for a few minutes then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. Next, coat it with the polishing compound in a circular motion. If you have an orbital buffer, that will help you finish the job faster. Then, apply the paste wax the same way you wax your car.
Lastly, apply the UV sealant to prevent it from getting misty and dim again. Use a paper towel and spread it in broad strokes, making sure everything is covered. Apply only one layer of the UV sealant and allow it to dry.
If these tips still wouldn’t work and your headlights still seem dim and hazy, you may want to consider bringing it to experts for either repair or replacement.
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