Learn how to clean cloudy Car Headlights with these simple tips suggested by PartsAvatar Auto Parts!!

If your car’s headlights aren’t shining like they used to, here’s how you can do it yourself and save your hard earned cash!!-Brought to you by PartsAvatar Replacement Auto Parts!

If you’ve started to notice that your car’s headlights don’t shine as bright as they used to this could be a sign that they’re in need of sprucing up. It is necessary for the headlights to be kept clean as it keeps you safe on the road! Also if don’t want to earn a penalty ticket!!

Cleaning headlights isn’t a tough job. You don’t need to call a professional or need to replace car headlights if you think they aren’t working fine! Clean them first! You have got two choices: either restore old headlights with a restoration kit or spend $40 on new ones or even more depending on quality!!

If still, nothing changes, then you probably need replacement of car headlights.

Are they cloudy on outside??

Before you start cleaning headlight, make sure the cloudiness is on the outside of the lens. If you see moisture on the inside and some hairline cracks, then the problem is on inside and you will have to spend money on buying a new one.

Why do headlights become hazy or cloudy?

You keep your car shiny but can’t help noticing that your car’s headlights are foggy. So what’s making headlights cloudy even if you clean them? Mostly cars use halogen bulbs plugged in the back of a large plastic reflector. Outer surface of these headlamp modules is moulded polycarbonate plastic.

To combat the porous nature of plastic despite of being strong, they are covered with a protective film. The film over the years is exposed to heat from the bulb, UV rays and harsh chemicals that come up from the road. The film eventually fades and allows the plastic to become oxidized which gives headlights a cloudy look.

How to clean it? Read further!

Wash your car

The very first step, wash your car thoroughly. Washing the car will help in removing any surface dirt left on outside of lamp. Wash the headlights with regular car soap. Just give your car a wash with regular warm water or car wash soap. Wipe them carefully and let them dry. Now, you can examine what the problem is!

Look for hazing, yellowing, peeling and cracks

Now that you have washed the headlight, you can notice what the actual issue is. Haziness will be caused if the hard coat has worn off the headlights and soft polycarbonate is exposed beginning to absorb scratches that create hazing.

If this is the problem, doing a cheap quick clean can be effective.

Yellowing is caused when the entire hard coat begins to thin out and lose adhesion to polycarbonate lens. The UV spectrum creates a new repeating unit in carbonic chain which blue light and ultimately leads to yellowish appearance. Using some polishing compound or rain X you can clean the yellowish coloring.

When the hard coat begins to deteriorate, it will appear to flake off or peel off. They will develop cracks deep into the lens and it will need to be resurfaced by a professional. Cracking is the worst case- you might need to replace them with new ones!

Sanding

Sandpaper is used to scuff away the outer layer of haze. 3M is the best brand for sandpaper. But before beginning the task, make sure to buy some blue, low tack painter’s masking tape. Mask the area that needs to be polished.

This isn’t necessary but to protect your car’s paint job, it won’t hurt you to do so. Before sanding, wipe down the headlights once more for your own satisfaction. You can use a bit of alcohol to rub and use clean paper towel to wipe it down.

This is the most important step, so be precise. Soak a piece of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper in cold water for at least 10 minutes. You can even use pressure to sand away the yellowing until you get a dull surface.

Use light straight strokes as sanding technique. Cover the entire surface sanding back and forth in one direction. Make sure not to let the surface dry while you work. Repeat the process until the finish changes from dull to satiny.

Don’t rush this part. Sand until pits, scratches are gone.

Now perform the same operation with 1500 grit wet/dry sandpaper this time sanding at the right angles to the previous work. Keep the paper wet, repeat the procedure until the abrasive powder is eliminated. Repeat it with 2000, 2500 and 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper.

Polishing

Once you are done with the sanding, it’s time to polish the headlight. Use some buffing compound which are available are auto parts store. For cheap option use can use toothpaste (plain blue) to clean headlights of car.

Take a clean towel, apply some compound and work n circular motion, polishing repeatedly. As the polish gets ground into the cloth and dries out, it lifts the haziness right off the lens.

Continue rubbing until the headlight looks clear. Apply some elbow grease and soften any remaining clear coat. Next wet sand the lens in the circular pattern with medium pressure, starting with coarsest sandpaper and work your way to the finest grit.

Re wet the lens frequently with clean water. Go until you are satisfied. Clean off the entire polishing compound and make sure the headlight lens is dry before you apply the new clear coat. Now wax the lens thoroughly with a paste car wax. This will keep the headlight safe from acid rain, dirt and road salt.

Now check the car headlights by parking the car a few inches away from the door or the wall and check the beams.

Clean off the polishing compound and make sure the headlight lens is dry before you apply the new clear coat. Wipe on the clear coat and let it dry for at least four to six hours before heading off to road.

Remember, if your car’s headlights are beyond repair, you can be sure to find the right set for your vehicle at PartsAvatar Car Parts! Shop Today!!