How to Restore Your Headlight

Clear headlights keep you safe as you drive, letting you see where you’re going in the dark and in bad weather while also helping other drivers see where you are on the road. Over time, headlights can become hazy or yellowed due to UV rays, dirt, and other environmental issues, and they don’t perform as well anymore.
In many cases, it’s possible to get more life from your headlights by cleaning them –
not with just a car wash, but with a more aggressive procedure.Here’s why you might need to do it, the steps for how to clean headlights, and how to keep it from happening again.
Why Headlight Cleaning Is Important
Headlights that are yellowed reduce the amount of light projected onto the road, making it harder to see and be seen by others. As the light hits the discolored lens, it diffuses, scattering the beam instead of projecting it. Clean headlights provide better down-road lighting, which improves reaction times and helps prevent accidents, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Headlights are exposed to factors like UV rays, debris, and dirt, which can cause the plastic lens to oxidize over time. This oxidation results in the fogging and yellowing that you see. By cleaning your headlights regularly, you can slow down this process and extend the lifespan of your car lights, ensuring clear visibility.
But when the yellowing occurs, there are only two options: clean the oxidation, or replace your headlight assemblies. A cleaning method is much more cost-effective.

• Step 1: Sand the headlights. Most kits come with different grits of sandpaper. Start with the coarsest grit and sand the headlight in a horizontal motion. Gradually use finer grits for a smooth finish.

• Step 2: Apply the cleaner. Once sanded, apply the included cleaner or polish and buff it into the headlight using a cloth or a buffer pad, depending on the kit instructions.

• Step 3: Rinse and dry. After polishing, rinse the headlights with clean water and dry them thoroughly. Don’t worry if they still look scratched or hazy at this point.

• Step 4: Apply a protective sealant. After cleaning, apply the UV-protective sealant to your headlights. This sealant will help prevent future fogging and yellowing caused by sun exposure.
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Maintaining Your Headlights After Cleaning

• To keep your headlights looking clear and resisting the ugly, yellow look of oxidation, establish a regular maintenance routine. In addition to your usual car washes, clean your headlights every few months using soap, water, and a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup. If you live in a sunny climate, consider applying UV protection regularly to avoid yellowing.

  You can take extra steps to protect your headlights from future damage:

  • If possible, park your car in a garage or shaded area to reduce UV exposure.
  • Headlight protection films can be applied to shield the lenses from debris and sun damage.
  • After a thorough cleaning, make it a habit to apply a UV-protective sealant to your headlights to extend their lifespan.

  From headlight UV protectants to headlight restoration kits – or even replacement headlight assemblies, look no further than SURAINBOW. We have everything it takes to keep your car in great shape. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our Preferred Shops to help you do the job.