View Full Version : How to clean headlights
Beccie
Apr 26, 2011, 11:48 AM
How do you clean the covers of your headlights
smoothy
Apr 26, 2011, 11:53 AM
DO you mean polish headlights that have yellowed or clouded over from age?
Beccie
Apr 26, 2011, 11:59 AM
It is the clouded from being 11 years old. I wasn't signed in when I wrote a second ago so I hope you don't get this twice.
smoothy
Apr 26, 2011, 12:02 PM
There are kits that will polish the clouded outer surface away and make it look like new for less than $20 if you do it yourself.
Most autoparts stores carry them. Its way cheaper than replacing the headlights.
What happens is those are plastic... and pollution in the air and UV rays damages the outer surface over time.
RickMN
Apr 26, 2011, 08:26 PM
Read this post on headlight lens restoration. It talks about the difference between polishing kits and restoration kits
Headlight Restoration (http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/repair-topics/lights/headlight-restoration-that-really-works)
RickMN
Apr 26, 2011, 08:27 PM
Read this post on restoring a headlight lens. It explains the difference between a polishing kit and a restoration kit. Some polishing kits actually cost more than a restoration kit and the procedure doesn't last nearly as long
Headlight Restoration (http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/repair-topics/lights/headlight-restoration-that-really-works)
Beccie
Apr 27, 2011, 07:01 AM
I was all over the internet yesterday and I heard that I can use toothpaste and baking soda. This was more of the type of answer I was looking for. I don't want to have to buff. Maybe you may have heard of this? Beccie
RickMN
Apr 27, 2011, 07:28 AM
What you've got with a clouded headlight lens is a deterioration of the clear coat on the outside of the lens. Polishing the lens with either toothpaste or plastic polish is a temporary solution. In my opinion, it's a complete waste of time because you'll just have to do it again every six months. The only way to get a long term fix is to get the old clear coat off, polish the lens, and then recoat it with new clear coat.
The entire process takes about an hour and costs less than $20. You can skate through this on toothpaste, but you won't be happy.