Are faded headlights hindering your visibility when you drive at night? If so, it’s time to get them fixed. There are several DIY solutions to repairing hazy headlights and we’ve got all the details you need laid out right here.
Headlight covers simply don’t stay clear forever. While old-school cars had glass covers that weren’t prone to fading, most of today’s are composed of durable plastic because it’s resistant to breaking when hit by road debris. Modern headlights come with a manufacturer-applied UV coating that’s affected by sun exposure, and even the lights shining from inside the headlamp fixture slowly degrade the coating over time.
If you want to gain back those shiny headlights, there are several DIY tactics you can take. You can also bring your car into our service department and we’ll restore or replace them for you - just click the button to the right to schedule an appointment. If you have the time and are comfortable using tools, however, restoring headlight covers is a project you can take on with the right products.
There’s a great video at the bottom of the page from Drive Clean that outlines three different ways you can fix hazy headlights and we’ve provided a brief breakdown of each below.
The Simplest Solution: Toothpaste
Using toothpaste is a go-to fix for many drivers. While it’s a very short-term solution, it can be moderately effective. The same microabrasives in toothpaste that clean teeth also work on headlights to a degree. They’re not the proper type of abrasives for plastic, but you should see some results.
NOTE: Some drivers also use bug repellant containing the chemical DEET to clean their headlights. It makes them appear instantly restored, but the haziness just returns in a few days and the chemicals melt and corrode plastic, so it’s not recommended as a healthy solution for repairing hazy headlights.
The Midlevel Solution: Restoral Kits
If you have a household power drill, there’s a better way than using toothpaste to get your foggy headlights clear. Restoral kits are typically available at most parts stores and contain foam and wool pads that can be attached to your drill. Details for how to use the kits are included in the video below, but basically you start out by placing the pad attachment on the drill, add compound and buff. Next, you apply the foam pad and polish to remove any fine scratches.
The Solution for Serious DIYers: Restoral Kit & Sanding
Like the midlevel solution, serious DIYers will have to acquire a headlight restoral kit, but some extra sanding work is thrown in. This part is rather detailed, so please refer to the end of the video for instructions.
Again, if you decide that you don’t want to mess around with toothpaste, drills and sanding, we can assist you with getting your hazy headlights looking like new again. Feel free to contact us for details.
