So you've noticed your headlights aren't shining as bright at night or they are cloudier than when you first bought your car--here's how to clean your headlights and get them ready for spring.
Most headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which is more durable and scratch-resistant than the glass lenses that were used in older cars. But over time polycarbonate clouds over, mostly due to UV rays that breakdown and degrade the outer layer of plastic. These changes cause the lenses to absorb blue light from the bulbs and cause a less potent, yellowish light to be emitted.
The good news however, there is a cheap and easy method to clean those dingy headlights using items you already have at home!
Here's what you'll need:
- Microfiber ClothÂ
- Water
- Tube of Toothpaste
Not only does toothpaste keep your teeth clean and sparkling, but they can restore your headlights pretty close to their original glory as well.
After cleaning your headlights with a mild cleanser to remove any loose debris, towel dry your headlights removing all moisture from the surface. Apply some toothpaste to the microfiber cloth and begin scrubbing in small circular motions on the headlight. Don't add water to the toothpaste just yet.
Once the toothpaste has been scrubbed and buffed onto the entire headlight, clean the toothpaste from the microfiber cloth using water only. Keeping the cloth damp, begin removing the toothpaste on the headlight using the same small, circular strokes. Using a dry towel, wipe off remaining water or toothpaste and voila!
Of course repeat these steps on the other headlight and you'll have squeeky clean and new-looking headlights in no time at all!
It is always a good idea to apply a UV Sealant to your headlights after cleaning as this extends protection to your lenses and keeps them from getting cloudy as quickly. Check with our service department on the best UV Sealant for your vehicle's headlights.
This article was written by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
