Maya Ellison
Driving with cloudy, yellowed headlights can be dangerous, especially at night, as they reduce the amount of light that shines through. This is often caused by oxidation of the plastic due to prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to restore your headlights to their former glory, ranging from DIY techniques like wet sanding with sandpaper or buffing with avocado or toothpaste, to commercial headlight restoration kits, such as those offered by Turtlewax and Meguiar's.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun |
| Other causes | Accumulation of environmental pollutants, use of abrasive cleaning agents, and consistent contact with road debris |
| Prevention | Park in the shade whenever possible |
| Restoration techniques | Buffing with avocado, toothpaste, car polish, fine grit sandpaper or wet and dry |
| Commercial products | Headlight restoration kits from Turtlewax and Meguiar's |
| Turtlewax Kit | Two-in-one formulation with a cleaning compound and a chemical sealant |
| Meguiar's Kit | Requires two steps - cleaning, then sealing |
| Turtlewax Multi-step Kit | Contains a separate clarifying compound, abrasive 'restoration pads', and sealant applicators |
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What You'll Learn
Causes of headlight yellowing
Headlight yellowing is a common issue that can significantly impact visibility and safety on the road. While there are various methods to restore clarity to headlights, understanding the underlying causes of yellowing is essential for effective prevention and long-term maintenance. Here are the key factors contributing to headlight yellowing:
Oxidation: Headlight lenses are typically coated with a clear layer that helps prevent the acrylic from oxidizing. Over time, this protective coating degrades due to exposure to sunlight and UV light, causing the acrylic to oxidize and turn yellow. The oxidation process results in a cloudy appearance that diminishes the brightness of the headlights.
Wear and Tear: The protective coating on headlight lenses is susceptible to wear and tear from road debris, such as gravel, salt, and other particles kicked up during driving. This debris can scratch and pit the coating, gradually removing its protective properties. As a result, the headlight casing becomes exposed to further damage and takes on a cloudy or foggy appearance.
Dirt and Pollution: As your vehicle accumulates miles on the road, a thin layer of dirt, grime, and chemicals from pollution can build up on the headlight casing. This accumulation of contaminants contributes to the yellowing and clouding of the headlights, reducing their effectiveness in illuminating the road ahead.
Water Vapour: Headlights are designed with a watertight seal to prevent moisture ingress. However, over time, this seal can break due to wear and tear. As a result, water vapour can infiltrate the headlight casing, leading to condensation formation. The presence of water droplets inside the lens scatters the light beams, causing the headlights to appear dim and discoloured.
Lack of Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial to preventing and mitigating headlight yellowing. Neglecting to clean and care for headlights can accelerate the deterioration of the protective coating and increase the likelihood of water ingress, dirt accumulation, and oxidation. Regular cleaning, polishing, and the application of protective coatings can help extend the lifespan of headlights and maintain optimal visibility.
By understanding these primary causes of headlight yellowing, vehicle owners can take proactive measures to prevent and address this issue. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and the use of appropriate protective coatings can help ensure that headlights remain clear and effective, enhancing both visibility and safety on the road.
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Wet sanding
Before starting the wet sanding process, it is important to gather all the necessary supplies and tape off the headlights with painter's tape to protect the paint. The sandpaper used for wet sanding must be wet/dry compatible, as regular sandpaper will fall apart when exposed to water. The grit of the sandpaper can vary depending on the severity of the headlight damage, with common grits ranging from 600 to 2500.
To begin the wet sanding process, soak the sandpaper in a bucket of water with a small amount of soap added for lubrication. Starting with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 600 or 800, sand the headlight surface using light to medium pressure and working evenly across the lens. This stage is used to remove the majority of the yellowing and haze. Rinse the lens and sandpaper as needed to keep them lubricated and free of debris.
After the initial sanding stage, move on to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 1500 or 2000. This stage is used to remove the sanding marks from the previous step and create a smoother surface. Again, work evenly across the lens with light to medium pressure, rinsing as needed. Despite wet sanding, some UV coating may still remain on the headlight, but it should now appear white with the yellowing removed.
Finally, the headlight will need to be buffed to remove the remaining sanding marks and create a clear, sparkling finish. This can be done by hand or with a polisher, depending on the tools and experience of the person performing the restoration. Wet sanding is a messy and time-consuming process, but it can be highly effective in restoring severely damaged headlight lenses.
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Using a buffer
Next, wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water, rinse with plenty of clear water, and let it dry. Then, mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint. If you own a drill, you can buy a headlight restoration kit and follow the instructions.
After that, use a polishing compound and a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. You can also use car wax and car polish. Apply moderate to high pressure and squeeze some wax onto the microfiber cloth. Start cleaning the lenses using circular motions until they are clear.
Finally, allow the polish to dry, then use a clean cloth to buff off any polish residue. Repeat the polishing process if necessary. This method is a quick and inexpensive fix for yellowed plastic headlights.
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Headlight restoration kits
There are many headlight restoration kits available on the market, with some of the most popular ones being offered by Turtle Wax, Meguiar's, and Chemical Guys. These kits typically come with detailed instructions and all the necessary tools, making them convenient and easy to use. The process generally involves cleaning and drying the headlights, sanding or buffing them with the provided pads or sandpaper, and then applying a protective sealant.
For example, the Turtle Wax Headlight Restoration Kit includes sanding pads for severely oxidised headlights. The process involves squirting a spray lubricant on the headlight and rubbing it evenly with the provided pads. This is repeated until all four grades of the restoration pad have been used, removing the yellowed and hazy coating.
The Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Kit, on the other hand, is a two-step process involving cleaning and sealing. The kit includes cleaning pads that can be used with their DA Power System, a rotary polisher drill attachment, for faster application. The cleaning solution is applied to the pads, and the headlights are thoroughly cleaned using a back-and-forth motion until a uniform frosted appearance is achieved.
Another notable kit is the Chemical Guys' Headlight Restoration Kit, which promises to restore cloudy, dull, or yellowed headlights to crystal-clear condition with minimal effort. Their specialised formula, when applied and buffed with a microfiber towel, removes layers of degraded plastic using micro-abrasives, revealing the clear plastic underneath. The formula also includes a wax sealant that creates a protective layer, blocking UV rays and preventing future hazing and yellowing.
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Applying a sealant
There are a variety of products available for sealing your headlights, including commercial headlight restoration kits and standalone sealants. Turtlewax, for example, offers a two-in-one cleaner and sealant product that can be applied with a cotton cloth using firm pressure until the plastic becomes clear. Their multi-step kit also includes a separate sealant applicator. Meguiar's, on the other hand, offers a two-step process of cleaning and then sealing, with the option to use their 'DA Power System' for faster application.
If you prefer a more DIY approach, you can use a clear coat of spar urethane mixed with mineral spirits. This method essentially involves painting a clear layer over your headlights to protect them from UV rays. Another option is to use a sealant like CGJetseal109 or Meg Synthetic Sealant, or a more permanent solution like Optimum Opti-Lens coating. 303 Aerospace Protectant is also mentioned as a sealant that can block UV light.
When applying a sealant, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label. Some products may require multiple applications for the best results, especially if your headlights are heavily faded or damaged. Keep in mind that while sealants can help prolong the clarity of your headlights, they may not offer a permanent solution, and regular maintenance and reapplication may be necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic headlights turn yellow due to oxidation caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun. This process is expedited by environmental pollutants, abrasive cleaning agents, and road debris.
To prevent yellowing, park your car in the shade whenever possible to minimise UV exposure. Regular cleaning, the use of protective sealants, and polishing can also help maintain clear headlights.
There are various methods to restore yellowed headlights, including commercial headlight restoration kits, DIY techniques, and professional services. Commercial kits typically involve cleaning, sanding, and sealing the headlights for long-lasting results.
Yes, there are several DIY techniques to restore headlights, including buffing with avocado, toothpaste, car polish, or fine grit sandpaper. While these methods may be effective, they may not provide the same level of clarity and protection as commercial kits.
Headlight restoration kits typically include cleaning compounds, abrasive pads, and sealants. The cleaning compound removes light oxidation and yellowing, while the sealant protects against future degradation. Multiple applications and proper preparation, such as taping the surrounding area, are often required for the best results.
