Headlights are an essential part of a car, considering they ensure you’ll have a clear view while driving. The headlight lenses are manufactured using polycarbonate plastic. The strong plastic is suitable since it doesn’t break easily even when the weather conditions are not favorable. The only issue is that the sun may affect the polycarbonate plastic. To ensure the UV rays don’t pose a major issue, the manufacturers usually incorporate UV protective film. However, with time, the UV rays will destroy the protective film, which means the plastic will oxidize.
If the headlights are becoming yellowish, it means the oxidation process has begun. Fortunately, you can clean the headlights on your own. The following steps will guide you on how to clean car headlights and they include:
1. Buy All Items You Need
You should ensure that you have all the supplies that you need. For starters, you should have a headlight restoration kit. The kit should have all the required materials. You’re supposed to try out some of the popular kits such that you’ll get to know the best materials. Although all materials will function similarly, we’ll look into each one of them below.
Keep in mind that you can purchase each of the items individually. You’ll need some sandpaper paste wax, polishing compound, and ultraviolet (UV) sealant. You should also acquire microfiber towels and blue painter’s tape.
2. Clean the Headlights
The headlight lenses should be cleaned thoroughly using water and soap. The surrounding areas should also be cleaned such that the tape will easily stick in the next step.
3. The Headlights Should be Taped Off
If you’re interested in learning about how to clean car headlights, the painter’s tape will come in handy such that the headlight can be blocked off such that the rest of the car will be protected. Your hands can slip off at times, and you may run over the painter’s tape using the sandpaper accidentally. You’ll be happy that you took the time to take off the headlights.
4. Sand Away
The first step entails utilizing abrasive sandpaper. The lower numbers are more suitable since they’re more abrasive. The headlight and the sandpaper should be wet. You should then sand the lens in horizontal and straight strokes. First, you should sand in a similar direction. As you work, ensure the surface is wet such that the lens won’t be at the risk of the lens being scratched.
You should then sand the lens in horizontal and straight strokes. It would be best if you sand in a similar direction during the entire period; otherwise, the lens may be scratched because of the buildup of the grit particles. The results are dependent on your level of professionalism. As a result, you should be in a position to spare at least 10 minutes on the sanding process.
The whole process should be repeated using sandpaper that is less abrasive. In this case, the sandpaper grit should range between 2,000 to 3,000. The only difference should be the sanding direction. A spray bottle comes in handy in such instances. You can also learn more about how to clean the car’s engine bay by clicking here.
5. Polish and Wax
The fruits of the elbow grease should be revealed. Ensure the headlights have been dried off and wiped off. In such an instance, the polishing compound should be cleaned onto a microfiber towel. In circular motions, rub the polish for a few minutes. To ensure the process takes place faster, ensure you’re using an orbital buffer. After ensuring the lenses are clean enough, you should clear them and ensure they’re waxed accordingly. Waxing ensures the lens is protected accordingly.
6. Make Use of UV Sealant
UV sealant comes in handy, and it should be applied after sanding the oxidized sealant. Each step will be futile if you miss this step considering the sealant usually acts as a protective layer.
In this step, the paper towel should be moist, and you should apply the sealant. Full coverage comes in handy in such instances. However, you should pay attention to the instructions of every kit that you purchase.
The sealant should also be allowed to cure after the application process. In such an instance, the vehicle should be parked in a space that is dry. At the end of it all, you’ll get desirable results.
You should also test everything out. If there is no significant improvement, the sanding process should be repeated. If the lenses are far gone, they should be replaced. In such an instance, some professional advice and assistance usually come in handy.
By adhering to each of the steps listed above, you’ll manage to ensure the headlights are clean. The steps listed above are tested and proven. As a result, there is no need to worry about whether they are efficient or not.
