Certified CenterOne of the most important safety precautions auto owners can take is making sure their headlights are working to the best of their ability. Most people assume this solely means to check the bulbs frequently and make sure they aren’t burned out, however, your headlights’ effectiveness is also triggered by how foggy the lenses are. Check out the steps below to make sure you know how to clean your headlight lenses properly, guaranteeing they are functioning optimally.
Many auto supply stores carry products that are specifically designed for cleaning foggy headlight lenses. “Foggy” means that the lens has been exposed to UV rays from the sun causing the outer layers to break down and deteriorate. The lenses then begin to absorb blue light from the bulbs and cause a less potent, yellow light to be emitted which is less effective.
Using products labeled as “headlight restoration kit” or “headlight lens restoration” from an auto store will be a great place to start. These products walk you through the process of using their materials to clean your headlights properly. However, sometimes you’re in a pinch and don’t have time or access to an auto supply store. In that case, there are a few household items that will get the job done. Toothpaste, vinegar, and baking soda can be effective cleaners as well. All items are abrasive enough to take off the fog without scratching or damaging the headlights. Polishing compounds such as Rain-X is another option; it may be effective enough to remove the UV damage without harming your light.
In terms of the supplies you’ll need, few are necessary to get the job done. It would be helpful to have one of the cleaning products mentioned above, an old rag or towel, latex gloves if you have sensitive skin, water, a soft-bristled brush, and a mild cleanser.
We suggest attempting the following steps to get the cleanest headlamp:
Clean the surface of dirt and debris. Before you start to polish off the UV damage, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve removed any dirt, bugs, or other gunk that has accumulated on the surface of the lens.
Towel dry. After cleaning, wipe down the surface with a dry towel or rag until all the moisture is gone.
Apply headlight restorer or other household cleaning product. Distribute a generous amount of product fairly thick onto your headlight lenses. (If using baking soda, mix with water until you’ve created a paste.) Leave the cleaner on the lens for a few minutes to allow it to dry and sink in.
Remove the cleaner with a brush. Using circular motions, work your way around the surface of the lens with the soft-bristled brush. Don’t forget that the cleaner you’ve selected is fairly abrasive, so be careful not to move too harshly around the surface of the lens.
Wipe off excess cleaner. Using the rag/towel again, buff off any residue from the lens. If needed, spray any stubborn particles with water and continue rubbing until it’s all gone.
After this simple process, you should see immediate changes in your headlights and notice increased visibility and brighter lights the next time you hit the road! As with any serious maintenance issue you’re experiencing, our team of professionals is here to help you if need. If you continue to experience foggy headlights even after cleaning them yourself, please stop by and see us and we’ll get you taken care of in no time! We hope these tips allow you to have the best trip possible!
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