How to Clean and Prevent Hazy Headlights

Learn how to clean headlights and prevent cloudiness from forming with a few simple steps. Headlights are an essential component of any vehicle as they play a crucial role in ensuring safe driving, especially during nighttime and in low visibility conditions.

Over time, headlights can become hazy or cloudy, which can significantly reduce their effectiveness and make it difficult for drivers to see clearly. Fortunately, you can learn how to clean and prevent foggy headlights to ensure optimal visibility and safety on the road.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about cloudy headlights and how to prevent them. We'll start by exploring the causes behind their fogginess, then we'll talk about how to clean hazy headlights using a few different methods.

What Causes Cloudy, Foggy Headlights?

If you've noticed that your headlights are looking a little hazy or cloudy, you might be wondering what's causing the problem.

Original headlight lenses were made from glass. Glass headlights ruled for years, until 1983 when plastic headlights became legal. Car manufacturers jumped at the opportunity to use polycarbonate plastic for headlights. Polycarbonate is easy to form into aerodynamic shapes and has higher impact resistance.

Unfortunately, polycarbonate does not weather well. It is a porous plastic and has very little UV resistance. After a while, polycarbonate will begin to degrade from the sun’s harmful UV rays or from other causes. During this degrading process, polycarbonate’s molecular structure breaks down and the result is a nasty-looking haze.

There are several reasons why headlights can become cloudy, foggy, or yellowed over time, including:

UV Damage

Sunlight can cause the plastic lens covering the headlight to become discolored and hazy over time, making it difficult for light to shine through.

Oxidation

The plastic lens can also become oxidized, leading to a cloudy appearance. This is caused by a reaction between the plastic and oxygen in the air.

Dirt and Debris

Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up on the headlight lens, creating a cloudy or hazy appearance.

Chemical Damage

Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those found in car wash soaps and bug sprays, can damage the plastic lens, causing it to become hazy over time.

Wear and Tear

Over time, the plastic lens can simply wear down, leading to a cloudy appearance.

No matter the cause, cloudy headlights can significantly reduce visibility while driving and compromise the safety of you and others on the road. Fortunately, there are several ways to clean and prevent hazy headlights.

How to Clean Foggy Headlights

Before replacing your headlight covers, we will go over how to clean your headlights using a few different methods that may restore your clarity and brightness..

1. Get a Headlight Restoration Kit

You can purchase a headlight restoration kit from an auto parts store or online. These kits usually include sandpaper, polishing compound, and a sealant. Follow the instructions on the kit to sand down the oxidized layer on the lens, polish it to a shine, and apply the sealant to protect it.

2. Toothpaste

Toothpaste can also be used to clean foggy headlights. Apply toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it onto the headlight in a circular motion. Rinse off the toothpaste with water and dry the headlight with a clean cloth.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another household item that can be used to clean foggy headlights. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply the paste to the headlight lens. Rub the paste onto the lens in a circular motion and rinse it off with water.

4. Vinegar

Vinegar can be used to remove grime and dirt from headlight lenses. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto the headlight. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

It's important to note that these methods may not work for severely hazy or damaged headlights, and in those cases, replacement may be necessary. Additionally, after cleaning your headlights, consider using a protective coating or light film covers to prevent future hazing.

How to Prevent Foggy Headlights From Forming With Light Film Covers

One effective way to prevent foggy or hazy headlights from forming is to use tinted headlight covers. These covers are thin, clear films that are applied to the surface of the headlight, providing a protective barrier against UV rays, oxidation, and debris. By using light film covers, you can protect your headlights from the elements, preventing them from becoming hazy or foggy over time. Here's how to use light film covers to prevent foggy headlights:

Step 1: Choose the Right Film Cover

There are various types of light film covers available in the market, including clear, colored, and tinted covers. Choose a cover that's compatible with your vehicle's make and model and that meets your state's regulations.

Step 2: Clean the Headlight Lens

Before applying the film cover, make sure the headlight lens is clean and dry. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime from the lens.

Step 3: Cut the Film Cover to Size

Use a sharp blade or scissors to cut the film cover to the appropriate size for your headlight lens. You can skip this part of the process with a precut film kit.

Step 4: Apply the Film Cover

Peel off the backing of the film cover and apply it to the headlight lens, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a squeegee or credit card to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles in the film.

Order Protective Film for Your Car or Truck Online

Protective film covers are a great way to prevent hazy and foggy headlights from forming and maintain the appearance of your vehicle. If you're interested in purchasing protective film covers for your car or truck, check out the selection of high-quality covers available for purchase online from Lamin-x. Don't let hazy headlights compromise your visibility on the road or the appearance of your vehicle. Order your protective film covers today and enjoy clear, bright headlights for miles to come!