Tips For Cleaning Your Headlights and Make Then Shine

by Bucky Robert Headlights, Fog lights assemblies, Indicators, Cor

Headlights are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of your car. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that they are maintained and cleaned properly. Primarily, headlights serve two purposes - help you see the road and help others see you. Headlight lenses are mostly made out of polycarbonate plastic. These plastics are quite strong and capable of taking the harsh conditions of the road, but they are susceptible to the sun. Over time, the UV rays of the sun destroy the film and oxidize the plastic. Now, if your headlights have started to turn yellow, it is a clear indication that they are already undergoing an oxidation process. However, with the following steps, you will easily be able to clean your headlight lenses and make them shine. Read on.

Get The Necessary Tools

To begin cleaning your headlights, begin with the necessary tools or get a headlight restoration kit, which usually comes with all the necessary supplies. However, you can also choose to buy the materials individually, but recommend that you go with a restoration kit. You’ll also need a pair of wet/dry sandpaper, polishing compounds, UV sealant and paste wax. You should also consider buying a blue painter’s tape and microfiber towels.

Cleaning Your Headlight

The initial step typically involves washing the headlight lenses with water and car soap. You should also consider washing the surrounding areas and ensure that the tape will stick appropriately.

Taping The Headlights

Once the headlights have been washed with soap and water, it is time to tape it. This is because you will be sanding the headlight lenses and do not want to sand away the surrounding areas. A painter’s tape can usually get the job done. It is common for one’s hand to slip when sanding the headlights and accidentally run across the car’s paint. Therefore, taping the surrounding of the headlight lenses will protect the rest of the vehicle.

Sanding

Now comes the important part - sanding. This process remains the same whether you use the headlight restoration kit or the individual materials. Begin with nonabrasive sandpaper and work your way up from there. Wet the sandpaper and start and start sanding the lenses in straight, horizontal strokes. Make sure that the sandpaper is wet the whole time. You are expected to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes during the sanding process. You can then continue to sand with lower grit or less abrasive sandpaper. The next sanding process requires you to sand diagonally. Finally, finish up the sanding process by sanding in the opposite diagonal motion. The main thing to be mindful of is to take your time and remain patient throughout the process.

Polishing, Waxing and UV Sealing

The final step involves wiping dry the headlight lens and applying the polishing compound using a clean microfiber towel. The best strategy would be to rub the polish across the headlight lens in a circular motion and spread the compound evenly across the lens’ surface. After the polishing is done, it’s time to wax it out. Finally, apply the UV sealant and allow it to cure before testing the headlights out.

Wrap Up

Sometimes it is possible to revive fading headlights, but in some cases, it is possible that the headlights are beyond repair. This is when you would want to replace your headlights as a whole. You can quickly swap your headlights with better models by visiting a reputable dealer like VX Tuning. We sell a variety of headlights models, including MK4 Jetta Headlights and MK4 Golf Headlights. Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form.