Nothing dates a car like yellowed, foggy headlights. If your headlights are dim, you’re probably aware of it whether you are behind the wheel and struggle to see in the dark or notice it when you pay attention to the appearance of your parked car. But is there anything you can do to reverse this pet peeve, which is also a safety hazard? Yes! With Halloween quickly approaching, you should take time to make sure your lights are in peek condition, so you will be able to see trick-or-treaters whose costumes were designed without safety in mind.
Headlight restoration is the act of refinishing aged headlight lenses that have become discolored due to oxidation, which is usually due to UV light and other environmental factors such as road debris, rain and exposure to toxic chemicals. Over time, the protective hard-coat breaks down. If left untreated, the headlights will eventually develop small surface cracks, known as “crazing.” Crazing significantly compromises illumination. Hazy and discolored lenses reduce nighttime visibility for drivers. Fortunately, cloudy and hazy headlights can often be restored to a like-new condition.
How to Restore Headlights
The U.S. Department of Transportation tests new headlights for durability to make sure they last at least three years. After such time, dimming is normal, but far from desirable. Headlights yellow because the plastic lenses react to years of exposure to direct sunlight. The problem is common. But the good news is that, in many cases, it can be fixed fairly easily and inexpensively.
Basic Kits
Over-the-counter headlight restoration kits enable eager do-it-yourselfers to polish and wipe road scum off of the plastic with a simple wipe. But don’t be surprised if these prove ineffectual, since they address only the most superficial dust and grime. Also, even if they work, the results won’t last long.
Sand & Polish Kits
Sand and polish kits require more elbow grease and higher upfront cost. But they tend to work better and last longer.Even though this type of kit is pricey, it is cheaper than replacing the entire light, which can cost $75 to hundreds of dollars. In most cases, you will be required to purchase an entirely new light assembly rather than just the lens. Using this type of kit, you should be able to get good results after just an hour of work, including masking, sanding with fine grit paper and polishing for a glossy appearance.
Auto Body Work
While it may seem excessive to bring your car to an auto body shop for headlight restoration, it isn’t. This is what we do. We restore cars to like-new condition. So, if you are serious about the functionality as well as the appearance of your vehicle, bring it in for a total headlight restoration.
About C&L Auto Body
You have options when it comes to auto body repair needs which result from an accident. And it is illegal for your insurance company to demand you use one shop over another. The “go-to” partner for auto body repair in the San Gabriel Valley since 1970 is C&L Auto Body. We will even help you arrange for a rental car. And we will work directly with your insurance company, so you won’t have to! C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop at 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit CandLAutoBody.com.