Why Do Headlights Get Cloudy?
Oxidation is the primary culprit causing cloudy headlights. Oxidation occurs because headlights are now made with plastic, and they are constantly exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Other factors like accumulated dirt and debris from constant use also make headlights cloudy. While you can take measures to reduce the headlight’s exposure to UV rays, it is hard to block it out totally, except if you only drive the car at night.What Are the Benefits of Headlight Restoration Kits?
Despite their relatively low price, headlight restoration kits pack a lot of benefits. Some of these benefits are:Safety
A cloudy and discolored headlight puts your safety and the safety of other road users at risk because of reduced visibility. Clouded headlights blur nighttime vision, and only a restoration kit can fix it without costing a fortune.Money-saving
If you decide to splash the cash and go for an outright headlight replacement, the price may make you rethink your decision. You’ll spend far less getting a refurbishing kit and maintaining your headlight from time to time. Another cost-effective solution would be taking the car to a professional since you don’t have the required tools, but refurbishing kits provide all the required tools at your disposal, saving you some extra cash and allowing you to conveniently handle the restoration in your garage.Aesthetics and resale value
Bad-looking headlights make your cars look older than they are, and may sometimes be the only blemish on your otherwise spotless car. Also, if you ever try to sell the car off, discolored and dirty-looking headlights do not make for a hot-selling ad. It can be hard to convince a prospective buyer that the discolorations are minor issues.How to Choose a Headlight Restoration Kit
The tips in this section point you to the factors to consider before settling for a specific headlight restoration kit.Single-step vs. multi-step kit
Single-step headlight restoration kits only involve a single step, after which your headlight is shiny again. Conversely, multi-step kits require two to three, sometimes four steps to fully apply. While most people might prefer single-step kits, the choice between the two depends primarily on the level of damage. One-step kits are typically cleaning solutions applied on the headlight for mild damage, while multi-step kits contain different items, including pre and post-application items for very cloudy headlights.Tools vs. no tools
You’ll also need to decide whether you prefer kits that require additional tools to use or those that require no tools. Kits that require no tools are ideal for those that do not have a drill at home or are simply not used to handling power tools but want to get their headlight restored. Kits that require tools make your work faster since the drill does most of the sanding, but using such tools means you need to be extra careful to avoid accidentally messing up the car’s paint.UV blockers
Once you settle the first two factors above, it’s time to look closely at the content of the kit. The sandpaper will get the discoloration off and have the headlight looking clear again, but you also need to have a UV blocker to protect the headlight from future damage. The UV blocker is usually the last item you apply to the headlight. Some manufacturers may also refer to them as sealants. Depending on the product you choose, the blocker may protect your headlight from UV rays for 6 to 24 months.Lens type
While it is true that most headlights are made of one type of plastic or the other, there are still minor differences that mean certain headlight restoration kits might be suited to a particular lens type. Think of it as a contrast between a general kit meant for all lenses and a special kit meant for specific lenses. Make sure to find out the lens type of your headlights first, and then buy a restoration kit accordingly.Extras
Take note of the extra items included in the kit since they could be the difference-maker. For instance, protective gloves keep your hands safe throughout the process, and masking tapes also protect the parts closest to the headlight from damage.Tips for Using a Headlight Restoration Kit
Follow these simple steps to effectively restore your headlight with the kit you’ve bought.- You may want to wash your car up beforehand to avoid sanding debris into the headlight
- Line the edges of the headlight with masking tape. The tape is usually included in your kit, and if it isn't, you’ll have to get one. Covering the edges protects the frame during sanding and ensures the paint does not come in contact with other chemicals.
- Use the sandpapers included in the kit on the headlight while spraying water on it. You may do it manually or attach the sandpaper to a drill. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may have to use sandpapers of different grits
- Don’t forget to apply a UV blocker or sealant once you have a clear headlight. This step is important because the restoration has stripped the headlight of its factory coating and the sealant serves as a replacement.
