How do I make my headlight cover clear again?

Having clear headlight covers is important for safe driving, as cloudy or yellowed headlights can significantly reduce visibility. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to restore that crystal clear shine to your headlight lenses.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to common questions about making headlight covers clear again:

– Start by cleaning the headlight surface thoroughly with soapy water to remove dirt and debris. Make sure to dry it completely.

– Use a restoration kit with a buffing compound to polish away cloudiness and oxidation. Wetsanding can also help smooth away built up texture.

– Apply a sealant or protective UV coating to prevent future hazing and yellowing due to sun exposure and age.

– For severely foggy or damaged headlights, replacement may be the best option for a permanent fix.

– DIY toothpaste cleaning methods provide a temporary fix at best. While it may make the lenses look clearer initially, the results won’t last.

– Avoid using abrasive materials like sandpaper that can cause scratches and damage. Stick to buffing pads and very fine grit sandpaper.

What Causes Cloudy Headlights?

Headlight lenses are made from polycarbonate plastic. Over time, constant exposure to the elements can cause the outer surface of the lens to deteriorate, resulting in a faded, yellowed, or cloudy appearance.

There are three main culprits responsible for cloudy headlight lenses:

• Sun exposure – UV radiation from the sun oxidizes and breaks down the plastic material, causing it to appear frosted.
• Road debris – Dirt, rocks, and other debris that hit the headlights while driving can slowly pit and scratch the lenses over time.
• Age – Plastic headlight lenses naturally degrade and haze gradually as part of the aging process.

Headlight lenses made from glass do not cloud in the same way, but plastic is much more common since it is lighter weight and less prone to shatter. Unfortunately, plastic is not as durable over the long term.

Cleaning vs Restoration vs Replacement

There are three main options when dealing with cloudy headlights:

Cleaning

A thorough cleaning can remove accumulated dirt, grime, and some very light oxidation. Use soapy water and automotive surface cleaners to clean the lenses. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.

Cleaning alone won’t fix severe clouding, but it is a good first step before restoration or replacement. Always start with clean headlights before treating them.

Restoration

Restoration kits use abrasives to polish away the top layers of clouded plastic. Light wet sanding and buffing compounds can restore moderate to severe lens clouding often caused by oxidation and UV exposure.

Multi-step restoration kits take more effort but are cheaper than full replacement. The results also look brand new. However, the process may need to be repeated over time as lenses eventually degrade again.

Replacement

For very advanced clouding or damage like cracks or holes, full headlight assembly replacement may be required. This is the most expensive option but provides a permanent fix.

Upgrading to higher quality, UV-resistant polycarbonate lenses can prolong the life of new headlights. Glass lenses can also be installed for maximum longevity.

DIY Headlight Restoration Methods

Before using any abrasives on your headlights, make sure to clean them thoroughly first. covering the paint around the headlights to prevent scratches. Here are some popular DIY methods for restoring clarity to cloudy headlights:

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is mildly abrasive so it can provide temporary improvement, but it is not enough to permanently remove severe clouding. Use white toothpaste without gel for the best results. Rub it in with a soft cloth using small circular motions. Rinse well and dry.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Make a paste from baking soda and vinegar and apply with a soft cloth. Let it dry then rinse. The mild abrasive and acidic properties help dissolve some of the built up oxidation. Like toothpaste, this can enhance clarity temporarily but won’t be a permanent fix.

Wet Sanding

Using extremely fine grit sandpaper (1000+ grit) or rubbing compound, wet sanding smoothes away rough texture and scratches. Start with light pressure in small areas then work up to the full lens. Be slow and methodical. Follow wet sanding with polishing compound and buffing for very clear results.

Buffing Compound

Specialty rubbing compounds contain mild abrasives to polish out cloudy plastic. Work it into the lenses using a buffing pad or very soft cloth using back and forth motions. Take your time to avoid generating excess heat from friction which can damage the lenses.

Clear Coat Spray

Applying a protective clear coat spray adds a transparent layer that can improve clarity temporarily. It also adds a barrier against future clouding but will need to be reapplied every few months for maintained effectiveness.

Method	Pros	Cons
Toothpaste	– Readily available – Very easy to apply	– Results are temporary – Not ideal for severe clouding
Baking Soda & Vinegar	– Simple homemade solution – Removes some oxidation	– Can’t fully remove heavy clouding – Takes effort to make paste and let dry
Wet Sanding	– Able to smooth away rough texture – Permanent improvement	– Requires very fine grit sandpaper – Easy to damage lenses if not careful
Buffing Compound	– Makes lenses crystal clear – Long-lasting results	– Requires power buffer for best results – Time consuming process
Clear Coat Spray	– Quick and easy to apply – Temporary improvement	– Doesn’t reverse actual damage – Needs frequent reapplication

The Best Process for Restoring Headlights

While DIY methods can help improve very mild clouding, the best way to restore severely cloudy or oxidized headlights is using a high quality headlight restoration kit. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:

1. Clean the headlights thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris, grease, or grime.
2. Use painter’s tape to mask off the area around the headlights. This protects the car’s paint from splatter or overspray.
3. Wetsand the lenses using the sandpaper provided with the kit, usually 600-800 grit. Be gentle and take your time focusing on the worst areas first.
4. Further polish and buff the lenses using the buffing compound and pad included in the kit. Work in small areas until the full lens achieves clarity.
5. Carefully remove all masking tape once buffing is complete.
6. Seal and protect the clear lenses with a UV-resistant sealant or headlight coating solution.

Quality headlight restoration kits provide everything you need to safely restore clarity and shine. The process takes time and elbow grease, but permanently reverses cloudiness and oxidation damage. Combined with preventive sealants, restored headlights can last for years before needing to be done again.

Tips for the Best Results

Here are some tips to get the clearest, longest lasting results from DIY headlight restoration:

• Work in a shaded area during cooler parts of the day. Heat can damage lenses.
• Take your time and do not rush the wetsanding or buffing steps.
• Always keep the sandpaper wet during wet sanding to avoid scratches.
• Clean buffing pads frequently for best results.
• Change directions while buffing to evenly restore all areas.
• Apply sealant or UV protection as soon as possible after restoring.
• Check owner’s manual for any special maintenance recommendations.

Perform headlight restoration during mild weather for ideal working conditions. Avoid doing it in direct sunlight or if rain is expected.

Preventing Future Headlight Clouding

No restoration process lasts forever, but there are steps you can take to maximize the clarity of restored headlights:

• Wax or seal lenses every few months.
• Use vinyl headlight covers when vehicle is parked for long periods.
• Install protective film or laminate over lenses.
• Park vehicle in garages and shaded areas when possible.
• Clean lenses regularly with soap and water.
• Check for cracks frequently and reseal as needed.

High quality sealants and protective coatings are the best preventive measure against recurrence of cloudiness. Some even come with multi-year guarantees against yellowing and haziness.

When to Replace Cloudy Headlights

In certain situations, restoration may not be enough to revive cloudy headlights:

• Lenses with extensive damage – Deep scuffs, cracks, holes
• Lenses that appear melted or deformed
• Lenses that are extremely yellowed or show no clarity after buffing
• Restoration does not pass local inspections

If restoration still leaves your headlights too cloudy for safe driving, replacement is the best option. New OEM or aftermarket replacement headlights come with clear, UV-resistant lenses that meet all safety standards.

Upgrading to glass lenses can be a smart choice for longevity, or adding protective films right after installing new headlights. While pricier than restoration, brand new headlights provide the ultimate clarity and peace of mind.

Cost of Replacement vs Restoration

	Replacement	Restoration
Cost	$100-$700+ per headlight	$20-$75 for DIY kits
Quality	New OEM or OEM-match lenses	Restores existing lenses
Longevity	Permanent fix until lenses age again	1-3 years before redoing
Labor	None if DIY, up to $200 per light professionally	6-8 hours DIY for full restoration
Results	Like new clarity and light output	Significantly improved but not perfect

For vehicles with expendable incomes and little time, replacement provides an immediate solution. But restoration kits offer huge value for money and allow almost any car owner to affordably achieve dramatic clarity improvements.

Professional vs DIY Headlight Restoration

You have two main options for restoring your cloudy headlights:

Professional Restoration

Pros:

• Convenient – Drop off your car and pick it up done
• Expert process – Less risk of mistakes
• Specialty equipment – Auto shop buffer for perfect clarity

Cons:

• More expensive – $100+ per headlight
• Potential damage – Risks from cheap shops cutting corners
• Wait times – May take days without your vehicle

DIY Restoration

Pros:

• Affordable – Kits under $50
• Convenient – Restore on your own schedule
• Learn a new skill – Satisfaction from doing it yourself

Cons:

• Labor intensive – Full process takes 4-6 hours
• Trial and error – Practice required for best results
• Easy to make mistakes – Wrong tools can damage lenses

DIY restoration is the cheaper choice but requires time and care for success. Consider your skill level and budget. For older or expendable vehicles, DIY provides satisfaction and value. For pricey cars or antique models, professional restoration may be worth the investment.

Conclusion

Here are some final tips for maintaining clear headlights:

• Start clarity restoration early – Don’t wait for lenses to get extremely clouded.
• Use quality kits and tools – Cheap materials can cause scratches.
• Work slowly and check your progress often.
• Apply UV protection after restoring.
• Redo restoration every 1-3 years for maintained clarity.

With some elbow grease and the right techniques, you can keep your headlights looking crystal clear for optimal visibility and driving safety. Restoring that like-new luster yourself provides big savings compared to replacement. Just take your time and use quality restoration products for headlights that shine.