How to Fix Dull & Foggy Headlights
Dull and foggy headlights may look unsightly on your car, but they're also dangerous. One of the most common causes of dull headlights is a dirty headlight cover. Headlights can also oxidize. The polycarbonate material of headlights can yellow when exposed to oxygen and sunlight over time. If your car's headlights can't shine brightly enough to light the road ahead of you at night, it could cause a lethal accident.
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Things You'll Need
- Soft cloth
- Masking tape
- 1000-grit sandpaper
- 1500-grit sandpaper
- 2000-grit sandpaper
- Headlight cover cleaner or deoxidizer
- Soap
- Water
Instructions
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1
Wrap the area around your headlight covers with masking tape to protect your paint finish from the corrosive effects of the cleaner.
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2
Wipe all visible debris off the headlights with a soft cloth and water.
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3
Spray headlight cleaner or deoxidizer on the corner of your headlight and rub it in small circular motions with 1,000-grit sandpaper dipped in soapy water. Wipe the entire headlight cover in this way.
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4
Clean and repeat with the 1,500-grit and 2,000-grit sandpaper. Use linear strokes with the 1,500-grit sandpaper and circular strokes with the 2000-grit sandpaper.
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5
Thoroughly dry your headlight cover with a soft towel. Remove masking tape.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Clean your headlights in the shade. You'll be able to see any cloudy spots better in the shade than you will in sunlight.
References
- Photo Credit car headlights image by Kho Guan Ann from Fotolia.com
