The recent models of cars come with plastic headlight lenses instead of glass. Generally, UV rays coming from sun mix with rain and road grit to make the headlight lens dull and dirty. Many times, your car headlights might get foggy due to oxidization over a period of time. Headlights, being a vital component of the vehicle, cannot be ignored. It is essential to maintain proper functioning of headlights as well as keep them clean and fog-free for a clear view.
Tips to Clean Foggy Lights
It is not possible to prevent headlights from getting foggy. But, it is not difficult to retain the shine of these lights. Although cleaning foggy headlights might require time and effort, there are some simple tips that will make it easy for you to clean the headlights. These methods not only provide cleaner headlights, they also increase the functional efficiency of the lights by providing clear visibility while driving.
Besides the headlight restoration kits available at various auto parts stores in the market, you can also try the following home remedies for cleaner and brighter headlights.
1. Soapy water wash
Prepare a solution with liquid car detergent and water. Take a sponge and start the cleanup process. Make sure you remove all the dead bugs and debris before moving onto the next step. Also, use small and gentle circular motions for scrubbing. Conclude the procedure with a proper rinse to remove the soapy residues completely.
2. Use baby oil to clean foggy headlights
This is one of the best remedies for very old and extremely yellow and foggy lights. After you have washed your car headlights, take some baby oil on a paper towel. Buff the headlight glass until you get clear and fog-free lens.
3. Baking soda, vinegar and soap wash
This is another effective method to retain the shine of the vehicle headlights. Vinegar and baking soda are counted among the best and most effective natural cleaners for different types of surfaces. To start with the cleaning procedure, take some water and add some dishwashing detergent to it. Take a clean cloth and use to clean the headlights with the soapy solution. After this, prepare a mixture using vinegar and baking soda. Wipe the headlights with a cloth dipped in the vinegar solution. Finally, wipe the lights with a dry cloth. For better shining effect, conclude the process by wax rubbing.
4. Toothpaste
It is a known fact, toothpaste has the ability to fix DVD and CD scratches. The same holds true for car headlights. Toothpaste is an excellent cleaning agent and will work wonders with your foggy vehicle lights. The underlying reason is that the oxidization occurring on headlights is similar to the plaque settling on teeth. To start the cleaning process, take a sponge and put some toothpaste on it. Rub the entire surface of your car’s headlight with this sponge. You will need to use some elbow grease for about two minutes. Take a light cloth and wipe off the toothpaste thereafter. Take some professional car wax and apply onto the surface of the headlight. Allow it to dry for a few minutes and then buff with a clean cloth. Use of car wax is suggested for better cleaning effect and shine.
Important Tip
Use of sandpaper grit can help with the removal of scratches from the headlights. Also, irrespective of the method used for cleaning foggy headlights, it is recommended you apply an effective UV sealant on the headlights. A UV sealant provides a protective shield over the headlights and prevents it from turning foggy. Moreover, not applying a UV sealant can make the lights foggy again after just a few weeks of cleaning them.