Can the car headlight cover be replaced?
3 Answers
Car headlight covers can be replaced. If the headlight cover is broken, it is recommended to replace it. Failure to do so may lead to water ingress, which not only affects the brightness of the headlights but can also cause short circuits and damage to the electrical system. Some car owners may use tape or purchase adhesive to repair a damaged cover, but these methods can severely impair the light output of the headlights and should be avoided if possible. Replacing the headlight cover by oneself is quite complex and requires a certain level of DIY skill, including removing the headlight assembly and using a heat gun to soften the adhesive to ensure a proper seal. It is advisable to replace the entire headlight assembly if the cover is broken, as replacing just the cover may not guarantee its sealing performance.
Of course you can replace the headlight covers. I did it on my old Focus. After seven or eight years, the covers had yellowed so much that driving at night was like being blind. A local repair shop did it for just over 300 yuan, and the brightness doubled immediately after replacement. You can also do it yourself if you're handy – there are vehicle-specific covers available online for around 100 yuan, but you'll need to know how to use a heat gun to remove the adhesive. Make sure to buy covers with UV coating, or they'll yellow again in two years. Also, have the mechanic check the seals while you're at it. My neighbor didn't pay attention to this after replacing the covers and ended up with foggy headlights on rainy days, which was really annoying.
If the headlight cover ages, it needs replacement. My repair shop handles such cases daily. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) covers cost 400-500 yuan, while aftermarket ones are around 100 yuan but tend to yellow easily. During replacement, the front bumper must be removed, and extra caution is needed with clips for older vehicles. It's recommended to replace the sealing gasket simultaneously. Labor and materials combined can be settled for around 300 yuan. Some shops now offer headlight cover restoration services—sanding and polishing for 80 yuan—but the effect lasts only about six months. For long-term use, directly replacing the cover is advised, which can improve light brightness by over 30%.
