How Long Can Headlight Restoration Last?

[MacOwen]

Headlight restoration can last for two to three years. Here is the relevant information: 1. Headlight composition: The headlight cover is injection-molded from polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate plastic. Whether it's halogen, xenon, or LED lights, they all generate a significant amount of heat when illuminated. This heat accelerates the aging of the plastic, causing the cover to lose its clarity and transparency, even turning dull and yellow, which directly affects the lighting effect. 2. Causes of headlight wear: Car headlights are a crucial component. After prolonged use, you may notice that the light emitted becomes dim and yellow, with reduced brightness, especially in halogen headlights, where this is more pronounced. There are two main reasons for the decrease in light brightness: first, external factors like windblown sand and gravel leave scratches and dust on the cover; second, the heat generated by the bulb inside causes the plastic cover to age and turn yellow.

[IsabelleMarie]

I had my headlights refurbished last year, and now after a year and a half, they still look as good as new. The key is paying attention to regular maintenance. Every time I wash the car, I specifically ask the technician not to use strong chemical sprays directly on the headlights, and I try to park in a garage to avoid exposure to sun and rain. However, during my last self-driving trip to Qinghai, I drove thousands of kilometers, and a small stone hit the headlight, leaving a tiny dent, and the area has started to yellow slightly. Overall, how long the refurbishment effect lasts depends on the driving environment and how diligently you maintain them. With regular inspection and cleaning of surface dirt like I do, maintaining them for two years shouldn’t be a problem.

[LeVera]

The lifespan of refurbished headlights largely depends on the quality of workmanship. Last time I went to a chain store where they used polishing compound followed by UV coating spray. The staff claimed it would last a year, but it started fogging up after just three months of intense summer sun exposure in the south. Later, a friend who works in auto repair told me that professional shops use polyurethane sealant for the final layer, which is much more reliable. His own car was treated this way and showed no oxidation for over two years. I recommend comparing materials carefully before proceeding and not just going for the cheapest option. It's also crucial to regularly clean tree sap and bird droppings off the headlight surface, as these corrosive substances are particularly damaging to the coating.

[DeBrianna]

Right after the refurbishment, it looked extremely bright, but the condition noticeably deteriorated after six months of use. I found that the frequency of headlight cleaning has a significant impact: a colleague who uses a high-pressure water gun to clean twice a week during car washes only maintained the refurbishment effect for eight months; in my case, washing only once a month, the yellowing started after ten months. Additionally, frequent highway driving exposes the headlights to windblown sand and gravel, causing faster wear compared to city commuting. Now, I first apply a restoration agent and wipe it before rinsing with water, which extends the lifespan by about three months.

[SanCarmen]

I've tried three refurbishment methods: regular sandpaper polishing lasted half a year, spray coating solution held up for nine months, and finally spent 600 yuan on thermal fusion sealing layer. This most expensive set comes with a three-year warranty and has been used for one and a half years now, with no moisture ingress even during recent heavy rain seasons. For long-lasting results, a three-layer treatment is essential—first remove the oxidation layer, then apply UV adhesive, and finally cure it. Missing any step reduces the lifespan by 30%. Another tip: wipe dry water stains immediately after car washing, as moisture seeping into scratches makes oxidation particularly prone to recurrence.