How to Deal with Cracks in Car Headlight Covers?
4 Answers
If the damage to the car headlight cover is severe, the only solution is to replace the cover. You should go to an auto repair shop for repair or replacement, and have it removed. When sanding, start by using sandpaper to vigorously rough grind for 10 minutes. After sanding, use a dry cloth to wipe off the water on the headlight and carefully check that the sandpaper marks are uniform in thickness and evenly distributed.
A cracked headlight cover is no small matter. I've encountered this issue before. That time, I accidentally scraped it while parking, causing a small crack in the cover. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but after a few days of rain, water seeped in and caused fogging inside the headlight, reducing its brightness. Driving at night felt particularly unsafe, as I was always worried about poor visibility. For small cracks, you can DIY the repair: First, buy a bottle of headlight cover repair adhesive from an auto parts store, like epoxy resin, and simply apply it to fill the crack. Before applying, clean the headlight surface to avoid dust affecting adhesion, then wear gloves and apply carefully to prevent the adhesive from dripping elsewhere. After the repair, it's best to test for waterproofing by spraying some water to check for leaks. However, if the crack is large or you prefer convenience, it's recommended to go to a repair shop and replace the headlight cover entirely. The cost is usually a few hundred to a little over a thousand yuan, but it avoids potential future hazards. Don't ignore it—lighting issues directly affect driving safety.
If you find a crack in the headlight cover, it must be addressed promptly to avoid potential hazards. Once, while driving on the highway, I didn’t notice a cracked headlight cover, and water seeped in, causing a short circuit in the bulb—nearly leading to an accident. Cracks allow moisture and dust to enter, leading to internal fogging or bulb short circuits, which can impair nighttime visibility. Small cracks can be filled with professional adhesive or UV repair tools, a DIY fix that’s low-cost but requires careful handling. For medium to large cracks, it’s recommended to visit a 4S shop or professional repair center for inspection, and if necessary, replace the entire headlight housing unit. Prices range from a couple hundred to over a thousand, depending on the car model and material. When parking, avoid sharp objects or areas exposed to intense sunlight to minimize the risk of cracks. Safety comes first—don’t skip inspections to save money.
The treatment for a cracked lamp cover depends on the severity of the crack. When I worked in auto repair, I often encountered such cases: small hairline cracks can be filled with a repair agent, like using a UV repair kit that can be done in just over ten minutes. However, if the crack is deep or the cover is split, then you'll need to replace the entire lamp housing. If done at a repair shop, the cost is higher, roughly around 200-500 yuan. Doing it yourself saves money but may risk poor waterproofing. Don't forget that cracks can lead to water ingress, reducing both the brightness and lifespan of the lamp. It's advisable to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
