How to Refurbish Car Headlights?
2 Answers
Car headlights can be refurbished through polishing, which is the most commonly used method in car detailing shops. This repair method is fast, convenient, and effective for refurbishment, with low costs. Since the headlight surface is generally made of plastic rather than paint, the light transmittance decreases when the wax component on the surface wears off. The specific steps are as follows: 1. Clean the dust and dirt on the headlight surface. 2. Use tape to cover and protect the areas around the headlight that do not require refurbishment. 3. Sand the surface with water sandpaper. 4. After sanding, remove the powder, then use a towel dipped in polishing wax to polish in a circular motion.
Last month, I refurbished my car headlights myself, and it was really simple. First, I washed the lens covers with water and soap to remove dust and grease, ensuring the surface was clean. Then, I used 800-1200 grit sandpaper dipped in water to sand away the oxidized layer, gently removing the yellow haze, and switched to finer sandpaper like 2000 grit for a smooth finish. Next, I applied polishing compound with a manual or electric polisher to restore the shine, which only took a few minutes. Finally, I coated them with UV protection to prevent aging—a complete kit cost just ten bucks, and the whole process took less than an hour. For those looking to save money, try DIY; auto shops sell refurbishment kits, but patience is key—sanding evenly avoids damaging the covers. This method helped me see better at night, saving hundreds over buying new lights, and checking their condition after weekly car washes extends their lifespan.
