How to Repair Yellowed Headlight Covers?
2 Answers
Methods to repair yellowed headlight covers: 1. Use a soft cloth to wipe off the dust on the headlights to prevent accumulation over time. It is essential to use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the car's paint or the headlight covers, which would not be worth it; 2. Clean with alkaline water. Soapy water is a weakly alkaline substance, non-corrosive, gentle in nature, and highly effective for cleaning. Avoid parking the car under direct sunlight for extended periods, as prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate the yellowing and aging of the headlights. Additionally, refrain from using sharp objects to scratch the headlights, as this can also cause them to yellow and leave marks.
My own car headlight covers often turn yellow, mainly due to aging from sun exposure, making them look foggy and affecting driving. I tried applying regular white toothpaste on a wet towel and vigorously rubbing the headlight cover surface repeatedly for 5 to 10 minutes each time. The stains gradually faded, and then I rinsed them with water and dried them. It’s cost-effective and convenient, but the effect doesn’t last more than a few months. Later, I bought a repair kit online for about 20 yuan. Following the instructions, I first used coarse sandpaper to wet-sand off the old layer, then smoothed it with fine sandpaper, and finally applied polishing liquid to polish it, making it shine like new. I recommend spraying some UV protective spray after repair to prevent oxidation and parking in shaded areas whenever possible. If the headlight cover has cracks or can’t be repaired after prolonged wear, it’s better to replace it—safety first, don’t take risks.
