What are the side effects of car headlight polishing?
2 Answers
Polishing can refurbish car headlights. After grinding away the ineffective protective layer on the headlight surface, waxing is usually required. However, the wax components on the lamp surface are prone to wear off. Once the wax is gone, the headlight surface will quickly oxidize without protection, leading to a decrease in light transmittance. As a result, polishing is needed again. Excessive polishing will make the headlight cover thinner and more prone to cracking and damage. More information about car headlight polishing is as follows: 1. The principle of car headlight polishing is similar to paint polishing, waxing, and sealing. It involves grinding first and then protection, which may inevitably damage the headlight itself over time. 2. If there are minor scratches that do not affect the lighting effect, polishing is unnecessary. If there are many scratches, severe damage, or the surface becomes dull and yellow, polishing is not recommended, and replacement is advised.
Headlight polishing comes with several issues. As someone frequently involved in such tasks, I’ve observed that the polishing process removes a layer of the headlight surface, stripping away the original protective coating. This makes the headlight housing thinner and more brittle, increasing the risk of cracking when hit by small stones or during slippery road conditions. While polishing restores brightness, it also allows more UV rays to penetrate the housing, accelerating internal aging, yellowing, or cloudiness—especially under intense summer sunlight. Moreover, the polishing effect isn’t long-lasting, typically lasting only about a year before needing rework. Polishing also makes the headlight surface more prone to staining from car washes or rain, making cleaning more tedious. To extend lifespan and avoid costly repeated polishing, it’s crucial to apply a protective layer—such as a UV coating or protective film—after polishing. Additionally, improper handling can introduce scratches, compromising driving safety, so it’s best to have it done by professionals.
