What can be used to polish yellowed car lights?

[StJulian]

When car lights become yellowed, you can use sandpaper to polish the lights and then apply specialized wax for further polishing. Below is relevant information about car lights: 1. Headlights: The primary purpose of headlights is to illuminate the road and objects ahead, ensuring driving safety. They can also be used to signal overtaking at night by alternating between high and low beams. Headlights are installed on both sides of the front of the car, with 2 or 4 per vehicle. The bulb power ranges from 4560W for high beams to 2555W for low beams. 2. Fog lights: Fog lights are installed near or slightly lower than the headlights. They are used in low-visibility conditions such as fog, snow, heavy rain, or dust to illuminate the road and signal to oncoming traffic. The lights are mostly yellow because yellow light has longer wavelengths and better fog-penetrating properties. The bulb power is generally 35W. 3. Reverse lights: Reverse lights are installed at the rear of the car to illuminate the road behind and inform other vehicles and pedestrians that the car is reversing or preparing to reverse. They also function as light signal devices. The lights are white with a power of 28W.

[DeKatherine]

Recently, the headlight covers on my car also turned yellow, and it took me several attempts to fix it. First, let me explain why they turn yellow—it’s mainly due to plastic oxidation from prolonged exposure to sunlight. I’ve tried a few methods to polish them: The household version works best with toothpaste—squeeze some onto a cloth and scrub the stains hard. It’s quick but not long-lasting, so you’ll need to reapply periodically. Another option is using a baking soda paste to scrub, which is cost-effective but labor-intensive. For more advanced methods, sandpaper polishing works well—start with 1000-grit low-coarse sandpaper and lightly wet-sand, then switch to 2000-grit high-fine sandpaper to avoid scratches, and finally polish with UV-protective wax. I do this often myself. To prevent yellowing, park in the shade. In short, be patient—beginners should be careful not to sand too deep and damage the covers, or you might end up needing a full replacement.

[AdelynLynn]

I think saving money is the most important when it comes to polishing yellowed headlights. Last time my headlights turned yellow, I didn’t want to spend much, so I tried a few household methods: toothpaste is my favorite—just grab a cheap tube, apply it, and scrub for a while to make them shine noticeably; a paste of baking soda and water works too—just apply it for a few minutes and wipe it off; a neighbor recommended mayonnaise, and I tried it with surprisingly good results, though it’s a bit greasy and needs thorough cleaning. The cost is basically zero, and there’s no need to buy professional kits. Just remember not to use acidic substances on plastic covers, as they can cause corrosion. Regularly washing your headlights can prevent severe yellowing. In short, household items are effective and budget-friendly. I usually give my headlights a quick polish after washing the car to keep them clear.

[DeAlexander]

Safety comes first. Don't rush to wipe yellowed headlights with harsh cleaners—I once nearly ruined mine with strong detergents. Be gentle: start by cleaning surface dust, and if that doesn't help, consider specialized headlight restoration paste. DIY sanding requires experience and carries risks; it's often better to spend money on professional solutions. Prevention is also key—avoid prolonged sun exposure or use UV protective film. My experience taught me to proceed cautiously to prevent headlight failure, which could compromise nighttime driving safety. That's why I recommend beginners opt for certified restoration kits or visit a car wash service.