What to Do When LED Daytime Running Lights Turn Yellow?
3 Answers
In daily maintenance, you can clean the headlights with soap and water every three months to prevent the accumulation of dirt and avoid yellowing. After cleaning, polish the headlights. If the daytime running lights have a design defect where the LED chips are too close to the light guide strips, causing the tips of the light guide strips to melt due to excessive heat, you can visit a 4S shop to replace the driver module.
I've encountered the issue of yellowing LED daytime running lights (DRLs), which is mostly caused by aging lamp cover materials or accumulated dirt. DRLs exposed to UV rays can lead to plastic cover oxidation and yellowing, affecting light output. First, try simple cleaning: use soapy water or automotive-specific cleaner to scrub the lamp cover, removing dust and grease. If yellowing persists after cleaning, it might indicate internal LED oxidation or circuit issues, requiring consideration of replacing either the lamp cover or the entire light assembly. Prevention is also crucial—park in shaded areas to minimize direct sunlight exposure. If severe yellowing occurs, inspect promptly to prevent driving hazards—safety first. For DIY solutions, invest some time in cleaning tools—it's cost-effective and practical.
My car lights also turned yellow before, which looked quite unpleasant, caused by the yellowing of the lens surface. I tried polishing them with toothpaste and a soft cloth, and the effect was quite noticeable: squeeze some toothpaste onto the cloth, scrub the lens in circular motions a few times, and the yellow stains come right off. If it's due to internal water accumulation causing oxidation, then you'll need to open the light assembly for cleaning or replace parts. The DIY process isn't difficult; buy a cleaning kit and do it yourself—it's quite fun. Prevention is simple: park in a garage or under shade to avoid water accumulation leading to aging. Regular maintenance of the light assembly can extend its lifespan and keep the lights clear.
