Hazy Headlights

 WHY ARE MY HEADLIGHTS HAZY, CLOUDY, OR YELLOW?

You clean and keep your car in tip-top shape, but can’t help noticing that your headlights are becoming fogged up despite your best efforts to keep them clean. So, why do headlights become hazy, cloudy or yellowed even with regular cleaning?

The Plastic:

In the days of yesteryear headlights were made of glass…those days are long gone. They are now made of hard plastics, known as polycarbonate, that are specifically strengthened for the job. It is very strong, but it also is naturally porous so to combat this, the headlight manufacturers cover them with a protective film that may work well for a few years, but then starts to breakdown. Considering that headlights are exposed to heat from the bulb, UV rays from constant exposure to the sun and harsh chemicals that come up off the road, it probably should not be a surprise that the film eventually fades. Regardless, this allows the plastic to become oxidized, which gives the headlights the foggy look.

Big Problem:

Most people believe the foggy headlight is a problem simply because it looks bad. While this is definitely true, there are also safety issues to consider. The oxidation of the plastic headlights cause the light output from the internal bulbs to be diffused. This effectively means that the beam from each headlight is diminished, and produces a reduced area of coverage.

Solution:

GET OXIDIZED HEADLAMP RESTORATION PRODUCTS FROM FINISH FIRST!

The safe and easy way to restore your cloudy plastic headlamp covers.

Products Needed:

  1. Metal Polish (12 oz):
Finish First Metal Polish
  1. Metal Protector (8 oz):
Finish First Metal Protector
  1. Wash & Conditioner (16 oz):
Finish First Wash & Conditioner
  1. MicroFiber Towel:
Blue Microfiber Towel
  1. Applicator Pad
Yellow Applicator Pad

You will also need:

  1. A bucket
  2. Sand Paper; 600 grit, 1200 grit & 2000 grit

Directions:

  1. Protect all surfaces around the headlamp with automotive masking tape.
  2. Wet sand the cloudy headlamp with soapy water using coarse to fine grit sand paper
  3. Using the microfiber cloth, gently rub a thin layer of the metal polish onto the lens until it begins to dry. Wipe off with a second clean cloth. Repeat, if necessary. The lens will now be noticeably clear.
  4. Apply a thin coat of the metal protector (UV inhibitor) and let dry to a haze. Wipe off have and repeat with a second application.
  5. Reapply the metal protector every 6 – 9 months to ensure maximum protection.