Headlights clouded up?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: GA
Headlights clouded up?
Thermoplastic based headlights will naturally cloud up over time.
This process is called oxidation.
In essence it is the build up of particals attracted to the surface of the headlight lens. This build up can become opaque blocking passage of light.
Most of us have a basic understanding of this process.
The problem is that one method does not fit all.
Many individuals will tell you sandpaper or abrasive polish is the answer.
In question: Sandpaper and cream abrasives on plastic lens
Do you need to put sandpaper or any abrasive cleaner on your headlights?
In 90% of the cases the answer is no.
Sandpaper is necessary when the lens has experienced severe damage.
This damage can come from road debree or an abrasive cleaning kit.
Oxidation is not the only problem in this case.
Most however are not damaged and do not need sandpaper or an abrasive cleaner to restore them.
A pure liquid de-oxidizer will remove surface oxidation instantly.
Before you start any headlight cleaning project you may save yourself a lot of time if you:
1. Determine if your problem is oxidation or surface damage.
a. Chips, scratches, worn away or peeling UV layer, previously cleaned with an abrasive.
YES! YOU NEED AN ABRASIVE TO RESURFACE THE LENS.
b. Smooth surface discoloration.
NO! YOU DO NOT NEED AN ABRASIVE YOUR LENS DO NOT NEED RESURFACING.
2. Choose a product designed specifically for your problem.
3. Do not assume that the people at the parts counter have any special
knowledge about any of the products that they sell, or that they care.
a. Research reviews of products that address your problem.
If you do those things you can save your self a lot of aggravation and time.
This process is called oxidation.
In essence it is the build up of particals attracted to the surface of the headlight lens. This build up can become opaque blocking passage of light.
Most of us have a basic understanding of this process.
The problem is that one method does not fit all.
Many individuals will tell you sandpaper or abrasive polish is the answer.
In question: Sandpaper and cream abrasives on plastic lens
Do you need to put sandpaper or any abrasive cleaner on your headlights?
In 90% of the cases the answer is no.
Sandpaper is necessary when the lens has experienced severe damage.
This damage can come from road debree or an abrasive cleaning kit.
Oxidation is not the only problem in this case.
Most however are not damaged and do not need sandpaper or an abrasive cleaner to restore them.
A pure liquid de-oxidizer will remove surface oxidation instantly.
Before you start any headlight cleaning project you may save yourself a lot of time if you:
1. Determine if your problem is oxidation or surface damage.
a. Chips, scratches, worn away or peeling UV layer, previously cleaned with an abrasive.
YES! YOU NEED AN ABRASIVE TO RESURFACE THE LENS.
b. Smooth surface discoloration.
NO! YOU DO NOT NEED AN ABRASIVE YOUR LENS DO NOT NEED RESURFACING.
2. Choose a product designed specifically for your problem.
3. Do not assume that the people at the parts counter have any special
knowledge about any of the products that they sell, or that they care.
a. Research reviews of products that address your problem.
If you do those things you can save your self a lot of aggravation and time.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: CA
Headlight Polish
I highly recommend Brasso Metal Polish to remove oxidation on the headlights. I had severe oxidation to the point where i wanted to switch the entire headlight set out. Try a little bit of this polish and you will be blown away, promise. Goes on easy, comes off smooth. Did that about 5 months ago and the headlights still look awesome. Just my two bits.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Badmittn
Automotive Care & Detailing
8
Jul 25, 2009 07:48 AM
