How to Clean Headlights

How to Clean Headlights

Headlights are essential for safe driving, as they can help you see the road better at night and in foggy or misty weather. Over time, headlights tend to become cloudy or develop oxidation, resulting in reduced visibility. Fortunately, headlights can easily be cleaned with some simple supplies. Here is how to clean your headlights:

Steps

1. Purchase a headlight-cleaning kit, or gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Look for a kit that includes rubbing alcohol, sandpaper, compounding paste, and wax at an automotive supply store.
2. Clean the area surrounding your headlights. Take a damp cloth and wipe any dirt or debris from around the headlights, and make sure the headlights are cool to the touch.
3. Apply rubbing alcohol to the headlight with a soft cloth. Rubbing alcohol will remove the oxidation and cloudiness from your headlight surface.
4. Use a molecule polishing pad to gently buff the headlights, similar to sanding. Apply small circular motions over the headlight until the yellow discoloration is removed.
5. Use a compounding paste to finish polishing your headlights. Apply the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Buff until the headlight glass becomes glossy.
6. Apply a coat of wax to protect the headlight surface from further oxidation. There are many waxes available for use on headlights.