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Cleaning Cloudy Headlights is Easier than you Think 

If you find yourself on the road late at night, it is important for you to maximize your visibility. That means that you have to depend on your headlights and high beams. Like other parts of your car, your headlights can get dirty from time to time. As a result, your emitted light levels could suffer, and you may end up with some serious visibility issues. This can make it hard for you to see pedestrians, animals, potholes, and other vehicles on the road. What do you need to do if you want to clean foggy headlights? The good news is that this is much easier than you think.
XT4 headlights in 3/4 view

Why Do Headlights Become Foggy?

So, why exactly do headlights become foggy? You may notice that your headlights are not only a lot less bright but also that the light has a bit of a dim tone to it.

There are a few reasons why this happened. The biggest reason is that the vast majority of headlight lenses today are made from plastic based on polycarbonate. In the past, glass was used, but plastic has become more popular because it is highly resistant to scratches.

On the other hand, polycarbonate has a tendency to break down and degrade when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The lenses can absorb blue light emitted from the bulb, causing a less potent light to escape from the headlight itself. This is why you may notice that your headlights appear foggy, and that is why you need to clean them appropriately.

    What Products Do You Need to Clean Foggy Headlights?

    Before you start cleaning your foggy headlights, it is important for you to make sure that you have the right materials. Generally, a headlight restoration kit from a local store will do the job, but there are also materials you probably have in your home that can help you save time and money.

    If you want to clean your headlights without taking a trip to the store, there are a few products that you need. For example, you may want to use toothpaste and baking soda, which is a very effective, popular combination for cleaning headlights. The goal is to find products that are abrasive enough to remove the fog from your headlights without scratching or damaging the headlights themselves.

    If you have a reason to go to the store in the near future, you may want to purchase a headlight cleaning kit for next time. In addition, you should have an old rag or towel, water you can use to rinse your headlights, and latex gloves to protect your skin.

      What Are the Steps Involved?

      When you are ready to clean your foggy headlights, there are a few steps to follow. First, make sure you clean the surface first. You want to wipe away any debris on the headlights. You could also use a towel to wipe down the headlights, removing any moisture that might be present.

      Now, you are ready to apply the headlight restoration product. You want to be generous with whatever you are using, even if it is toothpaste and baking soda. Make sure you apply a thick paste to the surface of the headlight itself.

      Next, you need to use a soft brush to remove the cleanser from the headlight itself. Make sure that you are cautious with the brush, as you do not want to damage the headlights themselves. Finally, rinse the headlights with clean water to remove any residual cleanser that might be left over.

        Call Gerry Lane Cadillac Today to Make an Appointment with Our Service Center

        At Gerry Lane Cadillac, we want to make sure you are as safe as possible on the road, and that means cleaning your headlights regularly. Our mechanics have a tremendous amount of experience working with a wide variety of vehicles, and it would be our pleasure to help you take care of yours. We want to make sure all parts of your vehicle, including your headlights, are in good working order. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our service center. 

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