Man using rag to clean headlight in daytime

How to clean your headlight bulb covers

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Posted in Tips & Tricks

When you’re heading out for long car rides or nightly drives, having good vision behind the wheel is essential for your best performance. It’s crucial to be able to see oncoming hazards and threats, but over time your headlight lens covers could become oxidized and yellowed, making it more difficult for you to have the kind of sight lines you expect on the road. We want to help, so join our Carville’s Auto Mart team today as we check out how to clean your headlight bulb covers; it’ll be much easier for you to keep rolling in confidence, day or night! 

What you’ll need to clean your headlights 

Because of repeated exposure to sun, wind and other elements, your headlight covers could find themselves with a layer of haze and oxidation on their outer shell. To combat this, you’ll need the following materials:  

  • Sandpaper (1500 to 3000-grit) 
  • Lens polish 
  • UV sealant or protectant 
  • Microfiber rag or paper towel 

These will all ensure that you’ll be able to clean off your headlights and keep them shining brighter for longer!  

Retro-styled headlight on front of pink vehicle

Man using buffer to polish headlights in auto body shop

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Steps needed to clean your headlights 

If you end up with dim headlights, don’t worry! The steps to clean them off are simple. Check out how below:  

  1. Take your sandpaper and start applying it to your headlight cover, first with lower grades and moving one to more fine grades. Since sandpaper is highly abrasive it’s very effective at getting all the nastiness off your lens. Wipe away the excess residue with a rag.  
  2. Once you’ve gotten all the haze and oxidation off, take your polish and apply it in circular motions across your headlight cover. This will help it to regain the sheen and glossy finish that it needs.  
  3. Wipe off the polish and apply your UV sealant to the covers. These can be found at any auto parts store, from top brands such as Sylvania and Lenz Solution, as they offer greater protection and longevity than other competitors.  

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You’re done! After this, you should find it much easier to see greater distances with much better clarity. We hope you all have safe travels!