Facts about headlight restoration can become confusing. With so many products on the market and with services offering different options it can become stressfull when choosing the right way to go.
Are your headlights are discoloured and looking crusty? It is more than likely that the factory protective UV clear coat is degrading.
Modern headlights, post 1995 are made from Polycarbonate. They are coated from the factory in a specific UV protective clear coat sealant to protect the polycarbonate lens from UV damage.
Unfortunately in hotter climates, the UV protective coat degrades over time and needs to be replaced the right way for longevity.
There are so many rumours and ‘quick fix’ repairs on the web which are incorrect and will potentially damage your headlights.
Common Myths About Headlight Restoration
• The most common is the myth that toothpaste is good for cleaning headlights. The truth is this method was used in the days of glass headlights, which toothpaste does actually clean without damaging. The fact is toothpaste abrasive, a minty one at that. You should not rub any abrasives on your headlights as you are wearing down the much needed sealant that protects the polycarbonate lens.
• Others may have also heard of another quick fix by spraying mosquito repellent on the headlights. The oils in the repellent give the illusion the lights are a tad clearer by oiling up the crusty degraded factory UV protective coat. This method only lasts a couple days at most and some repellants can actually eat into the plastic rendering them a lot harder to repair back to as new.
• Another method many mechanics and car detailers use is to sand the old degrading protective coat off and polishing the bare polycarbonate, this only exposes the headlight to UV damage and in most cases only lasts a few months before discolouring.
• Using ‘off the shelf’ DIY headlight restoration kits also leaves the headlight exposed to the elements as most of them do not come with a protective sealant. With no UV protective sealant the headlights will discolour through the thickness of the lens and develop little cracks known as crazing.
• This also applies with solvent based polishes that are wiped on the headlights. The chemicals in the liquid slightly melt the outer surface of the headlight, again leaving the headlight without adequate UV protection against the harsh Queensland sun.
All the repair methods mentioned above are a temporary fix and can potentially damage your headlights permanently. If a quality UV clear coat sealant was not necessary, why would all vehicle manufacturers apply a protective coat to every single vehicle that rolls off the production line?
Headlights are expensive to replace and fit, not to mention you can also incur a defect notice of $121 fine and loss of demerit points.
Book an appointment to have your headlights repaired correctly with Headlight Restore with the peace of mind your headlights will remain crystal clear and protected for many years.