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Easy Steps You Can Follow To Clean Your Car’s Headlights

by John Framigllia 3/2/2023
14 minutes read
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If your car's headlights aren't as bright at night or appear foggy during the day, they need to be thoroughly cleaned. Any vehicle will develop dim and foggy headlights due to the aging process of the vehicle, but you can solve the issue. DIY headlight cleaning requires some time and effort on your part. This article will show how to restore the appearance of your car's headlights using the proper car cleaning materials.


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In this article:

1. Step-By-Step Guide To Clean Your Car Headlights
a. Step 1. Inspect Your Car Headlights
b. Step 2. Washing The Headlights
c. Step 3. Bring A Few Grades Of Sandpapers
d. Step 4. Put Tape Around The Edge Of The Headlights
e. Step 5. Smoothing the Surface Of The Headlights
f. Step 6. Apply Polishing Compound To A Microfiber Cloth
g. Step 7. Continue To The Polishing Process

Step-By-Step Guide To Clean Your Car Headlights

Step 1. Inspect Your Car Headlights

Examine your headlights in daylight, both on and off; if you observe that they're less clear or crisp than they formerly were, then you need to clean your headlights as early as possible. Knowing the extent of the damage of your car’s headlights will help you choose the best cleaning techniques, determine whether you should have the headlights professionally inspected by a mechanic, and whether replacement of the headlights is required. Look for significant scratches and abrasions that could indicate that your headlights are damaged and need to be replaced.



Step 2. Washing The Headlights

Regular road dust and grit can cause your headlights to appear hazy and foggy. Give your car’s headlight a quick wash with basic warm water and car wash soap. Cleaning any exterior dirt from the headlights will prevent scratching the headlight lenses. The headlights should be completely cleaned and dried before use. Inspect them thoroughly for any specific damage.


Step 3. Bring A Few Grades Of Sandpapers

You will need to clean the headlights with a fine series of wet or dry sandpaper (1500 grit or 2000 grit).


Step 4. Put Tape Around The Edge Of The Headlights

When you are using sandpaper to smooth the surface of your car’s headlights, you want to make sure you don't get too hard and scratch the paint off the edge of the headlights. To prevent scratching of the paint on the car where the headlights contact it, use some masking tape around the edge of the headlights.


Step 5. Smoothing the Surface Of The Headlights

Apply some water to the coarse sandpaper (1500 grit is a good starting point), then work it in circular motions around the headlamp, followed by a horizontal route, till you have an even, dull finish. If you press too hard, the headlight housing could get damaged. After running over the headlights with coarse sandpaper, move to a higher grit sandpaper (2000 grit) and repeat the process until the finish changes from dull to glossy.

Step 6. Apply Polishing Compound To A Microfiber Cloth

Put some polishing compound on a clean microfiber cloth and start polishing with a small area of the headlight to focus on, say 4 x 4 inches. Polish it in a circular motion, repeatedly and uniformly, in your small square of the headlights. It should only take about five minutes for the section to become clearer. Move on to the next square when you've polished the previous one.


Note: Instead of using a microfiber cloth, you can put a polishing compound straight on a foam pad or polishing pad that spins on the polisher (a hand drill) and polish the headlights at a low RPM. Slowly increase the RPMs with mild pressure, sliding the pad evenly around the headlamp. Move slowly-roughly one inch every second. This will be considerably faster than hand polishing.

Step 7. Continue To The Polishing Process

You may have to add more than three coats of polishing compound to make the headlights more clear. Continue polishing until you're happy with the clarity and brightness of the light. You can put your headlights to the test by flashing them on the garage wall or any flat surface. After you are satisfied with the clarity and brightness of your headlights, you can remove the masking tape from the edge of the headlights.


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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.