How to Remove Headlight Yellowing: Discover Our Headlight Repair and Restoration Process
One of the common problems in car maintenance is headlight yellowing. This phenomenon not only affects the car’s aesthetics but can also reduce nighttime visibility, compromising road safety. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind headlight yellowing and how to restore them.
Why do car headlights yellow?
Car headlights are primarily made of polycarbonate, a strong and impact-resistant type of plastic. However, over time, these headlights tend to yellow due to several factors:
UV exposure: Ultraviolet light from the sun is the main cause of yellowing. UV rays cause the oxidation of polycarbonate, degrading its surface and resulting in a yellow layer.
Weather conditions: Acid rain, dust, and other environmental contaminants can contribute to the deterioration of headlights.
Natural wear and tear: Over time, wear and minor scratches on the headlight surface can accumulate dirt and contribute to yellowing.
How can I restore their transparency?
Headlight restoration can be performed using two distinct processes: polishing or clear coating. The choice of process depends on the condition of the headlights and long-term needs.
Polishing is ideal for headlights with surface oxidation and light scratches, offering a quick and less expensive restoration, though it requires periodic maintenance.
Clear coating is more suitable for headlights that need durable protection, especially those that have already been polished or have deeper damage.
Headlight restoration process through polishing
Initial cleaning: Clean the headlights with a suitable plastic degreaser to remove any dirt or residue. We recommend our Quick Degreaser CARS 5L (Ref. 5009-001025).
Sanding: Sand according to the damage, choosing between sandpapers with grits P240, P320, P500, P800, P1500, and finishing with P2000. For the first step, we recommend our Gold Line, Blue Line, or Ceramic Line, and for the second sanding, we suggest our F1 Skylon P2000 Disc (Ref. 2014-006038).
Post-sanding cleaning: Once the headlights are sanded, clean again with an anti-static degreaser, such as Quick Hydrocleaner (Ref. 5009-001194), to prepare the surface.
Polishing: Polish the headlights with a suitable polish to remove any sanding traces and restore the clarity of the polycarbonate. Our Onix Plus Polish (Ref. 5010-000018) is a perfect option if there is no base deterioration.
Headlight restoration process through clear coating
Initial cleaning: Clean the headlights with a suitable plastic degreaser to remove any dirt or residue. We recommend our Quick Degreaser CARS 5L (Ref. 5009-001025).
Sanding: Sand according to the damage, choosing between sandpapers with grits P240, P320, P500, or P800. We recommend our Gold Line, Blue Line, or Ceramic Line.
Post-sanding cleaning: Once the headlights are sanded, clean again with an anti-static degreaser, such as Quick Hydrocleaner (Ref. 5009-001194), to prepare the surface.
Application of headlight kit: For effective and long-lasting restoration, we recommend our Headlight Kit (Ref. 5006-001101), which allows for a new coating film and durable protection against oxidation, impacts, and UV rays. The kit includes Clear Coat (Ref. 5006-001102), Hardener (Ref. 5006-001103), and Additive (Ref. 5006-001104) that provide mechanical resistance and hardness. Steps for application:
Mix products according to the technical sheet and kit instructions. Mixing ratio of clear coat, catalyst, and additive is 2:1-1.
Clear coat application: Apply the obtained mixture with a uniform and thin coat from top to bottom, followed by a wetter coat over the headlights.
Conclusion
Headlight yellowing is a common problem that affects both the aesthetics and safety of your vehicle, reducing nighttime visibility. To restore their transparency, you can opt for polishing for a quick and economical solution or clear coating for durable protection against oxidation and UV rays.
If you have any questions about the process or the application of any of our products, do not hesitate to contact us by calling +34 958 431 792 or sending an email to info@carrepairsystem.eu