| Have you noticed your headlights seem a little dim | | | | done! If it still appears dim or cloudy, you may want to |
| lately? Maybe you are having trouble seeing at night | | | | use a special plastic cleaner and wax to give it a |
| because they have become so dark. You may even | | | | higher polish and sheen. These can be purchased at |
| have tried replacing them bulbs with no visible results. | | | | auto repair stores. When using them, be careful not to |
| The problem isn't electrical, but rather with the plastic | | | | get any on the rest of the car as it could cause |
| casing that protects them. Reinstallation is a cheap and | | | | damage. Some masking tape around the headlight |
| effective fix that can help you light the way once | | | | border can help protect it. You may want to use a |
| again. For severe damage, you might need to contact | | | | rotary buffer to ensure the smoothest polish possible. |
| a professional headlight restoration service, but there | | | | If you do have scratches on the surface, it may be |
| are also some no-fuss methods available on the | | | | better to have headlight restoration specialist handle it, |
| market for an inexpensive and quick solution. | | | | but some people have successfully used an electric |
| So why exactly are your headlights damaged? Plastic | | | | sander to gently smooth away some superficial |
| isn't the most resilient of surfaces. It can get scratched | | | | scratches. This technique can cause more damage |
| easily (especially if you've had past accidents) and a | | | | than intended if you aren't careful and is not suggested |
| small leak on the side can cause dirt and debris to | | | | for novices. |
| collect on the inside. The elements will also cause | | | | If the problem lies on the inside of your headlights, you |
| moisture to collect and the inside of the plastic to | | | | might need a more complex fix. Removing the casing |
| yellow and discolor, which will then work like a dimming | | | | is a tricky business. A professional headlight restoration |
| filer for your headlights. Restoration aims to fix these | | | | service can easily remove the casing without damage |
| problems so that your lights shine as brightly as they | | | | and can clean and buff any scratches out of the inside |
| should. | | | | as well as the outside, leaving them looking like new. |
| How can you do it yourself? If the problem is on the | | | | You may want to shop around and for the best price. |
| outside, you may just require a quick clean. | | | | If you have some very deep scratches, you may be |
| First examine the plastic for any scratches or dings. If it | | | | better off purchasing new casing rather than going |
| is smooth, that is one less problem to worry about. | | | | through the process of headlight restoration. Once the |
| Use a bit of glass cleaner that you'd use on mirrors or | | | | project is complete, your headlights should appear very |
| in your bathroom and wipe the surface clean with a | | | | clear without any cloudy appearance, and your lights |
| paper towel. | | | | will be quite bright. |
| Test your lights. If you notice an improvement-you are | | | | |