How to clean car lights: Step by Step

Why Clean Car Lights Regularly?

• Improved Visibility: Clear, clean lights ensure that you see the road ahead more clearly and make you more visible to other drivers.
• Safety Enhancement: Clean headlights and taillights ensure your lighting system functions at full capacity, reducing the risk of accidents due to poor visibility.
• Prolonged Lifespan: Regular cleaning prevents permanent damage and oxidation, which can diminish the performance and lifespan of your car’s lighting system.

Materials You’ll Need

To professionally clean your car lights, you’ll need the following materials:

• Microfiber cloths
• Car-safe soap or specialized headlight cleaner
• Bucket of clean water
• Non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth
• Headlight restoration kit (for oxidized lenses)
• Plastic polish (for clear plastic lenses)
• UV protectant or sealant

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Car Lights

1. Wash the Lights With Car Soap and Water

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface of the headlights and taillights to remove dirt, dust, and grime:

• Fill a bucket with clean water and car-safe soap.
• Using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wash the surface of the lights in gentle circular motions, paying close attention to any stubborn spots.
• Rinse the lights with clean water to ensure no soap residue is left.
• Dry the lights with a microfiber cloth.

2. Remove Surface Oxidation (If Present)

If your headlights or taillights appear cloudy or yellowed due to oxidation, simple washing may not be enough. For this, a professional headlight restoration kit is recommended:

• Use a Restoration Kit:
  Restoration kits typically include specialized sanding pads, polishing compound, and a UV sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to sand the lens surface and remove the oxidation.
• Sanding Process:
  Lightly wet-sand the oxidized areas in horizontal or vertical motions, starting with the most abrasive pad in the kit. Progressively use finer pads to smooth the surface.
• Polishing:
  Once the oxidation has been sanded off, apply the included polish to bring back the clarity and shine of the lights.

3. Apply Plastic Polish for Clear Lenses

After washing and removing oxidation, it’s important to restore the clarity of clear plastic lenses:

• Use a plastic-safe polish designed for headlights or taillights.
• Apply a small amount of polish to a microfiber cloth.
• Buff the lenses using circular motions, ensuring the polish is evenly distributed across the surface.
• Once polished, wipe away any excess product with a clean cloth.

4. Seal the Lights With UV Protectant

One of the primary causes of yellowing or clouding is UV exposure, which degrades the plastic over time. To protect your lights from future damage, it’s essential to apply a UV protectant:

• UV Sealant:
  Apply a UV-resistant sealant that is designed for headlights and taillights. This forms a protective barrier, preventing future clouding and extending the lifespan of the lights.
• Application:
  Using a clean microfiber cloth, evenly apply the sealant to the entire surface of the lights. Allow it to dry according to the product instructions before exposing the vehicle to moisture.

5. Regular Maintenance Tips

To keep your lights looking and performing their best, it’s important to incorporate regular maintenance into your vehicle care routine:

• Clean the lights regularly with soap and water to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
• Inspect for oxidation periodically, especially if your car is often exposed to sunlight.
• Reapply UV protectant every few months to ensure ongoing protection from sun damage.

Conclusion

Keeping your car lights clean is a simple but essential part of vehicle maintenance that enhances visibility and safety. By using professional-grade materials and techniques, you can ensure your headlights and taillights remain clear, bright, and functional for years to come. Regular cleaning, polishing, and applying UV protectant will keep your lights in optimal condition, ensuring safer driving conditions.