Enhancing the safety and pleasure of nighttime driving hinges on having well-illuminated headlights. Yet, as time passes, the plastic lenses of your headlights can develop haziness, diminishing their effectiveness. Fortunately, a straightforward and economical remedy exists – engaging in a do-it-yourself (DIY) headlight restoration. At Marion Subaru in Marion, IL, we aim to equip you with valuable insights into effortlessly reinstating the former clarity of your headlights through a basic DIY procedure.
Guidelines for DIY Headlight Restoration:
1. Gather Your Supplies: Essential materials include sandpaper (800, 1000, and 2000 grit), water, masking tape, a headlight restoration kit (comprising polishing compound and sealant), microfiber towels, and an optional power drill.
2. Preparation: Meticulously cleanse your headlights with water and soap. Safeguard surrounding areas using masking tape to avert harm to the paint.
3. Wet Sanding: Initiate the process using the coarsest sandpaper (800) while keeping it wet. Employ gentle circular strokes to sand the headlight surface. Gradually transition to higher grit sandpapers (1000, 2000) to eliminate oxidation and scratches. Sustaining a wet surface is imperative to prevent damage.
4. Polishing: Apply a minor amount of the polishing compound onto a clean, soft cloth from the kit. With moderate pressure, polish the headlight in circular motions. This stage eradicates the minute scratches left from sanding.
5. Application of Sealant: A fresh cloth is used to apply the sealant from the kit. This step is instrumental in guarding the headlight against subsequent oxidation, thus sustaining its clarity.
6. Buffing (Optional): If a power drill is available, couple it with a foam pad and a bit of polishing compound. Employ gentle buffing motions to attain a lustrous finish on the headlight.
Preserving your car's headlights need not be a challenging endeavor. Dedicate some time and energy, and you can revive their aesthetic appeal and functionality, elevating your vehicle's appearance and driving security.
