How to Remove Film From Headlights
The most common reason why you’d want to remove the film that comes with your headlights is if your lights have turned yellow or hazy. This usually happens due to dirt and exposure to UV rays.
The protective film turns yellow and reduces the amount of light produced. It also makes the car look really old. If you’d like to remove it to clear your headlights, below are two solutions that work well depending on your budget.
How to Remove Film from Headlights
If you’re working with a low budget, toothpaste is a great solution. A headlight restoration kit works better in most cases, but may require you to spend more money and time working on your headlights.
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Clean car headlights with toothpaste
You can restore your headlights using toothpaste. This works perfectly where headlights are slightly hazy. Toothpaste contains abrasive and whitening chemicals that clear out the debris and oxidation on your lights.
Start by cleaning them with soap and water. Next, dub a small amount of toothpaste on a wet headlight lens and rub using a clean microfiber cloth. Work on the headlight gently and in circular motion. This helps to scrub the film off.
Once done, rinse the headlight with clean water and allow it to dry. Apply a sealant to protect it from further oxidation. Repeat the scrubbing process if your headlights do not become clear after the first round.
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Clean yellow headlights with a DIY headlight restoration kit
Headlight restoration kits require more time to work with. They also include several items and steps that must be followed. The best brands come with different grades of sandpaper, polish, cloths, and a UV protectant.
When using your headlight restoration kit to remove the film from your headlights, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid skipping any steps or rushing through the process.
Rubbing away oxidation that has accumulated for a number of years can take time. You need to pay attention not to cause any scratching. Furthermore, working with sandpapers can cause damage to other parts of the car. Be sure to tape around the headlights to avoid ruining the paint.
The headlight will appear foggy as you work on it but it will clear up in the end. Trust the instructions provided to achieve the results you want. At the end, remember to apply the UV protectant to keep the headlights from yellowing again.
Conclusion
If you’re working on headlights that are not that hazy, using toothpaste is an affordable and quick way to clear them up. It works better than most home remedies out there. It’s also ideal for those working on a tight budget.
However, if you’re working on old headlights that have a lot of oxidation, a restoration kit is the best alternative. It achieves permanent results and gives your car a professional look. If you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself, it’s always best to take the car to a professional. Sanding down headlights the wrong way can cause the lens to become too thin.
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