How to Fix Foggy Headlights
Foggy headlights on a car can be not only unsightly but can actually reduce the visibility during night driving conditions, as the light from the headlight bulb is cloaked and reduced in strength by an unclear headlight. The cause of foggy headlights is generally due to the impact of the sun's UV rays on the plastic headlight cover, leaving the surface oxidized with a frosty coating that looks terrible in terms of aesthetics. Too often, a car owner not be aware of the fact that this oxidation can be cleaned away and will run out to purchase a new headlight cover that can be quite costly,when all that is necessary is an hour or two of labor and a few basic materials that usually cost under ten dollars. While the effort to fix foggy headlights is moderate, the savings over replacement costs can be considerable.The first step to fix foggy headlights is to assemble the items needed to complete the job in a satisfactory manner. A bucket and a handful of clean soft rags are needed, and a car owner has to select any one of a number of commercial products available to clean plastic. This choice can be simplified somewhat by choosing a plastic cleaner that is of medium strength - one that is too strong with the presence of grit may damage and scratch the headlight lense, while selecting one that is too weak will result in the use of much more time and elbow grease to get the job done. Once the proper product has been obtained, it is time to head off to the car with the rags, cleaner and a bucket of very warm water.Place a small amount of plastic cleaner on a clean, dry rag and begin to rub the headlight lense in a small area of about 3 inches square.The key to fix foggy headlights is to work slowly, apply a good amount of pressure and take your time. When the plastic cleaner on the area you are working in begins to dry or harden, take a wet rag and wipe it away. Perform this action on the entire headlight until it starts to become clear. You may have to go over the same area more than once, but eventually the headlight will begin to look new again. When both car headlights have been tended to, clean the headlight lense with ordinary window cleaner and buff the plastic either by hand or with an electric buffer.
