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Road visibility is already limited when driving at night , and headlight haze can make it even more difficult to see. Learning how to clean foggy headlights is a safety precaution that's helpful for all drivers. 

DIY headlight restoration is easier than many people think, and you can often get the job done with supplies you already have in your home. We'll teach you what causes foggy headlights, the best ways to clean them with a simple step-by-step process and how to prevent them in the future.

Products You Need To Clean Headlight Lenses

One of the best ways to clean your foggy headlights is to go to an auto store and purchase a headlight restoration kit. These kits often have cleaning supplies specifically designed to clean headlights that have fog from UV exposure. 

In addition to these kits, there are some home remedies that you can use to clean your headlights:

  • Toothpaste and baking soda
  • Two parts distilled vinegar and one part baking soda
  • Diet Coke in a spray bottle
  • Dish soap and warm water
  • WD-40

Some other supplies you'll need include: 

  • Rags or towels
  • Warm water
  • Soft-bristled brush

The Best Way To Clean Foggy Headlights

Now, it's time to clean your foggy headlights. While you can use different cleaning supplies to clean your headlights, the process is similar with each one.

Step 1: Tape off Your Headlights

First, you want to isolate the area that you're cleaning by taping it off. You can use masking tape to tape around the edges of your headlights. This will help you avoid getting any chemicals on your car's paint.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Before using your cleaning supplies, clean the surface thoroughly. You can do this with any mild cleanser. Spray your headlights with the cleaner and whip away anything that's accumulated on the headlight surface.

After cleaning the surface, some people use sandpaper to remove the remaining debris on the headlight. You can use 400- or 600-grit sandpaper, and you'll want to sand in straight, horizontal lines.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

Next, take whatever cleaner that you chose and spread a slightly thick layer evenly around the headlight. If you're using one of the cleaners using baking soda, mix a small amount of water with it to make a paste. Once the cleaner is applied, let it set for three to five minutes.

Step 4: Remove the Cleaner

Once the cleaner is set, use your soft-bristled gently around the surface of the headlamp. As you scrub the headlight, you should start to see some of the fogginess start to disappear from the lens. 

Step 5: Wipe Down the Surface

After scrubbing with your brush, there may be some residual cleaner on the lens. You can spray a little water on the surface and wipe your lenses with a towel. 

What Causes Foggy Headlights and How To Prevent Them?

There are many different reasons headlights get foggy. New cars from the factory are nice and clean when you first buy them, and many dealerships clean foggy headlights before you buy a new vehicle . Eventually, they can become foggy, and here are some of the common reasons:

  • Moisture: Sometimes, water vapor gets inside the headlight housing, and the condensation can lead to dulling the headlights. 
  • Oxidation: Many modern cars use polycarbonate plastic for the headlights, and these can develop small yellow cracks from sunlight. This eventually can make them look foggy.
  • Dirt: Thin layers of dirt can get stuck to your headlights and cause a yellow fogginess. 
  • Weather conditions: A protective coating helps to protect many polycarbonate plastic headlights, but harsh weather conditions can cause it to peel off.

As mentioned earlier, many of the causes of foggy headlights are natural and will happen due to time and weather conditions. Although you can't completely prevent fogginess, there are some steps you can take care of your car in a way that slows down the process:

  • Use covered parking: Fogginess often comes from the sun's UV rays. Using covered parking spots or parking in a garage can help slow down the oxidation. 
  • Wash your car regularly: Dirt and chemicals can cause fogginess, so it's helpful to wash your car regularly.
  • Keep a stock of sandpaper: Using sandpaper every few months on your headlights can help wipe away debris before it gets too bad.
  • Prevent moisture: Sometimes, the weather seals around the headlights can become cracked and worn, letting in moisture. If this happens, you may need to replace the headlight.

Have More Piece of Mind for Your Vehicle With AAA

Keeping your headlights clean is only one aspect of maintaining your vehicle . Unfortunately, unexpected vehicle malfunctions can happen even when you do everything right. Fortunately, AAA can offer you some piece of mind when you become a member .

As an AAA member, you have access to our roadside assistance services, and you can easily access them through our app. We have over 100 years of experience offering roadside assistance and can help you in just about any situation. Whether you need help with a flat tire , a tow or a jumped battery, we'll be there for you.

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