Daily commute forms an essential part of many drivers’ day-to-day activities. Many find themselves working long hours of the day, which means that you might be on the road before sunrise, or after the sun has set.
As a result, the headlight of your vehicle plays an important part in ensuring that you get the proper amount of visibility needed to illuminate the road ahead so that you can arrive at your destination safely.
According to New Zealand-based motor company Final Touch, with the ageing of the car, there is a good chance that most vehicle owners will at some time experience the effects of a dimming headlight.
This means that your once clear glass has now turned foggy or yellowish, ultimately affecting your nighttime driving experience.
One of the causes of this is the sun’s UV radiation.
“The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the molecular structure of the polycarbonate plastic over time. This degradation not only affects the appearance of your headlights but also reduces their effectiveness in illuminating the road at night,” explains the above-mentioned source.
Other factors also include environmental pollutants such as dirt and dust which reacts with the surface of the headlight and causes discolouration; while another factor can be the effect of moisture which slips through the micro-cracks of the headlight and causes a foggy effect in an attempt to evaporate.
Luckily with a bit of patience and tender love and care, there is a way that you can solve this problem, especially when the cause of discolouration is simply a result of the UV rays of the sun.
Here are some hacks for clearing those headlights as recommended by some sources:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Sometimes the things that we need tend to be right under our noses, and for years these two ingredients combined have been a match made in heaven.
According to Bigs Mobile, this is the perfect solution to remove dirt, grime and the effects of oxidation from your headlights.
“Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bowl, apply the mixture to the headlights, and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the headlights with water and dry them completely.”
Lemon Juice
Club Alliance suggests that due to its acidic properties lemon juice is considered a useful remedy to get rid of oxidation. All you need is a lemon and micro-fibre cloth and continuous rubbing until you have reached your desired result.
Toothpaste
It is worth noting that toothpaste is not only beneficial to ensuring that our oral health is in good condition, but it comes as a handy ingredient for many of life’s problems.
“Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth or sponge and apply it to the headlights. Scrub gently in circular motions and rinse with water. Repeat if necessary,” explains Bigs Mobile.
Also see: Signs that your vehicle’s clutch needs replacement
