I have a 2003 vehicle and my headlight lenses are really dirty looking - can they be removed and cleaned with something or is it just age?
2006-10-25 06:40:04 · 15 answers · asked by empress_pam 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your problem isn't dirt but most likely ultraviolet deterioration of the acrylic lens. Usually it takes longer than three years unless the vehicle has been in an accident and the headlights were replaced with cheap aftermarket units. If so call insurer to get them replaced free.
Otherwise you can remove the "dirt" with auto body polishing compound and in extreme cases with wet/dry sandpaper then polishing. Unfortunately this is only a temporary fix as the "dirt" will be back in about six months.
You may want to check your vehicles warranty. If they are the original manufacturers units they are clearly defective. Legally you have the right to recovery.
Floridaman must be right my network has denied access to your 360 page. Why do i always miss out on the good stuff?
2006-10-25 07:05:31 · answer #1 · answered by Truyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The haze on a headlight cover is the result of a chemical reaction. It's impossible to clean with conventional, store bought cleansers (ie. Windex). You need to buy a "Liquid Rubbing Compound." It's a very gentle abrasive cleaner and will take off the haze. Advice from my brother-in-law who's an auto engineer in the headlight division for one of the big 3. It works…believe me.
2006-10-25 08:06:43 · answer #2 · answered by D A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. Check your owners manual.
Your headlights might take bulbs (probably will if it's a 2003). If they do, your owner's manual will tel you how to open the casing. You can then wipe it down and clean it off.
If not, you can just buy a whole new headlight, and presto! Clean headlights again.
2006-10-25 08:45:35 · answer #3 · answered by Brian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretend you are changing the headlights in your car. When you remove the headlight housing....there are usually 4 screws around the entire housing...remove the housing and clean the inside out. DONT TOUCH THE BULB ITSELF...the oil from your skin will cause the light to burn out very quickly.
Later, Mike.
2006-10-25 06:44:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Headlights begin to look "dirty" over time. What you're really seeing is the decreased quality of the connection the filament is making between the two terminals inside the bulb. I recommend getting halogen bulbs for a little extra money. if you don't want to spend that extra cash though, try for some really bright conventional headlights.
2006-10-25 06:42:15 · answer #5 · answered by R S 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you are talking about the actual plastic part on the outside of the headlight, it could be getting "dirty" looking from deterioration by UV light. You can purchase a "clear plastic polish" specially made for this application in the car wash and wax section of any automotive store. this will polish the plastic and help protect it from UV light.
if you have glass lenses.. none of this is applicable :-p
2006-10-25 06:50:48 · answer #6 · answered by quailmann7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the car...if the funk is on the inside, some have clips that hold the lenses on, so you can remove and clean them. Others might not be so easy...if you're not a do-it-yourselfer, go by a detail shop and see if they can clean them...Lotsa Luck !
2006-10-25 06:51:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get McQuires PLASTX. its in a white bottle and its fairly designed to deliver your dingy plastic headlights decrease back to new, competently and genuinely. any vehicle parts save have it.
2016-12-05 05:30:53 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a mr clean auto eraser there under 5$ for 2 and last forever it will get the film built up gone!
2006-10-25 06:41:48 · answer #9 · answered by Juleette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Empress, I love your blog. Very hot lady.....The headlight lense can be buffed clean again. By the way, very hot lady.....did I mention that?
2006-10-25 06:56:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋