 | Richard Smith has been in the Auto Body Industry for 26 years. He is ASE Certified Master Collision Tech, an I-Car Platinum Tech, and an I-Car Instructor. He and His wife own and operate Sharp's Auto Body & Collision Inc. located at 202 North Elm St. in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is a father of 5 children, Ex Military E-6 Staff SGT. and is active in his home Church. The one thing he enjoys doing is educating the public about the safety and proper repair of automobiles, no matter if it is a vehicle that has been in a collision, a small dent, or a complete restoration. The shop is always equipped with a skilled professional to handle your auto needs. |
Cars, Trucks, Vans & Automotive
2013-06-25 09:31:11
What is a remedy for foggy headlights?
Q-My headlights are so foggy that even my porch light emits more light than they do. Is there an easy remedy for this?
A-There is no getting around it—over time headlights fade. Of course, oxidation has a lot to do with that, turning the once clear lens a dim yellow color. Additionally, the very act of driving causes some damage, with bugs, winds and debris constantly hitting the lens and scratching them. This results in swirl marks and hazing. Eventually, it can become so scratched that very little light can get through, making driving dangerous.
One solution is replacement. Another is reviving.
Reviving the lens involves using special products to clean the plastic, and then polish out the scratches that impede the light. There are many commercial and consumer brands on the market today made for this purpose. Not all of them, however, deliver equal or professional results. Despite their claims, some can damage the plastic even further, or leave it brittle and susceptible to more damage that would require an expensive replacement.
If you do the job yourself, I suggest that you ask questions about the products and choose one with proven results. Then, be sure to follow the directions correctly. It is usually a multi-step process with time necessary between different applications.
While it is a job you can do yourself, it’s one that body shops do frequently, quickly, and affordably. Ultimately, having the experts handle the job can save you a lot of time and possibly money down the line.
