Polycarbonate / plastic headlight lens clarity

The importance of polycarbonate / plastic headlight lens polishing / restoration

     Unlike the previous automotive generation headlights which were standard-fit, and had glass or lead-crystal lenses, most of the newer generation composite-fit, polycarbonate / plastic headlight lenses require occasional clarity (clearness) restoration.

     Dulled plastic headlight lenses are a safety hazard, so be sure that you keep your headlight lenses clear for the best and safest night-driving performance.  You can have a professional maintain the clarity, or you may wish to do it yourself.  Check out an auto parts and accessories store or department for a headlight restoration kit or single bottle of plastic polish designed for headlights.  For the product you wish to choose, be sure to read all the instructions while you are at the store, and before purchase.  This is a good idea, since while you are there, you may find out that you also need to purchase an additional item such as a set of microfiber towels, etc.

     After your headlights are fully restored, on the average, it’s a good idea to do a brief polishing every 6 months to maintain clarity.  Note that the more miles you drive your car each month, generally the more often you’ll need to polish plastic headlight lenses.   Note that road chemicals (in snowy areas), general road dirt, tree sap, and excessive exposure to sunlight will cause the lenses to dull faster than when exposed to lesser amounts of these.