There is a little-known trick that allows you to restore your car’s headlights at a low cost, refreshing their appearance and making our journeys safer.
We often talk about the importance of good car maintenance, and one of the things that is often overlooked is the care given to the headlights. Over time, they can become opaque and yellowed, which not only affects the aesthetics of the vehicle, but more importantly, your safety, by reducing nighttime visibility. Over time, car headlights, usually made of polycarbonate, suffer the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, especially during the summer months, combined with other factors such as pollution, road debris and chemicals. This prolonged exposure causes oxidation and degradation of the surface, making the headlights yellow or opaque.
Undoubtedly, the first instinct for a car owner would be to consult experts specialized in headlight restoration or to purchase one of the cleaning kits available on the market. However, those who want to restore their headlights at a lower cost can use a trick that will cost them nothing more than a few cents, using two products that are found in every home.
In particular, a “modest” lemon and baking soda can effectively restore headlights. Both products are known for their gentle abrasive properties and ability to remove impurities. The acidity of the lemon helps break down contaminants and dirt, while the baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant, removing the surface layers of oxidation that make headlights cloudy. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preliminary cleaning: Before anything else, it is essential to clean the surface of the headlight with water and a mild soap. Dry well with a clean cloth.
2. Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and baking soda until you have a smooth paste. If the consistency is too runny, add a little more baking soda. If it is too thick, a little more lemon juice will do the trick. At this point, you may hear a noise coming from the lemon and baking soda reacting, but there is no need to worry.
3. Application: Using a clean cloth or sponge, apply the mixture to the headlight using circular motions. Make sure to cover the entire opaque surface.
4. Rub gently: Circular motions ensure even application and help remove dirt and oxidation. Rub the surface for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Rinse: Once scrubbing is complete, rinse the headlight thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue of the paste.
6. Drying: Dry the headlight with a clean, soft cloth. Make sure there is no residue of the solution left.
7. Polishing (optional): For an even shinier finish, you can apply some car polish to the headlight and gently buff it.
While this method produces excellent results, to ensure the longevity of the job, it may be a good idea to apply a UV protection product specifically designed for headlights. This will help protect them from future sun damage. Finally, be aware that this mixture can restore the clarity of your headlights, but not as much as what specially trained technicians can do.