If your headlight covers have turned yellow and/or foggy, you’ve probably noticed that it’s pretty difficult to see very far ahead on the road when driving at night. Some of you may even be using your brights far more often than you should.  Sure, you can see better, but you are inadvertently blinding every driver going the opposite direction. In addition to ticking off other people on the road, the last thing you want is to get into an accident all because of your discolored, foggy headlight covers.

Many drivers are unaware that there’s a solution to getting grimy headlight covers back into shape – and instead assume that this type of wear-and-tear is just part of owning a vehicle.

There are also plenty of people have experimented with a variety of methods for cleaner headlights. Some of these solutions have yielded minor success, but not enough.  Here are a couple of common methods and reasons why they may not be the best way to clean headlights:

Using Toothpaste to Clean Headlights

You may have heard that using toothpaste is the best method for cleaning headlights. Maybe you’ve even heard it will make them look like new again. Though this gooey stuff may help remove a layer of discoloration and grime, toothpaste will not remove the multitude of scratches and dings that have accumulated on the surface of your headlight covers throughout the years.  These scratches and dings are primarily responsible for the distortion in your headlights, and are what need to be addressed in order to get crisp, clear, clean headlights.

When using toothpaste, you also have to be very careful what type of paste you use. For example, mint or whitening agents that are found in most toothpastes can actually damage your headlight covers.  In the end, using regular toothpaste may offer some temporary results, but won’t provide the level of protection your headlight covers need to withstand further damage and discoloration – again, it can’t remove the most important problem: scratches and/or dings.  We recommend keeping toothpaste out of the garage and leaving it in your bathroom, where it belongs.

Does Using Aluminum polishing compound Achieve Clean Headlights?

Aluminum polishing compound is another popular method people choose to remove oxidation from headlight covers.  When using this method, you must clean the outside surface of the headlight covers with soap and water, making sure they’re completely dry before you apply the compound.  Once dried, you’ll need to apply the compound with a soft, dry cloth using small circular motions.  The compound must also be completely dry before you continue cleaning headlights and buffing the lenses.

This process will likely need to be repeated over and over until your headlights are completely clear.  Sometimes this can take three or more coats until the oxidation on your headlight covers is completely gone.  Can you say backache?  An aluminum polishing compound may deliver clearer looking covers and even remove a few scratches, but similar to toothpaste, it will not provide your headlight covers with ample enough protection, and will need to be reapplied regularly.

Scorpion Headlight Repair System – the best way to clean your headlights

Rather than experimenting with other household cleaning solutions or scouring internet forums for the best DIY methods on how to clean headlights, check out this video.  You’ll find out exactly how to clean foggy headlights and restore your headlight covers for the long run, the right way.

Our headlight repair kit will offer you the long-lasting protection your headlight covers need to prevent scratches, fogginess, and discoloration from UV rays, saving you the trouble and expense of more frequent upkeep and repair. If you are currently a member of the Scorpion family of dealers, headlight repair services are an excellent add-on service for your customers!

Click here to get more information about how to clean headlights.