Yellowing and aging of car headlights is a common problem, which is mainly caused by the following reasons:
Ultraviolet radiation: Headlights are usually made of polycarbonate plastic. Although this material has high light transmittance and impact resistance, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays will accelerate its aging process and cause the surface to turn yellow.
High temperature influence: When the car is driving, the halogen bulb inside the headlight will generate high temperature. Long-term high-temperature baking will accelerate the aging of the plastic and cause the lampshade to turn yellow.
Environmental oxidation: After the surface material of the headlight comes into contact with oxygen in the air, an oxidation reaction may occur. Over time, this reaction will cause the lampshade to lose its original transparency and become blurred and yellow.
Dust and dirt accumulation: During daily driving, dust and dirt will accumulate on the surface of the headlights. These impurities will adhere to the surface of the headlights for a long time, which will also make the headlights dim.
Improper cleaning: Using inappropriate cleaning agents or methods may damage the surface of the headlights, causing them to age and turn yellow prematurely.
In fact, the method is also very simple. Pay more attention to car washing and apply protective film yourself.
Here are some detailed steps and suggestions to help you get it done easily.
1. Evaluate the degree of aging First, you need to carefully check the degree of aging of the headlights. If the surface is only slightly yellowed, it can be restored through some simple methods. But if the lampshade is severely aged and cracked, more complex repair methods or replacement may be required.
2. Prepare tools and materials Sandpaper (400 mesh, 600 mesh, 2000 mesh) Water Alcohol Car-specific cleaner Soft cloth Transparent plastic Self-spray paint or headlight repair liquid Masking tape Fumigation equipment (if necessary)
3. Grinding repair For slight yellowing, you can try to use sandpaper of different coarseness and fineness for grinding. Rough grinding: Use 400-grit sandpaper and add water to grind the surface of the lampshade to remove the oxide layer. Fine grinding: Then use 600-grit sandpaper for further grinding to remove the traces of rough grinding. Polishing: Finally, use 2000-grit sandpaper to polish the surface to make it smooth. Remember to add water continuously during the grinding process to avoid scratches.
4. Cleaning and preparation After sanding, rinse off all sanding particles with clean water and wipe dry with a clean towel. If conditions permit, clean the surface of the lampshade with alcohol to prepare for painting.
5. Painting Choose a self-spray paint suitable for plastic materials (such as varnish), and spray it evenly on the lampshade after masking other parts of the vehicle. Masking: Use masking tape to protect the area around the headlights to avoid contamination during painting. Spraying: It is recommended to spray several times, and let the paint dry thoroughly before spraying the next layer each time. Drying: When spraying, try to do it in sunny weather to ensure that the paint can be fully dried.
6. Fumigation repair For more serious aging, you can try the fumigation repair method. Repair fluid: Use headlight repair fluid and operate according to the instructions. Fumigation lamp: Use special fumigation lamp equipment and fumigate according to the equipment instructions. Fumigation can slightly melt the plastic on the surface of the lampshade, thereby filling scratches and aging cracks and restoring transparency.
7. Daily maintenance To prevent the aging of the headlights, it is recommended to clean them regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Cleaning: Use a special car cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe gently, and avoid scratching with hard objects. Sun protection: Try to park the vehicle in a cool place to reduce direct sunlight.
8. Professional service If you are not sure how to do it yourself, or the aging of the headlights is serious, it is recommended to consult a professional auto repair shop.
To slow down the yellowing and aging process of the headlights, you can take the following measures: Regular cleaning: Use a neutral detergent such as soapy water to clean the headlights regularly to remove dust and dirt. Avoid direct sunlight: Try to park the vehicle in a cool place to reduce the time the headlights are exposed to the sun. Use a protective film: Apply an anti-ultraviolet protective film to the headlights to slow down the aging caused by ultraviolet radiation. Professional repair: For headlights that have turned yellow, you can consider using a professional headlight repair kit for repair, including grinding, polishing and spraying a protective layer