If you’ve ever had a car, then you know that the headlights are not immune to the elements. One of the most common issues with headlights is sun damage. Sun can cause the headlight’s plastic to warp and discolor, which reduces its effectiveness. It is important to know how to protect car headlights from sun damage.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your headlights from sun damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes sun damage and some tips for preventing it. We’ll also talk about how to fix damaged headlights. So, if you want to keep your headlights looking good for years to come, read on!
Tools You Will Need
1. Wax or sealant
2. Car cover
3. Headlight restoration kit
What Causes Sun Damage?
Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are invisible to the human eye but can cause significant damage over time. UV rays break down the plastic of headlights, causing it to become brittle and discolored. Sun damage is a serious matter and can have long-term implications on our skin. The harmful rays from the sun come in three forms: UVB, UVA, and infrared radiation. UVB rays are responsible for causing superficial burns.
They age the skin by resulting in discoloration and wrinkles. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to DNA damage that can lead to cancerous mutations. Another form of radiation emitted from the sun is infrared waves. These waves increase the skin temperature and lead to collagen breakdown, loss of firmness, inflammation, uneven tone as well as an aged appearance over time with prolonged exposure. Protecting ourselves from these inevitable effects is key; applying sunscreen daily before going outside is essential!
8 Easy Steps Guide on How to Protect Car Headlights From Sun Damage
1. Wax or Sealant
Applying a coat of wax or sealant to protect your car headlights from sun damage is important. This will provide a barrier between the plastic casing and the UV rays, protecting it from discoloring and becoming brittle over time. Maintaining your car’s headlights should be a priority for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle in top condition; without proper protection, sunlight can cause the casing of your headlight to discolor and even become brittle.
To guard your headlights against UV rays, applying a coat of either wax or sealant is essential. Wax acts as a natural buffer against sun damage, however, it will need to be reapplied every few months; for longer-lasting protection, you can use an automotive sealant which will last up to one year between applications. Investing in this type of protective measure is an easy way to extend the life of your car’s headlights and keep them shining bright!
2. Car Cover
Another way to protect your car headlights from sun damage is to invest in a car cover. A car cover acts as an extra layer of protection against the elements and can help prevent discoloration and warping of headlights over time. Investing in a car cover is a wise way to protect your car headlights from sun damage. Car covers are designed to create an extra barrier to guard against dirt, dust, grime, pollen, and other environmental hazards.
That could potentially harm the appearance of your headlights over time. With a car cover in place, the ultraviolet rays from the sun cannot directly hit the lenses which can help prevent discoloration or warping. In addition, a car cover can provide some insulation during cold days which can help minimize condensation on cold nights. All of these factors combine to make investing in a car cover for your vehicle a smart choice for protecting your headlight lenses and preserving their appearance.
3. Park in the Shade
If possible, try to park your car in the shade whenever you can. This will reduce the amount of direct sunlight your headlights have to endure, which can help avoid damage. During sunny days, parking your car in the shade is a great way to help protect the sensitive components of your headlights. If you’re able, try to park with an object such as a tree or garage blocking direct sunlight and heat from shining down on your vehicle.
This will ultimately avoid breaking down a critical safety system, ensuring maximum longevity for your car and keeping you safe as well. Furthermore, this small habit can also lead to helping reduce global warming since lighter colors absorb less heat than darker colors. Doing what you can to help protect the environment and extend the lifetime of your car can be beneficial in many ways!
4. Clean Regularly
Cleaning your car regularly will remove any dirt and debris that may be stuck in the headlights and prevent them from becoming discolored or warped over time. Keeping your car clean has many advantages, not least of which is keeping your headlights in like-new condition. Regular cleaning removes dirt and debris that can get lodged in the headlights over time, preventing them from becoming discolored or warped.
The results will show out on the road, as having clean headlights can allow you to see better at night, thereby making your drive safer and more enjoyable. Additionally, you’ll be able to spot any potential issues with your headlight lenses, so they can be repaired before they become too serious. So keep it clean and keep it safe–regularly cleaning your car is the best way to protect your headlight lenses and stay safe on the road.
5. Window Tint:
Applying a window tint to your car windows can help block out UV rays and protect your headlights from sun damage. Installing a window tint on your car is like purchasing an extra sheet of armor for your vehicle. Not only does a window tint help protect you, your passengers, and the interior of the car from UV light exposure – potentially prevents skin damage.
But it also helps to safeguard against sun bleaching or discoloring of your dashboard and other plastic components. Additionally, it guards against sun-induced cracking or splitting of other materials in your car. Of particular importance, window tints can help preserve the clarity and effectiveness of headlights, so no matter what time it is when you’re out on the roads, you can always be sure to have bright illumination, which is not only beneficial for night visibility but also adds an extra layer of safety for all drivers on the road.
6. Replace Old Headlights
If you have old headlights, it may be time to replace them with newer models that are designed to resist the effects of UV rays better. Replacing old headlights doesn’t just boost vehicle aesthetics and performance, it can also make your driving experience safer. Newer models have been designed to be better equipped to stand up to the elements, like harmful UV rays.
Most headlights are built of polycarbonate plastic which is known to be susceptible to yellowing and cracking when exposed over time. Upgrading can help your vehicle look great while ensuring that you are safe while driving on roads day or night. A simple change can go a long way in increasing road safety.
7. Use Sunscreen Products
Some companies make products specifically designed to protect car headlights from sun damage. Using a product like this can help reduce fading and cracking of your headlights over time. Investing in a sunscreen product specifically designed for your car headlights can save you time and money in the long run! Not only do these products help protect against UV ray damage.
But also guard against fading and cracking of your car’s headlights. Depending on the type of product you purchase, some may also offer extra protection features such as scratch resistance and high-gloss shine. Ultimately, investing in a quality sunscreen product for your car’s headlights is a wise choice so that it looks great now – and in the future.
8. Headlight Restoration Kit
If you do find yourself with discolored, cracked, or warped headlights, don’t panic! There are headlight restoration kits available that can restore your headlights to their former glory. If your headlights are looking less than stellar, then headlight restoration kits may be the solution you need. These products can restore the clarity – and even shine – of your headlights without having to replace them entirely.
In addition to saving you money on what could easily be an expensive installation process, they also make it quick and easy to get your car back to looking its best. Not sure where to start? Do some research online for reviews and tips from satisfied customers, and decide which kit is right for you.
How to Prevent Sun Damage to Car Headlights?
Sun damage to car headlights can reduce visibility and increase the risk of an accident, so it’s important to take proactive steps for prevention. There are many ways to keep your car headlights safe from the sun’s UV rays, like parking in a shaded area whenever possible or covering the hood with thin material. Regularly cleaning your headlight lenses with a mild detergent and sealing them with wax can help prevent cracking, clouding, and discoloration due to sun exposure.
You can also install aftermarket plastic covers over the headlights that offer additional protection against UV light. Installing window tinting can help as it refracts some harmful UV light away from the headlights while also providing overall protection against aging and fading to all parts of your car. No matter what you choose, taking preventive measures is usually cheaper than dealing with expensive repairs later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Fix Damaged Car Headlights?
Having damaged headlights isn’t just an eyesore, it can be dangerous as well. Taking care of the problem promptly is key, and thankfully there are a variety of solutions available. If you have a small crack or chip in your headlight’s surface, you may be able to use a headlight repair kit; these kits come with special paint and compound that will take care of light scratches. In addition.
If your damage is more severe, you may want to invest in some new headlight covers that can easily be installed on top of your existing ones. Whichever route you go down, headlight repairs and replacements can seem like daunting tasks at times but staying vigilant with regular checkups or opting for professional help will ensure your safety is always priority number one!
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Headlight Repaired/replaced?
The cost of repairing or replacing a headlight depends heavily on the type of car you own and even the specific headlight. Generally, a simple repair on an older sedan will be significantly less than a full replacement on a sports car. It is important to factor in the cost of labor when getting this type of work done, as it can push up the total cost significantly.
When getting estimates, make sure to ask for an inclusive price that covers both parts and labor. Additionally, always use reputable shops that provide warranties for their parts and services; doing so will ensure that you have peace of mind over the quality of work.
You Can Check it Out to Seal Led Light Bar
Conclusion
With the right steps and products, you can protect your car headlights from sun damage and keep them looking good for years to come! You should carefully determine how to protect car headlights from sun damage.
Be sure to clean and wax them regularly, park in the shade whenever possible, apply a window tint, replace old headlights if needed, and use sunscreen products to reduce fading or cracking. If necessary, use a headlight restoration kit to fix any damage that has already been done. With these tips in mind, you can keep your headlights looking good as new!
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