Post: The reasons and treatment methods for the yellowing of headlights

The main reasons for the yellowing of headlights include the following:
Accumulation of dust and dirt: After long-term use, a large amount of dust, dirt and other impurities will accumulate on the surface of car headlights, which will cause the headlights to turn yellow.

1. Aging: The service life of car headlights is usually two to three years. After this period, the material of the headlights will age, causing its surface to turn yellow.
2. Ultraviolet radiation: Car headlights are directly exposed to the sun for a long time, and long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays will also cause the surface of the headlights to turn yellow.
3. Oil stain pollution: If the car engine leaks oil or the oil splashes on the headlights, the surface of the headlights will also turn yellow.
4. Improper cleaning: Using inappropriate detergents or incorrect cleaning methods may also cause the surface of the headlights to turn yellow.
5. Material characteristics: Currently, more than 99% of the headlights on the market are made of polycarbonate materials as headlight covers. This material is exposed to high temperature, ultraviolet rays and oxidation in the air for a long time, and will turn yellow and crack.
   In order to keep the headlights clean and bright, it is recommended to wipe the surface of the headlights regularly with a soft cloth and avoid using improper detergents and cleaning methods. At the same time, regularly polishing and waxing the headlights, as well as parking the vehicle in a cool place to reduce the chance of the headlights being exposed to ultraviolet rays, can help extend the service life of the headlights.
   The main methods for dealing with yellowing headlights include:
6. Wiping with a soft cloth: Using a soft cloth to wipe gently can avoid the formation of stubborn stains and keep the headlights bright. Avoid using a rough rag or wiping hard, because the surface of the headlights is easily scratched. Once the surface of the headlights is scratched, it is easy to hide dirt and it is difficult to clean.
   Soapy water cleaning: Pour the soaked soapy water evenly on the surface of the headlights. After about 10 minutes, use a sponge to wipe repeatedly to completely remove the dirt, and it also has a certain polishing effect.
7. Polishing: If the above methods do not work, you can go to a car beauty shop for polishing. The polishing + grinding method is very effective for yellowing headlights.
   Fumigation repair: First, put a seal on the edge of the headlight, then polish it one by one with sandpaper of varying coarseness, and finally use professional tools to put on the protective film. This is a more thorough repair method.
8. Use polishing agent: The special polishing agent for headlights sold in 4S shops can play a cleaning role. If the headlights turn yellow, you can apply polishing agent, then wipe them with a soft cloth, and then wax the headlights to protect them well.
9. Daily cleaning: The headlights can be gently wiped with soapy water or decontamination wax with a soft cloth to remove the dirt on them. Because soapy water is mild and non-corrosive, it will not have any effect on the headlights.
10. Sandpaper polishing: Use different types of sandpaper to polish the surface of the headlights to remove the yellowed parts, but be careful not to wipe the outer paint.
    Choosing the right method depends on the degree of yellowing of the headlights and the individual’s operating ability. For non-professionals, soapy water cleaning and polishing are easier to operate and have better results. If the yellowing is serious, you can consider professional fumigation repair or send it to a car repair shop for maintenance.