Cloudy Headlights Covers

[chrisedge]

Hi. 02 rav4 headlight plastic going cloudy. Help please. Is the cover a separate item or do i have to buy a whole new unit-at vast expence. Thanks

[anchorman]

You can buy a headlight restoration kit.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Meguiars-Headlight-Clear-Plastic-Restoration-Kit-/150593748979?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2310163ff3

[IanXT4]

Nice kit Anchorman.

I have found a good plastic polish, damp soft cloth and elbow grease also works. If your headlights are badly hazed you might need the power buffer. (or even 2000 wet&dry)

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/acatalog/Meguiars_Clear_Plastic_Cleaner.html

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/blog/2011/03/17/clear-plastic-headlight-restoration/

(Please note I am not recommending this specific site only the product)

I removed the cloudy patches on my headlights with Meguiars clear plastic cleaner, I then finished off the cleaning with a polymer sealant/polish I had lying around in the garage. I am hoping that the UV filters in the sealant might delay the headlight going cloudy again.

Apparently plastic headlights are coated with a UV layer which lasts a few years. Polishing them clear again removes this layer which means they will haze again in months rather than years . Googling reveals there are spray on coatings that can be re-applied but they are look specialist/expensive ?

Make sure anything you apply is safe for use on plastics.

[firemac]

Nice kit Anchorman.

I have found a good plastic polish, damp soft cloth and elbow grease also works. If your headlights are badly hazed you might need the power buffer. (or even 2000 wet&dry)

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/acatalog/Meguiars_Clear_Plastic_Cleaner.html

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/blog/2011/03/17/clear-plastic-headlight-restoration/

(Please note I am not recommending this specific site only the product)

I removed the cloudy patches on my headlights with Meguiars clear plastic cleaner, I then finished off the cleaning with a polymer sealant/polish I had lying around in the garage. I am hoping that the UV filters in the sealant might delay the headlight going cloudy again.

Apparently plastic headlights are coated with a UV layer which lasts a few years. Polishing them clear again removes this layer which means they will haze again in months rather than years . Googling reveals there are spray on coatings that can be re-applied but they are look specialist/expensive ?

Make sure anything you apply is safe for use on plastics.

Toothpaste on a damp cloth works. Apply, allow it to dry to a haze then polish off with clean cloth. Did it on better half's 5-door & it worked a treat. Can't comment on UV issue though. There's a step-by-step picture guide on t'net - guess you simply google something like "toothbrushing car headlights" or similar?

[Davrav]

Toothpaste on a damp cloth works. Apply, allow it to dry to a haze then polish off with clean cloth. Did it on better half's 5-door & it worked a treat. Can't comment on UV issue though. There's a step-by-step picture guide on t'net - guess you simply google something like "toothbrushing car headlights" or similar?

Just make sure you have a good cover story for when wife complains about getting dead flies and other flying insects stuck in her teeth after brushing

[Styeve Roberts]

There some very useful information here that might be helpful: headlight restorer

[Mr.Fixit-Norm]

Cleaned mine with gel toothpaste, plus upgraded bulbs to Halfords extreme brilliance 60/55 xenon bulbs ( £19.99. / pair ) and the difference was quite noticeable , much brighter white light. Def. worth doing.

Norm

[bothwell_buyer]

Reminds me of this...