If you're a Jeep owner, you've probably noticed how your headlights can become foggy or yellow over time. This is due to oxidation and can seriously limit visibility, making night driving dangerous. But did you know that you can restore your headlights to their former glory using common household items like toothpaste and WD-40? In this article, we will verify the two methods.
Restoring Headlights with Toothpaste
First, let's talk about using toothpaste to restore your headlights. This method is surprisingly effective, thanks to the abrasiveness of the toothpaste, which helps scrape away years of grime. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather Your Materials
You'll need a toothbrush, toothpaste (preferably a gritty one), soap and water, a sponge or mitt, masking tape, a few soft cloths, paper towels, and some car wax.
2. Clean Your Headlight
Start by cleaning your headlight with soap and water. Rinse it off and dry it thoroughly.
3. Mask Off the Surrounding Areas
Use masking tape to protect the paint around the headlight from potential scratches.
4. Apply Toothpaste
Dampen a cloth with water, add a small dab of toothpaste, and begin rubbing the headlight firmly in a circular pattern. Keep adding toothpaste as you go to completely cover the headlight. Then, scrub away using the toothbrush. The toothpaste should start to turn yellow, indicating that it's working. This process should take about five minutes per headlight.
5. Rinse and Dry
Spray down the headlight with water and buff out the toothpaste with a clean paper towel. Repeat the cleaning process a couple more times for the best results.
6. Apply Car Wax
Once your headlights are restored, apply a small dab of car wax onto a clean cloth and begin rubbing in a circular motion. Buff out the wax using a clean cloth. This will protect your headlights from future damage.
This method is a temporary solution and will keep your headlights clear for about as long as you should go between dentist appointments. But for a quick, low-cost fix, it's a great option.
Restoring Headlights with WD-40
Next, let's talk about using WD-40 to restore your headlights. This method was tested with mixed results. While WD-40 did clean the grime off the surface of the headlight, it didn't significantly reduce the haziness. Here's how it was done:
1. Apply WD-40
Spray the product on the lens housing, rub it around for a while, and then wipe it off.
2. Use a Drill and Polishing Pad
Apply WD-40 to the lens and use a drill with a polishing pad to buff the surface. This seemed to cut through some of the haziness, but the effect may not last long once exposed to the elements and UV rays from the sun.
3. Avoid Steel Wool
Steel wool was also tested, but it scratched the lens and made the haziness worse. So, it's best to avoid using steel wool on your headlights.
In conclusion, while WD-40 can clean your headlights, it doesn't seem to be as effective as toothpaste for restoring them to their original clarity.
Final Thoughts
While these DIY methods can provide a temporary fix, they don't offer a long-term solution. Neither toothpaste nor WD-40 come with a sealer to protect against UV rays, which means your headlights are likely to become foggy again over time.
For a more permanent solution, consider investing in a proper headlight restoration kit. These kits are not prohibitively expensive and are designed specifically for the task, making them more effective than household items. They also often include a UV sealer to protect your headlights from future damage.
Remember, maintaining clear headlights is not just about aesthetics; it's a crucial safety measure. Foggy or yellow headlights can significantly reduce visibility while driving at night, posing a risk to you and others on the road. So, whether you choose a DIY method or a professional kit, make sure to take care of your headlights. If your headlights are too worn out, replacing them with brand new Jeep LED headlights is the best choice.
In the end, the toothpaste and WD-40 methods are fun and interesting experiments to try, and they can offer a quick fix if you're in a pinch. But for long-lasting results, a headlight restoration kit is the way to go.
So, next time you notice your headlights looking a bit foggy, don't head to the auto shop—head to the bathroom cabinet or your toolbox instead! With a little bit of elbow grease and some everyday items, you can restore your headlights and improve your nighttime visibility.
