The video tutorial explains a 3-step process to permanently restore yellowing headlights to their original clarity.
Step 1: Clean the headlight and surrounding area with a microfiber towel. Then, use sandpaper (600, 1500, and 3000 grit) to remove the yellowing top layer of the lens.
Step 2: Use a cutting compound, car polish, or metal polish to remove scratches and achieve a smooth finish. Apply the polish using a wool pad or foam pad with a drill, maintaining uniform pressure and keeping the pad flat against the headlight.
Step 3: Apply a protective coating to prevent the headlight from yellowing again. Five options are presented: UV hard-coat (not practical for home use), aftermarket headlight coating (lasts about a year), clear coat (not recommended), headlight covers (leaves a gap and can turn yellow), and headlight protection film (recommended, lasts about 5 years). The video demonstrates how to install the headlight protection film.
By following these steps, you can restore your yellowing headlights to their original clarity and protect them from future damage.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic with a UV protective coating.
2. Over time, the UV protective coating wears off, and UV rays from the sun break down the plastic, causing it to yellow.
3. Yellowing headlights can have poor light output on the road at night.
4. Sanding and polishing can be used to restore yellowed headlights.
5. The restoration process involves three steps: cleaning and preparing the headlight, sanding and polishing, and applying a protective coating.
6. Different types of sandpaper and polish can be used, including 600-grit, 1500-grit, and 3000-grit sandpaper, and cutting compound, car polish, and metal polish.
7. A headlight polishing kit can be used to make the process easier and faster.
8. After sanding and polishing, a protective coating can be applied to prevent the headlight from yellowing again.
9. There are several options for protective coatings, including UV hard-coat, aftermarket headlight coating, clear coat, and headlight protection film.
10. Headlight protection film is a popular option that can last for about five years and does not affect the headlight's light output.
11. The film can be installed at home with a few simple tools, including a razor blade, squeegee, heat gun, and spray bottle.
12. The film is breathable and thin, allowing for heat dissipation from the headlight.
13. The film can be trimmed to fit the headlight and excess film can be removed with a razor blade.