Why headlights turn yellow
Modern headlight lenses are plastic with a factory clear coat. Sun, heat and road debris wear that coat down, and the plastic beneath oxidizes into a yellow, cloudy layer. The result is less light on the road.
On the dark stretches of the 403 or on side roads, that loss of output is noticeable. Our guide to why headlights turn yellow explains the chemistry.
You can check your own: if the lens looks milky or amber in daylight, and if the beam looks dim and scattered on a dark road, it is time. Standing in front of the car at night with the lights on, a restored lens throws a cleaner, brighter pattern onto the garage door.
The restoration process
Headlight restoration is quoted with your vehicle. The process:
- Wash and tape off the surrounding paint.
- Wet-sand the lens in stages to remove oxidized plastic.
- Polish the lens to clarity.
- Clean with solvent so no residue remains.
- Apply a UV protective layer to slow the return of yellowing.
- Check the result with you.
See the headlight restoration service for more detail.
The whole job per headlight takes a fraction of the time of a detail, so it is easy to add on to another visit. Both lenses are done together so they match.
What it can and cannot fix
Restoration fixes surface oxidation. It cannot fix moisture inside the housing or a cracked lens, and it will not fix a failing bulb. If water is sitting inside the lens, the housing needs to be sealed or replaced. We will tell you what we see before we start.
It also is not permanent. UV exposure will eventually wear any protective layer, so garaging the car helps keep them clear.
Safety, inspection and the legal side
Hazy lenses scatter light, reducing how far down the road you can see and dazzling oncoming drivers. If you are preparing a car for a safety inspection or to sell it, clear headlights also make a visible difference to how the whole car looks. A set of cloudy lenses can make a clean car look neglected, even when the rest of it shines.
We keep the process neat: we tape the paint around each lamp, protect the bumper and clean up the sanding slurry. It is also a good moment to add a wash or a full detail, which our Full Detail package covers.
Booking in Burlington
Headlights are often added to another service. Ask for them when you request a quote for a detail, and we will include them in the price, quoted with your vehicle. We work at your driveway in Millcroft or elsewhere, with our own water, power and lighting. See also Burlington car detailing.
We work Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Pay by card, e-transfer or cash.