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Question · Headlight Restoration

Why do headlights get foggy and yellow?

UV from the sun breaks down the factory clear coat on the headlight lens. Heat and washing accelerate it. The lens itself is fine. Only the protective coating degrades.

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Part of Headlight Restoration

This question is part of our Headlight Restoration service. See the full service overview, what's included, and how to schedule a walk-around.

WHEN THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT CALL

When to pick something else.

Don't try to fix it by polishing alone if the UV coating is already gone. The polish makes them clear for 3-6 months, then they fog faster than before. You need to wet-sand AND apply a new UV sealant.

FAQS

Common follow-up questions.

How long after restoration before they fog again?

With a proper UV sealant, 18 months to 3 years. Without the sealant, 4-8 months.

Can I prevent it on a new car?

Yes. Some PPF and ceramic installers offer headlight-specific UV protection. We include it on our PPF front-end packages.

Are foggy headlights actually dangerous?

Yes. They cut your headlight output by 60-80 percent. Night driving with foggy headlights is genuinely less safe.

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