Summer arrives — and it affects everything. Heat and UV rays can damage one of the most important parts of your car: the headlights. Poor headlight condition is not just an aesthetic problem but also a road safety hazard. Burnt or cloudy headlights can significantly impair the driver’s visibility and are a direct factor in safe driving.
In this article, from Ralarsa workshops, we’ll share some tips on how to clean sun‑damaged car headlights. Once you know how to get them polished, we’ll explain how to protect them from sunny days so they take longer to become cloudy again.
How to check if my headlights are cloudy?
Before you get to work, it’s important to check your headlights’ condition to see how bad it is. In most cases, you may notice a dim light output when they’re on. However, deterioration is often progressive and worsens without you realising.
The easiest way to check if a headlight is cloudy is to assess its colour. Cloudy headlights have a distinct yellowish hue caused by light mixing with dirt. This combination blocks the lens and diffuses the beam, preventing full illumination. Even on a new vehicle, headlights can become cloudy in just a few months if conditions are unfavourable, with a notable reduction in visibility.
How to clean sun‑damaged car headlights?
Once you notice the light output decreasing and see the headlight lens turning yellow, it’s time to clean them. For plastic headlights, commonly available products like soap, sandpaper, or hydrogen peroxide can help. It’s doable as a DIY solution in urgent cases, but we recommend professional servicing for a more thorough and longer‑lasting result.
For glass headlights, we strongly recommend that the work be done professionally, as they require more precise care and specialised chemical products.
At Ralarsa, we offer a car headlight polishing service. Using specific products and removing the top layer, we eliminate all dirt and restore lens transparency. This service is highly recommended if the headlights are severely cloudy, before a long trip, or in order to pass the MOT inspection.
How to protect your car’s headlights?
Now that you know how to clean sun‑damaged car headlights, it’s time to learn how to prevent returning to the same situation. That’s why we’ll explain how to protect your car’s headlights from the sun.
To prevent clouding, it’s important to minimise UV ray damage. This means applying UV‑blocking protectors to your vehicle. There are several protection methods:
- UV sealant. The most common product — a typically adhesive liquid that forms a protective layer against the sun and clouding.
- Spray varnish. Creates a similar barrier but is lighter than sealant; a more affordable solution.
- Protective headlight films. A simple but equally effective method. A transparent film shaped to the headlight protects it not only from dirt and yellowing but also from possible impacts.
Take care of your headlights with Ralarsa
At Ralarsa, we’ve previously emphasised that polishing your car’s headlights is key to driving safety. We’re an experienced workshop in protecting headlights from sun damage. That’s why we offer a headlight polishing service, knowing that lighting is one of the main factors in maintaining road safety.
If this article made you realise your headlights are cloudy, don’t worry — we offer a 24/7 service so you can consult us anytime. Or simply bring your car to any of our workshops. We have over 270 centres throughout Spain to stay close to you. Shine brighter with us!
