Why Do Headlights Turn Yellow? Causes and Solutions

“Why do headlights turn yellow?” is a common question among car owners. This a question many car owners grapple with because not only do yellow headlights look bad, but they can also make it hard to see the road at night.

The good news is that there are various ways to fix it. In this article, you’ll explore the various reasons why headlights turn yellow and the ways you can make them clear again.

Why Are Your Headlights Turning Yellow? Common Causes

Your headlights are turning yellow because of oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance is exposed to oxygen over time. In the case of headlights, the plastic lens is typically coated with a clear protective layer to prevent oxidation.

The main reason you have yellowing headlights is because, over time, this layer breaks down due to exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, moisture or water vapor, and pollution. When the protective layer breaks down, the plastic lens is exposed to oxygen and begins to oxidize, causing headlights turning yellow.

The oxidation process occurs because the plastic molecules in the headlight lens react with oxygen in the air, forming a new layer of molecules on the surface. This is the most common answer to

why do headlights get yellow?

This layer of molecules is typically yellow or brown, which is why the headlights become discolored.

Additionally, as the oxidation progresses, the surface of the headlight can become rough and pitted, which further exacerbates the discoloration and reduces the clarity of the lens. In some cases, you may see headlights yellowing from inside if moisture or dirt has entered through cracks or gaps in the headlight sealant. Also, this explains why do headlights get foggy inside.

– Debris Buildup Is the Hidden Culprit Behind Yellowing Headlights

Flying debris, such as rocks and sand, can hit the headlights while driving and cause small scratches and shallow pits on the surface of the plastic lens. Over time, dirt, dust, and other similar debris can accumulate in these scratches and pits, making it difficult to clean the headlights effectively.

This can result in a yellowish discoloration of headlights, as the debris build-up blocks the light from shining through the plastic. Moreover, when the protective clear coat of the headlights is scratched or damaged, the plastic lens is exposed to the air and sun, which can cause oxidation and further discoloration.

The combination of debris build-up and oxidation can make the headlights appear yellow or brown and reduce their brightness. If you are wondering

“Do glass headlights turn yellow?”

The answer is no unless it is a build-up of dirt on the glass. Glass does not react to UV rays, which on plastic promotes oxidation and discoloration of headlights.

– Not Sealing Headlights After Cleaning

Not sealing your headlights after cleaning them can cause yellowing because it leaves the plastic lens vulnerable to environmental factors that can damage and discolor it over time. When you clean headlights, you may remove any existing protective clear coat or sealant, leaving the lens exposed to the air, moisture, and UV radiation from the sun.

That is how to prevent headlights from yellowing. If the lens is not sealed properly after cleaning, it may become vulnerable to oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that can cause the plastic to break down and turn yellow.

Additionally, UV radiation from the sun can also cause damage to the plastic lens if it is not properly sealed after cleaning. Over time, exposure to UV radiation can cause the plastic to degrade and turn yellow, reducing the clarity and brightness of the headlight.

– When Abrasive Cleaners Do More Harm Than Good

Abrasive cleaning can cause yellowing of headlights because it can damage the protective clear coat on the plastic lens. The plastic lens of the headlight is usually coated with a clear layer that protects it from the elements and keeps it clear and bright. However, if the lens becomes dirty or foggy, you may try to clean it using abrasive materials, such as steel wool, sandpaper, wet sand, or harsh chemicals.

These abrasive materials can scratch or damage the clear coat on the lens, which can allow moisture, dirt, and UV radiation from the sun to penetrate and damage the plastic. Over time, the plastic may become yellow or cloudy.

In addition to damaging the clear coat, abrasive cleaning can also cause tiny scratches and pits on the surface of the plastic lens, which can trap dirt and debris and make it harder to clean in the future. This can contribute to a buildup of debris on the surface of the lens, contributing to the yellowing of the headlights.

What Are Quick Solutions and Tips for Your Yellowing Headlights?

The quick solutions and tips for yellowing headlights involves regular cleaning using soapy water and a soft cloth. Cleaning yellow headlights with soapy water is like giving your car a spa day. It’s a gentle and soothing process that will leave your headlights looking like new. All you need is a bucket of warm water, some dish soap or car shampoo, and a soft cloth or sponge.

The first step is to mix the soapy solution and dip your cloth or sponge into it. Then, start scrubbing the headlight lens with circular motions. It’s important to use gentle pressure to avoid scratching the plastic lens. The soap will help to break down any dirt, debris, or buildup on the surface of the lens, while the soft cloth will gently buff away any stains.

After scrubbing the lens, rinse it with clean water to remove any soap residue. This will also give you a chance to check your progress and see if any more scrubbing is needed. Finally, dry the headlight lens with a clean, dry towel to prevent water spots or streaks. This is how to prevent headlights from getting cloudy.

– The Power of Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive product that can help buff away the outer layer of damage on your headlights. When mixed with water, baking soda forms a gentle paste that you can apply to the surface of your headlights with a soft cloth or sponge.

 

As you rub the paste onto the headlights, the abrasiveness of the baking soda works to remove the top layer of damage and grime, revealing a cleaner, clearer surface underneath.

– Use Headlight Cleaning Kits

You can quickly and easily restore your headlights to their former glory using a Headlight Cleaning Kit. First, you’ll need to purchase a Headlight Cleaning Kit. Some popular options include:

• Turtle wax headlight lens restorer kit t240kt
• Chemical guys headlight restorer and protectant gap11516
• Mothers nulens headlight renewal kit
• Sylvania headlight restoration kit 38771
• 39008 headlight lens restoration system 3m
• Meguiar’s g17804 keep clear headlight coating

You can search to see more about these products and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

– Using Toothpaste for a DIY Solution to Headlight Cleaning

Who knew you could use toothpaste as a do-it-yourself solution to clean your headlights and restore their clarity? The mild abrasives found in toothpaste are effective in removing the yellowing and cloudiness from the surface of the plastic lens. Toothpaste works particularly well on mild cases of oxidation or damage.

Start by cleaning the headlights and then use a soft cloth to rub the toothpaste into the surface of the headlights in a circular motion. Rinse with water and dry them with a clean cloth. If you still see some cloudiness or yellowing, repeat the process until you achieve the desired result. This is how to fix yellow headlights with toothpaste. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, yellowed headlights can be frustrating to deal with, but there are several causes and solutions to consider. Remember that prevention is always the best approach, so regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in preventing yellowing and cloudiness.

Here are the key takeaways from this post:

• Yellow headlights arise from exposure to UV rays and other environmental factors, oxidation, and buildup of dirt and grime.
• Other causes include damaged or scratched lenses.
• Solutions include regular cleaning with soap and water and using specialized headlight cleaning kits.
• DIY solutions include cleaning using toothpaste and baking soda.

By understanding the causes and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can keep your headlights looking clear and bright for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.