Oxidation Nightmare

All drivers look at their cars like their own children and want to get maximum efficiency from every part. On the other hand, after the cars leave the factory, they need some part replacements over time. First of all, everyone thinks about belt and oil change, which are standard activities, right? However, the subject we're going to talk about today is a little more specific, and we are sure that this is the nightmare of many drivers. The name of this nightmare is oxidation! In your mind, "Why Headlights Oxidize?", "How to Clean Oxidation on Headlights?" If there are questions like this, our article can answer your questions.

Structure of the Headlights

In order to determine the reason behind this problem, we first need to take a closer look at the structure of the headlights. Headlight components made of glass material and given certain shapes in the past were removed from the market due to safety weaknesses over time. Headlights must be robust for both pedestrian and driver safety, as the headlights are the most exposed part of the car in general. For this reason, all current production cars use polycarbonate headlights. Polycarbonate plastic is an extremely durable material and provides the durability the part needs. The interior of this structure consists of a parabola mirror, a light source, and a reflector. The parabola collects the light from the main light source by reflecting it and illuminates the front of the vehicle through the headlight lens.

Why Headlights Oxidize?

So, how does such a robust and important part of the automobile endanger your safety by losing its colour and transparency over time? We mentioned above that polycarbonate is a very durable material. When we look closely at the structure of the material, we see that the surface of the polycarbonate material has a porous structure. Thanks to this structure, the headlights of the car become light and highly durable. Despite this advantage, the source of the oxidation problem of the headlights is this porous structure. When the polycarbonate acrylic material, which aims to protect the headlight material on the outer surface, begins to lose its effect, harmful external factors such as sun rays start to oxidize the headlights. The biggest factor in the loss of effect of acrylic material is chemicals and sunlight that damage this material. These are the main factors that cause the oxidation problem.

How to Clean Oxidation on Headlights?

Although various methods such as toothpaste have been developed to clean the headlights of the vehicle, the most definitive solution is polish. Liquid polish and sandpaper are inseparable in cleaning with polish. First of all, the headlight is surrounded by a protective band. This must be done carefully to avoid damage to the bodywork or paint of your car. In the next step, sand the headlight with fine grit sandpaper with slow movements, without being overloaded. Continue this until you get a matte finish. Make sure you do not miss any point by rinsing in the last part. After drying, blend the polish thoroughly and apply with gentle movements. Continue this process until the look of the headlight becomes clear and bright. In some cases, internal cleaning may be required due to the dirt accumulated in the headlight. Our advice to you in this regard is to consult an expert because if you try to do it yourself, you can damage the very sensitive internal structure and cause much greater financial losses.