If you have owned your vehicle for a long time, then you might’ve noticed its headlights becoming dull or discolored over the years. This type of problem can make your car look old, but it can also be a safety concern, as it decreases visibility at night. You might be wondering how car headlights dull or fog up on the inside and acquire chips and cracks. Depending on driving conditions, they can take a hard beating from road debris, dust, chemicals in the air and ultraviolet light.
Even with regular care and keeping up with preventative maintenance, some auto repairs in Madison, TN are inevitable, and headlight wear is no exception. Luckily, most foggy headlights can be restored to like-new condition. Here’s what you need to know about professional headlight restoration and renewals.
Improves driving safety
Car owners may check fluid levels, check tire pressure and wash and wax the body of the vehicle. But because headlights don’t seem to need much attention or maintenance, most of us forget just how important it is to inspect them from time to time. Headlight lenses are made to help you see potential hazards when driving at night, so it makes sense that any amount of dullness will take away some of your ability to see vehicles, pedestrians, animals and objects. Another dangerous situation posed by foggy lights is that other motorists may not be able to see you coming from a distance.
Headlights are not made of glass. Rather, they are a high-tech plastic that’s safer than glass. Unfortunately, plastic is susceptible to cloudiness and discoloration. This can be fixed, and may sound like a simple DIY job, but keep in mind that deciding to let a professional restore your headlights will likely save you time and money.
Inexpensive process
No one likes to hear that they need car repairs, because that means spending money. Headlight restoration is relatively inexpensive, though, especially when compared side by side with other auto repairs. On average, each lens costs about $40 to renew. Waiting too long to restore your headlights could mean having to replace the entire unit. Replacement costs range from $250 to $700 each or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Professional work is best
Headlight restoration might appear to be a simple DIY project, but it’s not. You might unintentionally cause more damage, and may even break the headlight. Use the wrong chemicals and you might end up stripping your car paint, or the gaskets and trim around the headlights might wind up as collateral damage. Popular home remedies for headlight polishing include using insect repellent or toothpaste, which may result in some slight improvement, but often only for a few short days. Just call a pro instead.
Professional restoration is long-lasting
When an experienced professional technician does the work, the results are guaranteed to last longer than a DIY job. They use the right products and methods to avoid damage to the paint, seals and headlight units. A professional finishes every restoration job by applying an ultraviolet resistant clear coat on the polished lens, which keeps harmful rays from discoloring the plastic.
Madison Muffler & Auto Repair is the place to go for reliable auto repairs in Madison, TN. Call to schedule an appointment today!