Bell Collision Center

Why Are My Headlights Fading?

It's one of those patented OMG moments when you realize that things like your vision and memory start to fade as you get older. Aging is a part of life and you can't fight it, so why not just accept it?

Many of you have seen your headlights fading, yellowing or getting fuzzy, but what causes it and how can it be fixed? This is a very common thing and we see it all the time here at  Bell Collision Center .

Headlights that are not emanating enough light to illuminate the road in front of you is obviously a major safety issue. Studies show that if your vision is compromised by just 5-10 feet while driving at night or in the rain, snow, hail or fog, your reaction time can be reduced by as much as 15%. That little 15% might not seem like a big number, but when it comes to high speeds and iffy road conditions, you will need that 15%.

The primary reason for the fading of your headlights is due to the simple fact that the lenses covering your headlights are made of plastic. After years of exposure to direct sunlight, in addition to serious weather conditions that can happen at any time here in  Phoenix ,  AZ  your headlights will customarily start to fade after 4-7 years.

So, if your headlights are fading fast and cutting down on your visibility, fear not. In most cases, there is an easy and expensive fix to get your headlights back in full force. There are quite a few very good headlight restoration kits currently out there on the market for those do-it-yourselfers and weekend working warriors. Put it on your next honey-do list and get your headlights glowing full-on as you drive safely and responsibly. 

There are two basic types of kits-- one contains a polish that you simply wipe on and off and others allow users to actually sand the headlights, resulting in more lasting results.

The kits will cost you between $20-$40, which is better than purchasing a new set of headlights that can set you back anywhere from $150 to $500 to replace the pair. With most new vehicles, you have to purchase the headlight and its assembly and there's no way to remove the lens either.  

The whole restoration process is something anyone can do. It takes about 60-80 minutes to do both sides, which includes masking, sanding and polishing to achieve that brand-new appearance. You'll feel better because you will be able to see more clearly while driving at night or in nasty weather.

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Sources: YouTube, Ask.com and USA Today