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How do I get rid of the oxidation on my headlights?
I bought a used car, but I noticed the headlights were dim when driving at night. The headlights appear to have a film on them, which I’ve researched as being oxidation. How do I get rid of it?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oxidation in car headlights is a common occurrence with
used cars
. However, the fix is quite simple and shouldn’t give you much of an issue.You have two options: a store-bought solution or a home remedy. The main difference here is cost.
If you want an easy plan of attack, buy a headlight restoration kit. They’re usually $10 to $20.
If you want to save a few bucks with stuff you have lying around the house, you can also try these home remedies:
- Spray WD-40 and wipe clean with a rag, although this is only a temporary solution.
- Apply a liberal amount of toothpaste (must have abrasives, not the gel kind) and rinse with water. After a few applications, this should get rid of the oxidation.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda, apply to the headlights, wipe clean, and repeat as necessary.
Any of these methods should rid your headlights of the oxidation that can impair your sight while driving at night.
While your car insurance won’t cover this type of wear and tear on your car, you might want to think about upping your coverage, especially if you drive at night regularly. Nighttime driving is more dangerous, so make sure you have the right protection.
Use the
Jerry
app to compare quotes from dozens of insurers to get the best rates from over 50 insurers, ensuring you always have the best protection for you and your car. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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