Headlights do more than light up the road: they make your car visible to other drivers. When the lens is covered in film, the beam dims and scatters, and you see less at night even though the bulbs are fine.
The usual culprits are road dirt, de-icing chemicals and a film that builds up on the plastic over a season. UV light, temperature changes and fine grit play their part too. A light haze can be removed yourself in a few minutes with everyday items and WD-40 Multi-Use Product.
What you will need
Important: This method refreshes headlights and removes grime and light haze. If the plastic is deeply yellowed and oxidised and the cloudiness will not wipe off, only a dedicated headlight restoration polishing kit will help. Work on cold lights, not straight after a drive.
Step 1
Check the condition of the lights
Take a close look at the lens. If the haze is on the outside and the surface feels rough or dirty, it can be cleaned off. If there is condensation or haze inside the unit, the housing seal is the problem and cleaning the outside will not fix it.
Step 2
Wash off dirt and dust
Wipe the headlights thoroughly with a cloth, then wash them with a sponge and warm soapy water to remove dirt, dust and road chemical residue. Any grit left on the surface will scratch the plastic when you wipe it, so do not skip this step.
Dry the lights.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 Multi-Use
Apply a generous amount of WD-40 Multi-Use to a clean cloth or directly onto the headlight. Wipe the whole lens thoroughly in circular motions, paying attention to the edges and corners where dirt clings longest.
It softens stubborn film and grime so they come away easily on the cloth. If a mark remains after the first pass, repeat.
Step 4
Repeat on the other headlight and rear lights
Treat the other headlight, the fog lights and the rear lights in the same way. Rear lights are often dirtier than the front ones because they catch spray from the wheels, so take your time.
Step 5
Wash off the residue and dry
Finally, wash the lights with warm soapy water and a sponge to remove any remaining product, then dry them with a microfibre cloth. Do not leave product on the rubber seals around the light; wipe them separately.
Tip: Do this at the start and end of winter: road salt and de-icing chemicals quickly coat headlights in a stubborn film. Regular cleaning stops it bonding to the plastic and puts off the need for polishing.
What next
Check how clear your headlights are every time you wash the car, and plan a polish for deeply yellowed plastic. Elsewhere on the bodywork and under the bonnet, WD-40 Multi-Use also removes tar spots and keeps moisture off metal parts.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».