Modern headlights are polycarbonate, protected by a lacquer. Ultraviolet destroys that lacquer within a few years: the surface turns porous, hazes over, yellows. It is not dirt \u2014 which is why no amount of washing makes any difference.<\/p>\n
The abrasive compound removes the oxidised surface layer and gives the plastic its clarity back. The gain is not cosmetic: a hazed headlight scatters the light instead of projecting it, and night lighting loses a large part of its reach. It is also an MOT check point.<\/p>\n
Clean, mask the paint around the lens with tape, put the compound on the pad, work in small circles concentrating on the yellowest areas, wipe off with a microfibre. By hand it can be done; with a drill at low speed it is quicker and more even.<\/p>\n
Polishing also removes whatever protective lacquer was left. With no protection, the headlight will yellow again within one to two years. Apply a headlight lacquer or a protective wax afterwards \u2014 that is what makes the result last.<\/p>\n
A mild abrasive compound and its polishing pad to lift the yellow haze from polycarbonate lenses. Fifteen minutes per headlight, by hand or with a drill.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":2004,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[100,152],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-689","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-nettoyage-et-entretien","product_cat-polissage-renovation","first","instock","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-variable"],"yoast_head":"\n