If you're looking to restore your foggy or yellowed headlights, you might have heard that WD-40 can do the trick. While it might sound like a quick and easy fix, using WD-40 for headlight restoration is NOT the best solution and could cause more harm than good in the long run. In fact, even WD-40 themselves do not recommend their product for this purpose.
In this blog, we’ll break down why WD-40 is not ideal for headlight restoration and provide you with better, long-lasting alternatives to restore your headlights properly.
1. WD-40 is a Temporary Fix
WD-40 is a lubricant and water displacer, not a dedicated cleaning or restoration product. It temporarily makes your headlights look clearer by creating a shiny film over the surface. However, it doesn’t actually remove the oxidation or dirt causing the cloudiness.
This "band-aid" solution won’t last, and you’ll notice your headlights start to fog up again shortly after applying it. For a long-lasting fix, you need to address the root cause: oxidation.
2. It Leaves a Greasy Residue
One of the biggest drawbacks of using WD-40 on your headlights is that it leaves behind an oily residue. This can attract dirt, dust, and grime, making your headlights even dirtier over time. Instead of solving the problem, WD-40 may actually contribute to it by allowing debris to build up on the greasy surface.
3. No UV Protection
Oxidation is caused by exposure to UV rays, which break down the plastic of your headlights over time. WD-40 doesn’t contain any UV blockers, so even after the temporary shine fades, the same harmful UV exposure will continue to degrade the headlight lens.
To properly protect your headlights, you need a restoration product that includes a UV sealant to prevent future oxidation and hazing.
4. Potential Damage to Headlight Plastic
The chemicals in WD-40 are not specifically designed for plastic. Repeated application can potentially weaken or damage the plastic surface of your headlights. Using a product meant for metal or lubricating parts on delicate materials like plastic can cause more harm than good.
5. It’s Not a Long-Term Solution
WD-40 is simply not formulated for headlight restoration. To achieve a clear, long-lasting finish, a proper restoration kit is essential. These kits often include multiple steps, such as sanding, polishing, and applying a UV-resistant sealant. This process removes the oxidation, polishes the surface, and protects it from future damage, resulting in a longer-lasting, clearer headlight.
The Right Way to Restore Your Headlights
Instead of using WD-40, choose a dedicated headlight restoration product specifically designed for the job. These kits usually include sanding pads to remove the oxidized layer, and a UV sealant to protect the headlights from future sun damage.
We recommend using one of Detour Auto’s specially designed products:
One-Step Headlight Restoration Spray – Fast and easy spray-on/let dry solution ideal for lightly to moderately oxidized headlights.
Heavy-Duty Headlight Restoration Kit – Delivers fast professional results for severely oxidized headlights.
By following a proper restoration process with these products, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear headlights for up to a year or longer—far outlasting the short-term effects of using WD-40.
Conclusion
While WD-40 might give you a quick shine, it’s not a long-term solution for foggy headlights. The residue it leaves behind, lack of UV protection, and potential damage to plastic make it a poor choice for headlight restoration. Instead, invest in a quality restoration kit to effectively clean, polish, and protect your headlights, keeping them bright and clear for the road ahead.
Ready to restore your headlights the right way? Explore our headlight restoration kits and see the difference proper care can make! Visit www.detourauto.com/products to check out our whole line of headlight restoration products.
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