Foggy Headlights? This WD-40 Trick Works—But There’s a Catch
Headlights help you drive at night and in low-visibility conditions. Driving with dirty, foggy, or yellow headlights can drastically limit your visibility. If your car has cloudy headlights, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a very common issue in vehicles, especially in older models. A variety of factors, including oxidation, condensation, road debris, and sunlight exposure, can cause this cloudiness to occur.
Using WD-40 is a quick and easy way to restore the shine to your headlight lenses, however, it’s only a temporary solution. While it can certainly help improve the appearance of cloudy headlights, it’s not necessarily the most effective or longest-lasting fix. Here's what you need to know to clean your headlights with WD-40.
How Does WD-40 Work on Headlights?
When applied to cloudy, foggy headlights, WD-40 Multi-Use Product adds a temporary layer of grease that makes them look clear and shiny. Alan Gelfand, the owner of German Car Depot in Hollywood, FL, explains that “WD-40 creates shine because it produces an oily coating that stays on the surface.” This is because the oil fills in microscopic scratches and masks the dullness caused by oxidation of headlights.
It’s important to note that the oily residue left on your headlights from the product will worsen the glare of your headlights for other drivers.
Want to Give Wd-40 a Try? Here’s How:
- Clean your headlights with soapy water. Removing dirt and debris from the headlights is a must.
- Dry your headlights with a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth.
- Apply a small amount of WD-40 directly to the headlight lens. Have a microfiber cloth handy to wipe any drips. Alternatively, spray WD-40 onto a clean, lint-free cloth, then rub it into each headlight.
- Leave the formula on for a few minutes.
- Gently rub the entire headlight in a circular motion until the headlight haze is clear.
- Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, polish your headlights.
Looks great, right? While the results can be noticeable, the effect doesn't last long. The oil eventually wears off, leaving the headlights with the same foggy residue as before.
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Is WD-40 a Permanent Solution?
No. WD-40 Multi-Use Product is more of a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution for foggy headlights. Its main benefit is that it's a fast, easy, and cheap cleaning alternative that is widely available. If you’re looking for long-term results, WD-40 falls short. Here’s why:
It Doesn’t Eliminate Oxidation: WD-40 doesn’t actually remove the underlying oxidation; it only masks it. For a lasting fix, you’ll need to physically remove the oxidized layer with a more abrasive cleaner or method, such as a combination of wet sanding, polishing, and applying a UV coating. If the issue is extreme, getting replacement headlights is your best option.
It Doesn’t Offer UV Coating Protection: One of the biggest causes of foggy headlights is UV exposure, and WD-40 doesn’t offer a protective coating against it. Without a UV-blocking sealant, your headlight lenses will continue to degrade over time.
Can Attract Dirt: The oily residue left by WD-40 acts like a magnet, attracting dust and dirt, making your headlights look worse over time.
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Looking for Alternatives to WD-40? Try This Instead
If you don’t want to deal with any oily surfaces and still want to try something different, check out these options.
Baking Soda and Toothpaste: Mixing toothpaste (which is naturally mildly abrasive) with baking soda and a bit of elbow grease can help scrub away oxidation. Don’t expect major results, but you should notice a difference.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: This DIY mix creates a gentle scrub you can use to tackle grime and remove oxidation from your headlights. Apply the baking soda by itself, rub it in, clean your headlights, and wipe them down using the vinegar.
Headlight Restoration Kits:These kits, which are widely available online and at auto parts stores, include sandpaper or abrasive sheets, polishing compounds, and UV sealants to achieve professional-grade results.
Professional Restoration Services: This is one of the best options for restoring the original appearance of your plastic headlights. Professionals will sand, polish, and seal your headlights and fix any possible leaks, leaving them looking like new.
Headlight Replacements: Installing new headlights is the only way to completely resolve the problem. Although it is the most expensive option, it is the most effective. Gelfand recommends replacement when the headlights show signs of:
- Cracks
- Spiderweb patterns
- Deep pits
- Water inside the housing
- Signs of damage to the internal reflector
Gelfand notes that DIY headlight cleaning methods provide “temporary cosmetic solutions which improve headlight appearance, but they do not provide lasting results.” An important step for lasting results is applying a UV coating, which homemade cleaning hacks lack.
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FAQs
Can WD-40 damage my headlights?
No, WD-40 won’t damage your headlights. However, it won’t give you long-lasting results for treating foggy headlights. Plus, its oily residue can attract dust and dirt if not properly wiped away. Overusing it without cleaning excess product off the entire surface can also leave a greasy film that may reduce visibility.
How long does the WD-40 effect last on headlights?
The clarity provided by defogging headlights with WD-40 typically only lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your driving conditions. Rain, dust, and regular car washes can wear away the oil, requiring reapplication to achieve the same effect.