That is why it is important to always make sure your headlights are in tiptop shape. When cleaning your headlights, be sure to follow our guide on what to do, and more importantly, what not to do.

Do: Sandpaper

The most common contributing factors of foggy headlights are road debris and UV rays from the sun. Over time, both of these things will wear down the protective coatings on the lights. The only way to remedy the situation is to remove the cloudy protective layer and add a new coating.

Using sandpaper is one of the best DIY ways to remove all the dirt and grime from your headlights. Start by washing the area with soap and water, and then dry thoroughly. In order to protect the surrounding paint and trim from accidental scratches, use tape to completely block off the headlight.

After that, it is ready to start sanding. Remember to always keep the sandpaper wet and work in small circular motions. You can also choose to go over the headlights a second time with a finer sandpaper to ensure a cleaner turnout.

Once you are completely finished sanding, make sure the headlights are complete dry before polishing or applying a protective sealant.

Don’t: Toothpaste

If your headlights are only slightly foggy, then yes, using toothpaste might work for you. Toothpaste contains a mild abrasive that serves to remove plaque, food, and other unwanted particles from your teeth. This abrasive can also be used to remove stains and buff out the surface of a headlight..

However, toothpaste is nowhere near as effective as other methods and can further damage your headlights if used incorrectly.

The flavor crystals and other hard ingredients found in toothpaste can scratch your headlights, causing more harm than good.

Do: Glass Cleaner

Another effective method of cleaning dirty or foggy headlights is using a glass cleaner. The glass cleaner will help loosen up any debris or grime on the surface of the headlight.

To protect the surrounding areas, you will want to again put tape around the headlight cover. Then, generously spray the headlight with the glass cleaner. For best results, wait 30 seconds and then use a microfiber cloth to scrub the area.

Repeat this process up to three times if necessary to achieve the desired results. Once you are finished, you can also add a protective coating or sealant to help your headlights remain clear and clean.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Vehicle Care Questions

If you want an upgrade, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Be sure to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts Of Cleaning Headlights appeared first on Trick Trucks.

Rain, fog, and the occasional bout of the sleet are going to make driving conditions tricky as fall moves in. Sometimes, you might not be able to see the road in front, especially as night starts rolling in sooner. So you need to ask yourself, do you need some new headlights for your vehicle this fall? Use this guide to help you answer that question.

How Long Do Headlights Last?

How long your vehicle’s headlights last depends on how often you use them. Even if you have upgraded your bulbs to be super bright, these can be huge distractions for other drivers. That’s why you should exercise caution and practice common sense when you use them. Driving with your headlights on all the time is inadvisable, even if you think it may be necessary; but if you avoid driving as much as possible, or you can manage to minimize headlight use, then you can make them last for years on end.

Types of Bulbs

If you decide to replace your headlights this fall, then you need to know some of your options. Different bulbs are available, mainly as halogen, xenon, and LED. Halogens burn out the fastest while LED headlights will last the longest before you need new ones. Halogen lights are the ones you’ll find most often since they are the most common and least expensive model on the market. When on, halogen bulbs produce warm yellow light.

However, the bright white light you most often associate with other headlights comes from xenon bulbs. These bulbs last much longer and give off much more illumination, although they come at the cost of being more expensive. And they take a few minutes to reach full power, which means you might not be able to see as well in the darkness until they are fully lit.

LED headlights are much brighter than either of their counterparts. They also last longer and are more energy-efficient and yet, are the least common. That’s because when compared to the other lights, LEDs are much more expensive. You’ll most often see them installed in high-end vehicles instead of regular passenger cars that you see on the road every day.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Vehicle Maintenance Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

The post Get Some New Headlights This Fall appeared first on Trick Trucks.