You might be wondering why we are talking about cleaning your truck's headlights. After all, doesn't a regular car wash do that for you? Yes, and no. While a regular wash can clean your headlights, it isn't enough to keep them pristine for the long haul.

In this article, we'll go over what you can do to restore headlights that have suffered the impacts of time, coupled with inadequate cleaning and maintenance. The most obvious symptom is fogging. Granted, modern plastic headlamp cases aren't totally immune to fogging, but there are a few things you can do, which we will talk about later in this article.

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Why it's Important to Keep Your Truck's Headlights Clean

Headlights are one of the most front-facing parts of your truck, and it's natural that they meet a whole lot of gunk and debris as you drive along. If you've noticed the splatter of dirt, tar, mud, and dead insects on the front of your vehicle after a long drive, your headlights face the same onslaught. Over time, this can eat into the clear protective layers of your headlight lenses and leave stubborn marks.

Couple this with the regular fogging or yellowing of the lens due to UV rays from the sun, and you'll find your headlights are becoming less effective. This is a dangerous situation to be in, particularly if you regularly traverse dark roads or trails at dusk, and while many people may resort to installing auxiliary lighting, it's not a proper solution to an easily addressable problem. Let us show you how to clean your headlights.

Different Ways to Clean Your Headlights

Here are four different ways to clean your headlights and bring them close to their new, clean condition. Results may vary depending on how dirty and fogged your headlights are, so we'd recommend trying multiple avenues for the best results.

Use Toothpaste

If it's good for your teeth, it's gotta be good for your headlights, right? Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can work on lightly fogged and stained headlights. It's a great starting point before moving on to harder stuff.

First, wash and dry your truck, ensuring to pay special attention to the headlights. Once they've dried, use some painter's masking tape to mask off the areas around your headlights. That's because toothpaste can scratch paint, and you don't want that to happen.

Once you've done this, squeeze a small bit of toothpaste onto a damp cleaning cloth and gently rub your headlight lenses in a circular motion with it. Add more toothpaste, if required, in small, pea-sized amounts, as well as a little water if things get too dry. You might want to wear gloves for optimal comfort. You should spend a few minutes working at each headlight to see a noticeable effect.

Once you're happy with the result, or if the lenses aren't getting any cleaner, simply rinse off the toothpaste with water and buff them dry with a clean cloth. Finally, spread a dollop of car wax on your headlights to keep them protected and sealed.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Here, you start off as you did with toothpaste, but instead of toothpaste, you're going to mix two parts white vinegar to one part baking soda and use that to rub your headlight lenses in the same manner. You should use a microfiber cleaning cloth to apply the mixture and wear gloves.

Once you've spent a few minutes on each headlight lens, simply rinse and dry it as before. If toothpaste was Level 1, this can be considered Level 2, as it's a little more abrasive. Don't forget the masking tape!

Window Cleaner and Car Polish

Now we move on to Level 3. Prepare your headlights by washing and drying them. Mask off the areas around the headlight, then get some window cleaner. It doesn't matter whether it's an ammonia-based product or ammonia-free. Apply a generous amount to each headlight lens and wait a few seconds for it to properly soak in before using a microfiber cloth to wipe it off.

Then, add some car polish with another clean microfiber cloth and rub the polish in a circular motion. If you have a buffing machine, it will help you with this step. Rinse off any excess polish, dry the headlight lenses, and apply some car wax to keep them protected.

A Headlight Cleaning Kit

This is a professional-level solution, but most DIY enthusiasts can do it. Instructions vary from kit to kit, so be sure to read, and re-read them before attempting. Also, make sure that you have all the tools and equipment on hand before starting.

Most times, you'll attach a buffer pad to a power drill. After applying a little compound, you'll sand or polish the headlights all over. Then, a final topcoat seals the crystal-clear lens.

Prevention: How Can You Keep Your Truck's Headlights from Fogging

Here are some ways to keep your headlights in pristine order for longer:

• Try to avoid parking in the sun for extended periods. Use a car cover, or angle your car so that the headlights fall in a shady or covered area.
• Pay special attention to cleaning the headlights when washing your car.
• Spread a dollop of car wax on them after washing and cleaning.

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