Jason's Journal: Light Your Way to Safety
Jason McKinsey, Lehman Volvo Cars Service Manager, writes about Volvo trending topics, including this month’s segment on the headlight restoration.
Looking for more information on a particular Volvo service topic? Submit your topic suggestion to Jason at jason@lehmanvolvocarsyork.com.
As your Volvo matures, you may notice a discoloration, or yellowing, of the headlight lens, which may degrade the appearance of your Volvo. But, did you know that this headlight discoloration can also be a safety hazard? The discoloration reduces the light output of the headlight, therefore causing a reduction in your ability to see during night driving. Not only will this reduce the distance you are able to see while driving, it will also reduce the overall clarity of the illuminated area.
Many years ago, automotive headlight lenses were made of glass. While the glass never became discolored, the lenses were easily damaged by road debris and were costly to replace. Modern headlight lenses are made from a hard plastic, which enables the lenses to be more durable. The lenses are now covered with a protective clear coat to help protect the porous surface of the material.
The main cause of headlight discoloration are environmental factors, including:
There are many products on the market to combat this issue. Most companies will use polishes or buffing compounds to remove the yellowed portions of the clear coating. Although this is a quick fix, these products will only thin the protective clear coat and cause further degrade in a short period of time.
The recommended method for headlight restoration involves the following:
This process restores the headlights to near new condition and provides years of protection. Clear, restored headlight lenses will drastically improve the safety of your Volvo during night driving. This process will also shed years off the appearance of your Volvo.
Lehman Volvo Cars of York provides headlight restoration using the process described above for only $149.95 plus tax. If you are tired of looking at those clouded yellow headlights, and want to see further and clearer during night driving, please contact the service department to set an appointment at 717-755-7676. If you have any questions or comments please contact me at jason@lehmanvolvocarsyork.com.
Looking for more information on a particular Volvo service topic? Submit your topic suggestion to Jason at jason@lehmanvolvocarsyork.com.
Jason's Journal: Light Your Way to Safety
By: Jason McKinsey Service Manager
As your Volvo matures, you may notice a discoloration, or yellowing, of the headlight lens, which may degrade the appearance of your Volvo. But, did you know that this headlight discoloration can also be a safety hazard? The discoloration reduces the light output of the headlight, therefore causing a reduction in your ability to see during night driving. Not only will this reduce the distance you are able to see while driving, it will also reduce the overall clarity of the illuminated area.
Many years ago, automotive headlight lenses were made of glass. While the glass never became discolored, the lenses were easily damaged by road debris and were costly to replace. Modern headlight lenses are made from a hard plastic, which enables the lenses to be more durable. The lenses are now covered with a protective clear coat to help protect the porous surface of the material.
The main cause of headlight discoloration are environmental factors, including:
- Exposure to UV rays
- Road treatment chemicals and salt
- Contact with road debris
- Other environmental pollutants
There are many products on the market to combat this issue. Most companies will use polishes or buffing compounds to remove the yellowed portions of the clear coating. Although this is a quick fix, these products will only thin the protective clear coat and cause further degrade in a short period of time.
The recommended method for headlight restoration involves the following:
- Removal of the headlight assemblies (or the light lens may be taped off)
- Complete removal of the discolored clear coating using varying grades of sand paper
- Headlights are cleaned using professional products to remove dirt and oils
- Two coats of automotive grade clear coat are applied to the headlight lenses
- Headlights are left to dry for an hour or more depending on humidity and temperature
- Headlights are reinstalled and functionality of all lighting is confirmed
This process restores the headlights to near new condition and provides years of protection. Clear, restored headlight lenses will drastically improve the safety of your Volvo during night driving. This process will also shed years off the appearance of your Volvo.
Lehman Volvo Cars of York provides headlight restoration using the process described above for only $149.95 plus tax. If you are tired of looking at those clouded yellow headlights, and want to see further and clearer during night driving, please contact the service department to set an appointment at 717-755-7676. If you have any questions or comments please contact me at jason@lehmanvolvocarsyork.com.
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