Headlights consist of two principal elements: housings and bulbs.

Headlight housings

Though headlights may seem simple due to their easy on/off nature, they're more than just simple light bulbs, and many types exist.

Two pieces make up a headlight on a modern vehicle: the bulb and the headlight housing.

The headlight housing is the clear plastic enclosure surrounding the bulb. Headlight housings give particular cars their own unique appearance, with various shapes and sizes on display. 

Some headlights may be narrow and sleek, while others are large and round. 

Aside from styling, the headlight housing also helps to radiate the light produced by the bulb. Two types of headlight housings exist: projector and reflector.

Standard headlight housings use a reflector design. In a reflector headlight housing, mirrors direct the bulb's light forward and outward for optimal visibility. The mirrors form a bowl shape around the bulb, and a clear plastic lens covers them. 

Projector headlight housings magnify and focus the light from the bulb through a lens. Some manufacturers combine a low beam projector housing with a high beam reflector housing for an extra touch of style. 

Reflector housings are present on most vehicles, but projector designs continue to gain in popularity due to their excellent function and sophisticated appearance.

Headlight bulbs 

The bulb inside of a headlight housing produces the illumination so you can see the road. Several types of headlight bulbs exist with differing technology and performance.

These days, many vehicles on the road have halogen bulbs because of their economical pricing and good performance. A halogen bulb uses gas sealed inside of the bulb, along with a filament. When you turn on a halogen headlight, the filament heats up, and the halogen gas further enhances its brightness. Although halogen bulbs are popular, they usually have the shortest service life. 

High-intensity discharge bulbs (HID) use electrodes, vaporized metals, and xenon gas to produce a brighter illumination than halogen ones. HID bulbs also cost more than halogen versions, but they're safer and more efficient.

Light-emitting diode (LED) headlights are becoming more and more popular because of their excellent efficiency, high illumination, long service life, and superior design. Because of LED bulbs' small sizing, they fit a greater range of styling applications or into smaller spaces. And since they're supposed to last up to 50,000 hours, LED bulbs are a wise choice for long-term performance.

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Over time, oxidation from the outdoor environment makes a headlight foggy or yellow, lessening its effectiveness and lowering your vehicle's visual appeal. Additionally, UV rays cause the plastic headlight covers to degrade and become cloudy. 

The plastic cover on a headlight housing reacts with oxygen in the outside air, gradually causing the formation of a hazy film. Other causes of a foggy headlight include high operating temperatures, age, or faulty seals that allow moisture and dust inside the assembly.

You can find specific products for restoring headlights at your local auto parts store. These DIY products typically come in a kit with all the materials you need to make your headlights look new.

Or, if you're in a pinch, you can also use toothpaste or baking soda for cleaning headlights. These household items have enough abrasive material to polish away some of the haze from a headlight.

But if you want the best results, purchasing a kit designed for headlight cleaning is the best bet.

Here are the steps to cleaning your cloudy headlights with a restoration kit:

1. First, wipe down the headlight's outer layers with a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or grime, and dry with a towel.
2. Cover the surface of the headlight with the polishing compound from the kit, making sure to leave it on for a few minutes and become slightly dry.
3. Using a soft-bristle brush, work the compound into the polycarbonate surface with circular motions. It's important to be gentle because the compound contains abrasives that can scratch the plastic cover. As you do this, slowly but surely, your foggy headlights should become clear.
4. After polishing, use a spray bottle with clean water and a soft cloth to remove any residual compound. Your headlights should be clean and clear. 
   

With your headlights cleaned and restored, you now have enhanced visibility and safety in dark conditions and are free to drive where and when you please. 

When you're in the market for a used car, you want something in great shape that'll stand the test of time. Not only do you need a used vehicle with all systems in good working order — including the headlights, transmission, and brakes — but it's also nice to receive coverage in case of a mechanical issue that needs repairs. With Shift's best-in-industry service contracts, you have the peace of mind that your car's good to go, mile after mile. With a Shift Vehicle Protection plan, not only are essential components covered, but you also receive roadside assistance if you run into trouble. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. And when you need to finance your purchase, Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Applying for financing with Shift is quick and easy, with no cost or obligation. And if you have poor credit, don't worry. We welcome co-signers, too.