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OneStep ALR®: Additional FAQs and information

FAQ: Headlight Restoration vs. Replacement

1. Can my headlights be restored, or do they need to be replaced?

Whether your headlights can be restored or need replacement depends on their condition. Here’s how you can determine the state of your headlights and the appropriate solution:

  • Flakes Peeling Off the Lens: If you see flakes or pieces peeling off the surface of your headlight lens, it indicates severe damage beyond typical oxidation. This usually involves the degradation of the UV protective layer, and such damage often requires more intensive resurfacing techniques, not just deoxidation.

  • Thin Layer of Plastic Worn Off: A lens that appears to have a thin layer of plastic wearing off suggests significant UV damage. This type of damage can cause the headlight to lose clarity and might need a complex sanding and polishing system to restore.

  • Deep Pitting: Deep pits in the headlight lens are a sign of severe surface degradation. Traditional deoxidation methods are unlikely to repair this kind of damage. Resurfacing with specialized equipment might be necessary.

  • Visible Scratches: Scratches on the headlight surface can often be polished out if they are not too deep. However, if they are extensive, a resurfacing process may be required.

  • Micro Fractures: If your lens has thousands of tiny micro fractures, it indicates extensive UV damage. These fractures can affect the clarity and functionality of your headlights and may need professional resurfacing.

2. What if my headlights have the following conditions?

  • Cloudy Surface: If your lens surface is cloudy, it can be restored to clarity quickly with Pittman Original ALR, followed by maintenance with VaporWax APC 360ID. Cloudiness often results from oxidation that can be addressed effectively with these products.

  • Opaque Surface: An opaque headlight lens suggests significant oxidation buildup. Pittman Original ALR can clear this condition and restore clarity. Regular maintenance with VaporWax APC 360ID will keep your headlights in optimal condition.

  • White Surface: A white surface on your headlights is usually caused by surface oxidation. This can be treated with Pittman Original ALR to bring back transparency and then maintained with VaporWax APC 360ID.

  • Yellow Surface: Yellowing of the lens is often due to UV damage. If the yellowing is only on the surface and the UV layer is intact, it can be restored with Pittman Original ALR. However, if the yellowing has penetrated the lens, it’s a sign of irreversible UV damage.

  • Brown Surface: Brown discoloration indicates advanced oxidation and UV damage. While Pittman Original ALR can remove surface oxidation, if the brown discoloration has penetrated the lens, the damage may be more severe.

  • Thick Oxidation Buildup: If the oxidation is so thick that no light can penetrate, Pittman Original ALR can clear this buildup, but if the UV layer is severely damaged, further steps may be necessary to address underlying issues.

3. What is the difference between oxidation, UV damage, and surface damage?

  • Oxidation: Surface oxidation occurs when the UV protective layer on the headlight lens deteriorates, allowing contaminants to affect the lens. This can cause cloudiness, whiteness, and minor discoloration that can be cleaned with products like Pittman Original ALR.

  • UV Damage: UV damage happens when the UV layer is severely compromised or removed. UV rays can penetrate the lens and cause it to turn yellow or brown. This type of damage is often irreversible, and yellowing cannot be removed by sanding or polishing alone.

  • Surface Damage: Surface damage includes scratches, pitting, and micro fractures. These are often the result of physical wear and tear rather than oxidation or UV damage. While surface damage can sometimes be polished out, severe cases may require more extensive resurfacing.

4. Can yellowing be reversed?

Once the UV layer is severely damaged or removed, the headlight lens itself can turn yellow. This yellowing is generally permanent and cannot be reversed by standard deoxidation or polishing methods. Removing the oxidation will not eliminate the yellowing, which has penetrated the lens.

5. Is sanding or using abrasive methods effective for restoration?

Sanding and abrasive methods can further damage the UV layer and exacerbate problems. These methods are not recommended as they can compromise the lens’s integrity and lead to accelerated degradation. For effective restoration, use non-abrasive products like Pittman Original ALR and VaporWax APC 360ID.

6. How should I maintain my headlights after restoration?

After restoring your headlights, regular maintenance with VaporWax APC 360ID will help protect and prolong the clarity of your headlights. This product maintains the lens's condition and prevents future oxidation and UV damage.

7. What should I do if my headlights have been treated with aggressive methods or chemicals?

If aggressive methods or harsh chemicals have been used on your headlights in the past, it is likely that the UV layer and lens surface have been damaged. While some improvement might be noticeable with restoration products, complete recovery may not be achievable. In such cases, resurfacing or replacement might be necessary.