As we cruise down the road on a beautiful sunny day, the last thing we want is to be blinded by hazy headlights that reduce our visibility. With the increasing popularity of DIY headlight restoration, many have turned to using WD-40, a versatile lubricant, for cleaning their headlights. But is it safe? While some swear by the effectiveness of using WD-40 to clean their headlights, others warn of potential risks. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using WD-40 to clean headlights and help you determine whether it’s a safe option for your vehicle to clean headlights with wd40.
What WD-40 is made of? How Does it Help in Cleaning Headlights?
WD-40 is a popular multi-purpose lubricant that has been around for over 60 years. The formula for WD-40 is a closely guarded secret, but we do know that it contains a mixture of petroleum-based solvents and lubricants, along with other proprietary ingredients. The combination of these ingredients gives WD-40 its ability to penetrate and loosen rusted or stuck parts, displace moisture, and provide a protective coating against corrosion.
When it comes to cleaning headlights, WD-40 can help in a few ways. First, it can help remove dirt, grime, and other buildup from the surface of the headlight lens. The solvents in WD-40 can break down the dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe away. Second, WD-40 can help remove hazing from the surface of the headlight lens. Hazing occurs when the clear coat on the headlight lens begins to degrade, causing the lens to appear cloudy or yellow. WD-40 can help remove this hazing by breaking down the degraded clear coat and restoring clarity to the lens. Finally, WD-40 can leave a protective coating on the headlight lens that can help prevent future damage from dirt, grime, and UV rays. However, it’s important to note that using WD-40 to clean headlights may not be suitable for all types of headlight lenses and may cause damage if not used properly.
Is it Safe to Use WD-40 For Cleaning Headlights?
The use of WD-40 to clean headlights is a controversial topic, and opinions on its safety vary widely. While some people swear by the effectiveness of using WD-40 to clean headlights, others warn of potential risks.
One potential risk of using WD-40 to clean headlights is that it can cause damage to the headlight lens. The solvents in WD-40 can strip away the protective coating on some types of headlight lenses, leading to further damage and hazing over time. Additionally, using WD-40 may not be effective in removing severe hazing or damage to the headlight lens, and in some cases, it may make the hazing worse.
Another potential risk of using WD-40 to clean headlights is that it may not be safe for all types of headlight lenses. Some lenses are made of materials that may react negatively to the solvents in WD-40, causing damage or discoloration.
Pros and Cons of Using WD-40 For Cleaning Headlights:
Pros:
Effectiveness: WD-40 can be effective in removing dirt, grime, and some types of hazing from headlight lenses.
Ease of Use: WD-40 is a readily available product that is easy to use and requires minimal equipment.
Cost-effective: WD-40 is an affordable solution for headlight cleaning when compared to some other headlight cleaning products on the market.
Protective Coating: WD-40 can leave a protective coating on the headlight lens that can help prevent future damage from dirt, grime, and UV rays.
Cons:
Potential Damage: The solvents in WD-40 can strip away the protective coating on some types of headlight lenses, leading to further damage and hazing over time.
Compatibility Issues: WD-40 may not be safe for all types of headlight lenses, and in some cases, it may cause discoloration or damage to the lens.
Not Effective for Severe Hazing: WD-40 may not be effective in removing severe hazing or damage to the headlight lens, and in some cases, it may make the hazing worse.
Limited Long-Term Effectiveness: The protective coating left by WD-40 may not last for a long time, and the headlight lens may require frequent reapplication to maintain the benefits.
The Bottom Line
Using WD-40 to clean headlights has both pros and cons, and it’s important to consider the potential risks before attempting this method. If you decide to use WD-40, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and consider consulting with a professional if you’re unsure about the safety or effectiveness of the method.