In Calgary, headlight restoration can last between 6 months and 6 years. As a city car owner, you need to understand what causes restoration failure. You have to decide between a quick fix and a long-lasting solution.
Before we discuss the longevity of headlight restoration, let us know the enemy. According to standard Calgary car detailing companies, modern headlights use polycarbonate plastic lenses instead of glass. These lenses degrade under UV exposure. In Calgary, the degradation process is faster. High altitude means strong UV radiation. These rays break down the protective coating on the headlights. Dirt and moisture get trapped in the cracks, causing haze and a cloudy appearance.
The headlight restoration process varies from one vehicle to another. The first step is progressive sanding using multiple grit levels, moving from coarse to fine. After sanding comes the polishing part. In this process, sanding marks are removed, and clarity is restored. The next step is deep cleaning to remove all polishing residue. The final and most important step is the application of a UV-protective coating. Without proper UV protection, the headlights will yellow faster than before restoration.
When headlight restoration fails quickly, it is mostly due to skipped or substandard UV protection. Without a proper UV-protective coating, oxidation begins quickly, resulting in yellowing within 3 to 6 months.
The right headlight UV coatings use specific UV inhibitors and flexible polymers designed for polycarbonate. Also, these coatings need proper curing, sometimes even 24-48 hours without any moisture exposure. Ignoring these steps leads to premature failure.
The protective UV coatings cost more, but they successfully block over 95% of harmful rays. They are also flexible to handle extreme temperature swings on the lens surface. They cope with chemicals from car wash detergents, road salt, and fuel spills.
Quality restoration applies two to three thin layers of UV protection, with proper curing between coats. This builds durability and depth. Edge sealing is also an integral part of professional headlight restoration Calgary.
Garage-parked or covered parking under carports or in shaded areas extends the headlight's lifespan to 4-6 years. This is because of reduced UV exposure in covered and shaded areas.
Along with parking guidelines, you will need to provide basic care to extend the lifespan of the headlight. Do not use harsh chemicals or degreaser on the headlights. Apply synthetic sealant every 3-4 months to restore the UV coating.
Final words
After getting headlight restoration from a reliable entity in Calgary, you must focus on proper maintenance to safeguard your investment. With proper care and occasional maintenance, your vehicle's headlights will last 4-6 years. It is up to you how you would like to fulfill your responsibility.
