The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has revealed a surprisingly simple and affordable hack for drivers struggling with foggy or yellowed headlights this winter. With December hosting the year's shortest day, ensuring optimal light output is crucial for safety.
The Everyday Item That Restores Headlight Clarity
Instead of splashing out on expensive replacement units, the roadside recovery experts point to a common bathroom staple: toothpaste. Specifically, they advise using a gritty paste containing baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive.
The RAC explains that the abrasive elements in the toothpaste can gently wear away a surface layer of fine scratches, oxidation, and grime that accumulates on plastic headlight casings over time. This build-up is a major cause of dimming lights, reducing their effectiveness compared to when they were new.
How to Apply the Toothpaste Method Correctly
The organisation has provided clear instructions for drivers who want to attempt this budget-friendly restoration. You should apply the gritty toothpaste to the headlight lens using a toothbrush, working it in until the paste itself begins to turn dirty or discolour.
At that point, allow the paste to dry before carefully wiping it off with a cloth and warm water. The result should be a noticeably clearer lens, allowing for better light projection during the long winter nights.
Other Budget Fixes and When to Call a Professional
For those who don't have suitable toothpaste to hand, the RAC also listed several other low-cost alternatives. These include using fine sandpaper, a paste made from baking soda, white wine vinegar, or even cola to clean and revitalise the headlight units.
However, the motoring group was quick to add that there is no shame in seeking professional help. If the task seems too fiddly or you lack confidence, a local garage can handle the restoration. Costs will vary depending on whether a simple clean, a full restoration, or a bulb replacement is required.
This headlight maintenance tip coincides with another important warning from the RAC regarding light misuse in winter. The organisation highlighted that improper use of fog lights can lead to a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
Fog lights should only be switched on when visibility drops below 100 metres – roughly the length of a football pitch. Research cited by the RAC found that a significant 60% of drivers use them incorrectly, sometimes when visibility is over 300 metres.
Furthermore, the RAC identified headlight glare as a major nighttime concern, with one in four drivers saying they drive less after dark due to other vehicles' lights being too bright. This is often exacerbated by drivers using full-beam headlights regardless of oncoming traffic.
Keeping your own headlights clean, correctly aligned, and using auxiliary lights appropriately is therefore not just a matter of maintenance, but a key part of safe winter driving for everyone on the road.
