If your car is more than a few years old, you may have noticed that it’s become more difficult to see in the dark. Even after replacing headlight bulbs, many people fail to notice a difference. More and more, we are finding the plastic covers of the headlights are the problem.

These plastic headlight covers take a beating on the front of your vehicle. Dirt and grime from the roads, UV damage from the sun and even rain can cause the plastic to become scratched, cloudy and discolored.

Restoring your headlights is relatively simple and just requires some elbow grease. There are headlight restoration kits available on the market that have everything you need, and by following the directions you can see a marked improvement in your nighttime visibility.

Want to try using something you already have on hand before making an investment? You probably have something in your bathroom that may do the trick! Grab your toothpaste, a soft cloth and some water. Place some toothpaste on your cloth along with some water, and start scrubbing those headlight lenses in small circles. It takes a good five minutes of scouring for each cover. If you don't see improvement, try adding a little more toothpaste. Whitening varieties seem to work very well, as they have a little more grit in the toothpaste. When finished, wash and dry the area thoroughly, and then seal it with a polish or wax approved for use on plastic.

When driving in the dark, the most important factor is visibility. Make sure you stay safe by restoring your headlight covers, and contact your independent insurance agent for more tips on safe driving.

We’ll help keep you safe on the road. Call The Insurancenter at (800) 444-8675 for more information on auto insurance.