Frequently Asked Questions

What causes those disgusting yellow headlights?   
What are headlights made of?   
Why did cars change to plastic headlights?   
What do automakers do to protect headlights?       
Are cloudy headlights just ugly to look at or do they pose a real danger?       
How does ReNuLite™ get light to come out of the lens again?              
Are taillights and turn signal lenses made of the same plastic?            
Can’t I just put in a halogen bulb?           
Can I apply ReNuLite™ myself on my own car?             
Do I have to remove the headlight from the car to restore it?           
How long does the average repair take?          
Is the repair possible in cold weather?             
Do I have to use a UV light to cure the ReNuLite™?             
Are there weather conditions where ReNuLite™  should not be used?                 
How can I be a part of the ReNuLite™ team?

What causes those disgusting yellow headlights?

Headlights are made of polycarbonate. While this is tough enough to be known as bulletproof glass, it becomes pitted, cloudy and yellow after long exposure to ordinary sunlight. This then traps light inside the lens and means night driving can be very
dangerous.

What are headlights made of?

Headlights used to be a sealed beam glass unit. In the 1980’s the auto industry changed to a more aerodynamic design using lighter materials. They use polycarbonate today. This is called Lexan™ or bulletproof glass. While this is strong and impact resistant, the surface is easily scratched. It is also very easily degraded when exposed to sunlight.

Why did cars change to plastic headlights?

In the 1980’s manufacturers wanted lighter, more streamlined cars so they used polycarbonate plastic, or bulletproof glass. This is lighter in weight than glass and yet more resistant to breaking from stones on the road. It also can be molded to any shape, making it especially good for the more aerodynamic designs.

What do automakers do to protect headlights?

When cars leave the factory they are coated with a UV cured Hardcoat. This coating is cured (or “dried”) on site with a powerful UV light. While the Hardcoat quality varies with the manufacturer, all makes will deteriorate over time, even luxury lines.

Are cloudy headlights just ugly to look at or do they pose a real danger?

When headlights are badly damaged they can trap up to 80% of the light inside the lens. Often drivers will use their high beams to try to get more light on the road. After being restored with ReNuLite™, drivers are amazed at how much light comes out of the same lenses.

How does ReNuLite™ get light to come out of the lens again?

When the lenses have deteriorated, the outside layer becomes pitted with tiny craters in the surface. This traps light inside the lens via diffraction and very little emerges to light the road. We sand this damage away. The ReNuLite™ Hardcoat has the same index of refraction as the original polycarbonate so the light now passes freely through the lens. Drivers are amazed at how much more light is visible at night.

Are taillights and turn signal lenses made of the same plastic?

Taillights are usually a cheaper plastic called Plexiglas or PMMA. They do not degrade in sun as easily so we usually do not have the same problems with turning cloudy and yellow. However this is dependant on the manufacturer. Some taillights and turn signals do use polycarbonate and are subject to the same degradation.

Can’t I just put in a halogen bulb?

No. When the headlight has turned yellow or cloudy, the polycarbonate has a pitted surface that traps light inside the lens. Even a stronger bulb would not allow the light to pass freely through the lens. Halogen bulbs burn so hot, they will actually damage the lens on the inside and this cannot be repaired.

Can I apply ReNuLite™ myself on my own car?

We do not train individual owners to apply ReNuLite™.. With the new formula, which can be cured in the sunlight, the process is quick and very easy to do, but it does require some instruction to make sure you have the best finish.

Do I have to remove the headlight from the car to restore it?

No, the damage occurs on the outside of the lens and can be safely repaired from the outside.

How long does the average repair take?

Usually a car can be repaired in about 30 minutes.

Is the repair possible in cold weather?

Yes. We have repaired headlights outside in winter temperatures below 0. The ReNuLite™ can should be kept inside until ready for use. The coating can be applied in cold weather, but it must be sprayed while the car is in the shade and then moved to sunlight to cure.

Do I have to use a UV light to cure the ReNuLite™ ?

No. The new formula can be cured in sunlight. The car is prepared and the ReNuLiteTM is applied while it is in the shade. The car is then moved into direct sunlight and the Hardcoat cures in about 5 minutes. If it is bad weather or the dealer is working indoors, we sell an inexpensive light which will also cure the coating.

Are there weather conditions where ReNuLite™ should not be used?

Yes. It cannot be applied in direct sunlight. It must be applied while the car is in the shade. It should not be applied in the rain, as this will streak the coating. It may need some protection on very windy days as this can cause the solvent to evaporate before the coating is completely smooth. If a garage is available, this will be enough protection to work on rainy or windy days.

How can I be a part of the ReNuLite™ team?

If you are a dealer or active in some field of automotive maintenance and repair or if you are a distributor of automotive products, we are interested in talking to you about becoming part of the ReNuLite™ team. Please call 805-379-3557.