Got a white car and yellowed headlights that really stand out? Your neighbor has the same model in black and his headlights look fine? That's not necessarily because his are in better shape. It's usually just a matter of contrast.
Contrast Makes All the Difference
On a white, silver, or light-colored vehicle, yellowed headlights are way more noticeable. The contrast between the light-colored body and the yellowed plastic creates a "black eye" effect on the front of your car. It really jumps out at you, and that's often why white car owners call us first.
On a black, dark gray, or dark-colored vehicle, the yellowing is there, but it blends in with the body more. You don't notice it as much at first glance. Which doesn't mean the problem is any less serious. The oxidation is the same and the loss of brightness is identical. It's just less obvious to the eye.
The Dark Car Trap
That's actually the problem. Owners of dark-colored cars often wait longer before getting their headlights restored because the yellowing isn't as visible. But the reduction in brightness at night is exactly the same. Your headlights lose 30 to 40% of their power whether your car is black or white. We dive into this in more detail in our article on cloudy headlights and road safety.
The way to check if your headlights are affected, regardless of your car's color, is to look at the plastic up close. Run your finger over it. If it feels rough to the touch or the surface looks milky when you're about 12 inches away, oxidation is happening. We put together a complete list of 5 signs it's time to restore your headlights to help you figure it out.
What About Resale Value?
If you're getting your car ready to sell, the vehicle's color will influence the impression your headlights make on the buyer. A white car with yellowed headlights immediately looks neglected. That's unfair because the rest of the car might be in perfect condition, but the headlights drag everything down.
Even on a dark-colored car, a buyer who looks closely will spot the yellowing. And these days, buyers do look closely. Getting your headlights restored before selling is a small investment that can make a real difference in negotiations.
No matter what color your car is, clear headlights always make a better impression. Book an appointment at pharesautomobile.ca and we'll take care of it for you.
