Gabe's Truck & Auto Repair LLC
2015 Frank Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907.456.6156
Question:
My headlight lenses are all cloudy. I checked with my Fairbanks vehicle dealership about replacing them and it is very expensive. What else can I do?
Gabe's Truck & Auto Repair LLC Answer:
You are right - replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily there is something Fairbanks citizens can do about cloudy headlamps.
First let's talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy. Back in the day, Fairbanks vehicles' headlights were glass. These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses. AK road grime and UV light take a toll on the plastic surface. Over time the lenses get cloudy and discolored. Just look at the vehicles in any Fairbanks parking lot and you'll see a lot of that.
Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart Fairbanks citizens make sure they have maximum visibility. Cloudy lenses reduce the amount of light that gets out on the road, which in turn can really hurt the time you have to respond to hazards in the road.
Fortunately, your Fairbanks service center (or Gabe's Truck & Auto Repair LLC) can restore your lenses. Using a combination of special cleaners and polishes, the cloudy and discolored layer is removed. This service costs a fraction of replacing the headlight assembly.
How costly it is will depend on the size of the lens and how badly it is clouded. The can be used on brake lights, turn signals and tail lights as well. If it's been over a year since you replaced your headlamp bulbs, they may have started to dim. You can ask your friendly and knowledgeable Gabe's Truck & Auto Repair LLC service advisor about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.
Give us a call.
Gabe's Truck & Auto Repair LLC
2015 Frank Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907.456.6156