Headlights often dim as cars get older

With the age of cars on U.S. streets and highways averaging 11.4 years, it is clear we are keeping our vehicles longer and longer. There is no doubt that today's vehicles are built better, look better and are lasting longer than the vehicles in the not so distant past!

With age comes the reality that there will be some maintenance and repairs necessary to keep your older vehicle in top operating condition. With a little effort, a current model vehicle can be driven for 200,000 miles and beyond.

It is not an uncommon thing for us to see vehicles in the shop well beyond 200,000 miles. Fifteen years ago, that was a real anomaly.

As I walk through the shop these days, one of the things I notice quite often on the cars in for service is very discolored headlights. I often wonder how some of these folks can even see at night with how bad some of these lights get. What happens over time is that the sun and elements take their toll on the plastic lenses and they can get very yellowed and oxidized.

It is possible and recommended that the headlights be restored for better vision and also to improve the look of your vehicle. This can be done at home with a do-it-yourself kit, or at the shop generally for less than $100 for both headlamps.

It always amazes me how you can restore a headlamp that you can't even see through to a crystal clear, like-new light in a fairly short period of time.

For your safety, I highly recommend you have any oxidized headlamps restored. The side benefit is a much better looking vehicle.

• Douglas Automotive is in Barrington and Crystal Lake. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Email questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.