Hamilton Service Station

Question:
My headlight lenses are all cloudy. I checked with my Portland vehicle dealership about replacing them and it is very expensive. What else can I do?

Hamilton Service Station Answer:
You are right - replacing a headlight assembly can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily there is something Portland citizens can do about cloudy headlamps.

First let's talk about why the headlamps are so cloudy. Back in the day, Portland vehicles' headlights were glass. These were heavy, could crack, and had practical limits as to their shape, so manufacturers started using plastic headlight lenses. Maine 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 Portland parking lot and you'll see a lot of that.

Because a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents happen at night, smart Portland 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 Portland service center (or Hamilton Service Station) 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 Hamilton Service Station service advisor about options to replace or even upgrade your headlamp bulbs.

Give us a call.

Hamilton Service Station
205 Park Ave.
Portland, Maine 04102
207.773.1930

Headlight Restoration