Headlights illumination

DAVID WAGNER

MEMBER
2018 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
3,200 MILES

For the first time two days ago I drove my vehicle at night and was disconcerted by the headlights illumination. It was as if a curtain was dropped at a point not more than 100 to 200 feet ahead of the vehicle. I have been driving for over sixty years. The photo indicates to some extent the difference between what I am used to (2009 Sonata on the left) and what I experienced in the 2018 Santa Fe Sport (photo on the right). Is there anything that can be done to change this or will I have to get used to it? I was a certified Master Mechanic in the 1970's, but in the early 1980's I moved on to computers.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

The headlight lenses are probably acrylic on this model, and you cannot use a brighter globe as they run far too hot and can damage the lens. What you can do is go to your nearest parts outlet and get a headlight cleaning kit, this will remove the buildup of grime and the oxidation that discolors and dulls the lens. This will help restore the headlights back to what is expected. This is a common problem with plastic lenses, trouble is they deteriorate over a long period and you tend to not notice it until they are quite bad.