There was a time when headlights were round- 5-1/4 and 7in and made of glass. However, that started to change in the 1970s. Headlights were still made of glass, but slowly they started to be made in other shapes- mostly with the advent of square headlights.
Headlight shape could now complement the stylist; because the shape of the headlight housing could now be made of a pliable plastic- easy to manufacture.
But rear taillights were didn’t change- they were already making modifications. The rear tail lights were already was whatever the stylist wanted- all that was required was that they must give red light according to Federal standards.
Today, headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic. The housing is polycarbonate plastic allowing whatever the stylists is required. This material is durable and scratch resistant, but due to the sun’s UV rays, the plastic will and does deteriorate.
Your car and truck’s headlamp assembly uses quartz-halogen bulbs which is attached into the back of a large plastic reflector. Most of these housings are molded polycarbonate plastic.
This material is lighter than glass, but after a few years of exposure to the sun and environmental chemicals, the polycarbonate plastic will develop the inevitable haze.
There are plenty of products which can bring back the original shine, but it’s quite likely that the haze will return in a few months time.
Clear headlight covers
Headlight covers, which use a Clear cover, are designed to give protection against fast-flying rocks and other road debris. These practical covers serve to protect the expensive headlight housing from the environment.
You’ll find that Clear Headlamp Covers are easy to install, and usually require no drilling or other modifications to the vehicle
In addition, the Clear covers can come in a variety of styles, and with some using cut-outs to create various shapes and looks while others making use of color and shaping to create some of the most stylish and trendy looks today- but again, they may not be legal for street use.
Smoke, carbon, black and paintable headlight covers
The problem with these Headlight Covers, is that the bulk of these are (probably) not for legal for street use, but they will make your car look great. The use of a Smoke, Carbon fiber, Black or Paintable covers, will reduce the amount of light they let through.
These headlight covers can change the color of your headlight to a dark smoke, a light smoke, a blue smoke, a yellow smoke or to a blackout look- nice to look at and unique- but not to drive.
Tail light covers
As long as the rear Tail light cover lets sufficient red light out, there is no problem with the legal authorities.
For this reason, bright chrome and polished stainless steel trim parts are available for practically part of your vehicle, including the Tail Light Cover.
Application is easy with the 3M™ double-sided acrylic foam tape. It is easy to install. The tape is strong and very effective and it’s even used by the automobile manufacturers.