Oxidation occurs on taillights just as it does on headlights, though since taillights are red, the oxidation usually isn't noticeable until it is very heavy and thick. This can make your brake lights harder to see by drivers behind your vehicle. Take an hour to clean your taillights and back-up lights and prevent oxidation from occurring again. You can find all needed materials at any auto parts store.
Place several layers of masking tape around the taillights to protect the paint surrounding them. Make sure the tape is thick enough so that fine sandpaper can't cut through it to scratch the paint.
Soak the 1200-grit sandpaper in water and begin sanding the taillights. Move the sandpaper left and right, not up and down or around in circles. Keep the paper wet while sanding to prevent buildup from cutting deep scratches into the light lens. Back-up lights are included as part of the taillights and should be sanded at the same time, even though the lens is clear or white. Sand until the entire taillight is dull.
Sand the taillights again using water and 1500-grit sandpaper. Use the same sanding process as with the 1200-grit sandpaper. Rinse the taillights with water and allow them to dry completely.
Apply plastic polish to the taillight using a microfiber towel. Work the polish into the lens using small circular motions. Polish until the taillights are bright and clear, without any dull areas. The red of the taillights and white or clear of the back-up lights should be bright and look almost new.
Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the taillights with a UV protectant made for plastic. This seals the lenses and protects them from future oxidation.
