Restoration Headlights Near Me? Quick Answer

Headlights have evolved from the sealed glass mounts of the ’60s to modern day polycarbonate halogen, HID and LED headlight lenses. This further development is good and inexpensive, but has a downside. The chemicals used in the manufacture of these polycarbonate plastic lenses react to UV light, moisture, the sun’s rays and heat. Over time, these reactions cause the car headlight to deteriorate and take on a hazy or yellowed appearance.

Yellowing headlight discoloration can be frustrating, especially if you just paid the detailer $150 for your last car wash. This ongoing expense is inconvenient for most car owners and has paved the way for other DIY headlight restoration methods like WD-40. Before we dive into cleaning headlights with WD-40, let’s take a closer look at WD-40 and see why we should try the product and if it’s good for our headlights.

WD-40 – WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

The WD-40 brand is known for offering a very wide and varied range of services that can help clean fogged headlights. The product is popular in the market and mainly purchased for its effective headlight restoration and anti-rust properties.

WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th Formula – which means that the product was tested for the 40th time in the laboratory before it was successful. It was originally developed to prevent space rockets from rusting or corroding. But lately the product has come in handy on many other surfaces such as metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can be applied to painted metal surfaces without attacking the paint.

Although WD-40 is versatile in its function, others believe it’s best to use it in conjunction with other real lubricants such as silicone, grease, Teflon, or even graphite. It is said that these combinations serve as a headlight lens restorer and can effectively defog headlights.

Uses and features of WD-40

WD-40 is one of the most popular abrasives for a quick fix that delivers brilliant results on a variety of surfaces. Hardy will visit a shop and not see a WD-40 product sitting in the corner. Aside from being used to prevent rusting, it is also very useful for a variety of purposes and reasons.

You can use it to lubricate almost any surface, including farm equipment like shovels, with one application of WD-40 it will clean all stuck soil instantly. It can also be used to clean tiles and give them a sparkling and lustrous look.

The test of a good product is its ability to perform, and this product has proven to be effective on a variety of surfaces.

Can WD-40 be used to clean fogged headlights?

If you have an upcoming car test and are wondering if you can quickly demist your headlights for approval, the answer is yes! It can be used as a car headlight cleaner. However, you should not make a habit of using WD-40 for your headlight restoration as it could do more harm than good in the long run.

With repeated use, the oil can seep into your actual headlight bulb and cause them to blur or burn out. For this reason, it is advisable to wash off the lube with mild car wash soap once the mist has cleared.

How to use WD-40 for car headlight restoration

Follow these simple steps to defog your headlights using WD-40 as a headlight lens restorer:

Have a bowl of soap and water ready. Wash the headlight lens thoroughly with soap and water. Shake a can of WD-40 spray into the headlight lens. Be careful to keep the lube away from the metals on the car. Spray only on the lens Gently wipe off the lubricant with a clean rag.

However, like every other product that has ever been on the market, the Wd-40 has several sides to its coin:

Advantages:

Effective in removing dried stains on certain surfaces

Easily accessible

Relatively affordable

Can be used on more surfaces than just headlights

Easy to use.

Disadvantages:

Not a true lubricant in a sense.

It can only be used on certain surfaces.

It can cause permanent damage if used incorrectly.

As previously indicated, despite the fact that WD-40 appears to be a great headlight polisher, some reviewers think otherwise.

Why isn’t WD-40 good for headlights?

Some would agree that using WD-40 as a car headlight cleaner is the most effective method. Some would disagree with the claim. However, after testing the WD-40, we found that its main drawback is its durability.

After using WD-40 to defog car headlights, the effects only last about a day or two and your car headlights will start to look cloudy again. This temporary solution only shows that the WD-40 is primarily a polishing tool and not a headlight restoration product.

But when applied to other surfaces such as tile, metal, wood, ceramic, and aluminum, the WD-40 can be very effective and long-lasting when used. This explains why the product is so easily accessible and popular in the market because it is more of a universal product and can easily be used for other purposes.

Conclusion

While there are numerous articles and videos explaining why WD-40 is a great product for cleaning fogged headlights, use caution.

When using the WD-40 for a quick repair and polish, you should only spray on the outer layer of your headlight lens. You must not spray it in the headlight to avoid permanent damage to your car’s lightbulbs.

For a more permanent solution I would recommend using a headlight restoration kit. Although not all garages offer headlight defogging, you can buy a DIY car headlight restoration kit and do it yourself over the weekend.

Most of these DIY car headlight restoration kits come with easy step-by-step instructions. The tips will guide you from start to finish, even if you’ve never done a headlight restoration before.

1. What if I only have slight haze or haze on my car’s headlight? Do I have to use the whole kit?

We look at this slight headlight lens oxidation.

Step 1: Begin by cleaning the headlight with Lens Clarifying Compound by spreading and removing the product with a soft cloth. It removes surface oxidation.

Step 2: Finish with Lens Clarifying Compound and Headlight Sealing Cloth.

Step 3: Allow the headlight sealing wipes to cure overnight.

2. What if my headlight lenses are extremely cloudy, will this headlight restoration kit make the headlights look like new?

We consider this state to be heavily oxidized. Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer greatly improves lens clarity. If the lens has microcracks or is extremely weathered, it may not return to its original condition, but the clarity of the lens will be greatly improved. The headlight sealing cloth also fills in surface imperfections and also improves the clarity of the lens.

3. How long does the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer Kit clarity last?

It depends on the condition, age and exposure to sunlight of the car’s headlights. Generally, restoration takes four to six months before some discoloration returns. However, it won’t be as severe and the new oxidation is easily removed with the Lens Clarifying Compound.

4. Can I use the headlight lens restoration kit on other clear plastics?

Yes, the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer Kit can be used to remove scratches from plexiglass, clear plastic vinyl, and other clear acrylic materials. Always use the headlight clearer first. If the plastic finish does not improve after application, discontinue use (the plastic may be too soft for this kit).

5. Can I reuse the kit for more than one vehicle?

Yes. The recovery pads can be used over and over again. Once the surfaces of the sanding pads have worn down and are no longer effective, it’s time to buy the kit again.

6. I still have visible scratches, how can I remove them?

Step 1: If the lenses still have some slightly visible scratches that are annoying, start by applying the Lens Clarifying Compound with a soft terry towel.

Step 2: Using firm hand pressure, rub in the mass in a back-and-forth motion for about a minute.

Step 3: Allow to dry and polish. Two or three applications may be required.

Step 4: For heavier scratches, reuse pads #3 and #4 with the Spray Lubricant. Then apply the Lens Clarifying Compound once or twice with a soft terry towel.

Liven up Grandma’s vintage watch or any other aged piece of jewelry by rubbing it down with a damp Mr. Clean sponge. This also works very well to remove tarnish from silver rings, bracelets and necklaces.

10/10

Photo: Shutterstock/Freer

9. Clean microfiber furniture

Super soft polyester material makes microfiber furniture incredibly comfortable. Unfortunately, the smooth texture can be a hassle to clean. If you’re stuck with a stain on a microfiber couch or chair, vacuum the stained area to remove any particles. Then scrub the stain with a damp Magic Eraser until it is completely gone.

It’s safe to say that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is perfect for almost any messy occasion. We’ll be sure to stock up on one (or two or three) of these affordable, must-have secret weapons.

When it comes to driving at night or when visibility is limited, one of the most important safety precautions a driver can take is to ensure their headlights are in optimal condition. But did you know that these precautions don’t just ensure your headlight bulbs aren’t burned out? In fact, the effectiveness of your headlights can also be reduced by fogging the headlight lenses. Let’s take a closer look at what causes fogged headlights and how to clean your headlight lenses if necessary.

WHAT ARE FOG LIGHTS?

If you find that the light from your headlights is a lot less clear than it used to be, your vehicle is probably suffering from fogged headlights. Sometimes drivers also notice that their headlights are not only a lot less bright, but that the light has a yellowish, dingy tint to it. This is also caused by headlight fogging.

The reason for headlight fogging is a bit scientific. Most headlight lenses these days are made from a thick plastic made from polycarbonates. Unlike the glass lenses used in older cars, these plastic lenses are much more scratch resistant and durable. However, as this polycarbonate plastic is exposed to the sun’s UV rays over time, the outer layers begin to break down and degrade. These changes cause the lenses to absorb blue light from the bulbs and emit a less intense, yellowish light. The good news, however, is that cleaning fogged headlights is pretty easy.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD BE USED TO CLEAN HEADLIGHTS?

Most auto supply stores stock at least one or two products specifically designed for cleaning headlight lenses when they are fogged up from UV exposure. Look for products labeled “Headlight Restoration Kit” or “Headlight Lens Restoration”. Using these products is an easy way to clean your vehicle’s fogged headlights.

In a pinch, folks who need to clean fogged up headlights right away have a few other options that can get the job done as well. Toothpaste and baking soda can be effective detergents for cleaning headlights. Both products are abrasive enough to remove fog without scratching or damaging headlights. Polishing pastes like Rain-X might also be effective enough to repair UV damage. In general, it pays to have a cleaning kit in the garage or at home!

HOW TO CLEAN MY HEADLIGHTS

You don’t need many accessories to clean your vehicle’s headlights. Here are a few things you’ll probably want to have on hand:

cleaning kit, baking soda or toothpaste

Old rags or towels

Latex gloves for sensitive skin

water for rinsing

A brush with soft bristles

Mild Cleaner

Let’s take a look at the steps required to clean fogged up headlights.

1. CLEAN THE SURFACE OF DIRT

Before you start, you should make sure that you are working with a clean surface. Spray your headlights with a mild detergent and gently wipe away any dirt, particles, dead bugs and grime that may have accumulated on the surface.

2. TOWEL DRY

After cleaning, wipe the surface with a dry towel or rag until moisture-free

3. APPLY HEADLIGHT CONDITIONER

Spread a good amount of cleaning product – that’s the product from your headlight restoration kit, toothpaste or baking soda – fairly thickly over your headlight lenses. If you use baking soda, you should first mix it with a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Leave your cleaner on the lens for a few minutes to allow it to dry a bit.

4. REMOVE CLEANER WITH BRUSH

Gently work your way around the surface of the headlight with your brush in a circular motion. Remember that the cleaner you are using is abrasive, so be careful not to penetrate the plastic surface. You should see the yellowing or fogging disappear from the lens as you work your way around it.

5. CLEAN UP EXCESS DETERGENT

Using your clean rag or towel, buff any leftover cleaner off your lens. Spray stubborn dried-in areas with clean water, then buff with your towel until dry.

It’s that simple. Once you’ve cleaned your fogged headlights, you should immediately notice better visibility and brighter, whiter headlights!

I recently purchased an upscale 2001 Mazda Miata which is my dream car. It’s no surprise that my new good ol’ buddy needs a lot of work, but safety is my number one priority. An easy way to make an older car safer is to replace those yellowed and fogged up headlights.

Oxidation in a cloudy headlight poses a safety concern because it can severely reduce visibility at night. Headlight discoloration is caused by a combination of UV rays, pollution, ozone and the chemicals used in some car washes. In 20-year-old Buddy, I find myself driving with my turn signals on all the time, and I still feel like I’m driving in the dark.

To find out which headlight restoration kit is the best, I picked six of the top sellers and tested them on a 2008 Subaru Outback owned by buddy and a mate. The Subie’s headlights weren’t very cloudy, so I decided to try two kits that didn’t require a drill to grind, using one kit for each headlight. To conquer Buddy’s cloudy headlight lenses, I selected four kits and split each bulb in half. These kits are sturdier and require more than just elbow grease.

The results have been impressive in many cases and Buddy and Subie’s dim headlights are now a thing of the past. So if you’re willing to leave yellowed headlights in the rearview mirror and aren’t afraid to grab a buffing pad and put in some work, you’ll be seeing brighter, clearer headlights in no time. I will also add that I have not tried these products on taillights or directional lights. Just the headlights.

Read more: Best Car Battery Chargers in 2022

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Rustoleum Headlight Cleaning Kit includes a microfiber cloth and a pair of gloves and sealant, but as with all of these kits you will also need a spray bottle of water. The first step is to wet the headlamp, use the 2000 grit side of the small polishing pad, and then flip it over to the 3000 grit side for further buffing. Wipe dry with the towel provided and apply Wipe-It sealant to the plastic lens. The instructions state that the lens should be dry to the touch within an hour and should not come into contact with moisture for 24 hours to prevent the finish from streaking or staining. The ceramic coating that chemically bonds to the headlights prevents fogging and fading of the headlights. The rust-oleum kit definitely made the Subaru’s headlight lens clearer, but the little buffing pad was a little tricky to hold. It’s about 1.25 inches square and not very thick, so my fingertips often rubbed on the plastic headlights when using it.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Cerakote This kit comes with gloves and a sealant but no towel. The first step is to use the oxidation remover wipe over the matte headlights. It’s really satisfying to see the yellow oxidation on the wipe coming off. Next, use the Surface Prep Disc to wet polish the lens. You will do this twice, once with 3,000 grit sandpaper and once with 2,000 grit sandpaper. After thoroughly rinsing and drying the lens, wipe over it with the Clear Coat Wipe and wait for it to dry. The instructions for use state that the lens should not be exposed to direct moisture for one hour. This headlight restorer offers UV protection and reduces UV damage due to its professional ceramic coating. Which no-drill headlight restorer is the best? The Cerakote made the lens clearer than the Rust oleum kit and is easier to work with thanks to its applicator. It’s bigger and fits my hand better. Although the grinding wheels are the same color, the grit number is clearly printed on the other side. Also, each step in the headlight lens restoration kit is arranged in its own bag, making it easier for you to organize all the parts and parts.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Next, I needed to get a handle on Buddy’s lamps, so I chose products that use a drill bit for grinding. I used a Ryobi One+ cordless drill with two speed settings, 0-600 rpm or 0-1800 rpm.

Mother’s This kit comes without gloves, a towel, or a headlight coating sealant. The first step is to attach the backing plate to the drill like you would any drill and attach the 800 grit sanding disc. Wet-grind the plastic headlight glass and then switch to a 1,500-grit glass. Finally, there is a 3,000 foam disc for the final sanding step. To polish, replace the foam disc with the PowerBall 4Lights foam ball, apply a nickel-sized amount of PowerPlastic 4Lights paste and polish. Finally polish with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. The Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit definitely made the lens clearer. However, the grinding wheels are all the same color and the imprint of the grit on the back is a stroke of luck. Some are easy to read, others have part of the number printed on the disc, which leaves me guessing. Due to the lack of a seal, the car headlights can fog up again very quickly. However, the instructions say I can use the foam ball or buffing pad and buffing paste to maintain clarity.

Read more: The best radar detectors for 2022

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Meguiar’s This kit does not include gloves or a towel, but it does have a clear coat sealer. The first two sanding passes of the car’s headlight housings are done by hand with a 1,000 grit sandpaper disc, then with a 3,000 grit sanding pad disc attached to a hand pad similar to the one in the Cerakote kit. To polish, place the yellow polishing pad on the drill, add a nickel-sized amount of PlastX lens clearing paste and polish to your heart’s content. After thoroughly wiping clean and dry with a microfiber cloth, apply headlight sealant to the gray foam applicator and hand wipe the headlight. The directions state that the product will feel to the touch in 15 minutes but will keep the lens away from moisture for a full 24 hours. Again, Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit made my headlights clearer, but not crystal clear. The discs have different colors depending on the grit. However, the directions do not refer to their colors, just the numbers printed on the back. The instructions are a little unclear at the end, only saying “the coating should be applied to the gray applicator pad”. The only bottle I didn’t use was the headlight sealant, so it was easy to figure out what the instructions were talking about, but it could have been clearer.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

3M This 3M Headlight Restoration Kit does not include gloves, towel or sealant. It also doesn’t use as much wet sanding. The first step is to attach the pad retainer to the power drill, use the 500 grit sandpaper on a dry lens, then switch to an 800 grit disc and dry sand the vehicle’s headlight lens again. Finally, use the 3,000 foam disc and water for a finishing touch. To polish, attach the large foam pad to the bracket and apply a small amount of 3M abrasive paste to it. Buff and buff and dry the lens with a microfiber cloth. The 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System was the best kit out of the bunch for restoring cloudy headlights. Not only did it make the lens the clearest, each disc is color coded and referred to as such in the instructions. The instructions are very detailed and offer tips and tricks, color photos and larger print.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Adam’s Polishes Adam’s Headlight Restoration Kit comes with two microfiber cloths and a pair of gloves and uses liquids instead of abrasive discs like the other restoration kits. Here you get a heavy correction compound, a detail spray and a finishing polish. It does not come with a protective coating. The first step is to attach the backing plate to the drill and attach the “blue microfiber cutting pad” – I’ll talk more about that in a moment. Add 3-4 drops of corrective compound and sand down the cloudy headlight housings. When you are finished with this step, wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth and use the detailing spray if needed. The second step is to repeat the process with the 4 inch blue foam pad. Finally, use the white foam pad and finish polish and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. The Adam’s Polishes Headlight Restoration Kit was my least favorite. It comes in great looking packaging but the instructions are confusing. This “blue microfiber cutting pad” is actually a white pad resting on a thin layer of blue foam. I just reached for something blue, thinking the white pads were down the line for a little later. To be fair, there’s an instruction video online, but the instructions shouldn’t say “blue” when the pad is clearly white.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Best Headlight Restoration Kit Comparison Product Gloves Towel Sealant Drill Price Rust Oleum Wipe New Headlight Restoration yes yes yes no $10 Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit yes no yes no $25 Mother’s NuLens Headlight Restoration Kit no no no yes $22 Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit no no yes yes $24 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System no no no yes $13 Adam’s Polishes Headlight Restoration Kit yes yes no yes $30

Kits and Kaboodles

In my testing, the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System is the best headlight restoration kit thanks to its clear instructions and great results. Although the 3M kit does not contain a UV sealer, it clearly gave the best result of all the kits. I’ll go through the rest of Buddy’s headlights with the 3M product.

If you don’t have or don’t want to use a cordless drill, the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit is the best headlight kit of the two I’ve tried. It was easier to apply than the rust oleum kit and there was no question of which product to use in which step.

Before using a headlight restoration kit, here are a few pro tips. First, be sure to mask off the surrounding paint with painter’s tape or masking tape first. And opening the hood of your car to have easy access to the entire headlight housing is also very helpful.

If your headlights are cloudy, a restoration kit is a quick and easy way to bring them back up to scratch. Restoring them offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a cheap and easy way to make your car safer and should take you around 30 minutes to restore both headlights. There are other headlight restoration kits available on the market namely the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restoration Kit, Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit, Philips Headlight Restoration Kit and Chemical Guys Headlight Restoration Kit.

More for car fans

Are you wondering how true it is to clean car headlights with Coca Cola? Well it’s real and oh yeah! It’s the same Coca Cola you consume with your favorite fries at lunchtime! Do-it-yourself clean headlights are becoming increasingly popular as many people try to get rid of fogged headlights themselves. Although this development is good and saves a lot of money, different techniques and tips are discovered every day and today we are going to look at how to clean car headlights with coca cola. Before we dive in though, it’s important that you know that with all the shortcuts in life, there’s a little catch. The truth is that fixing fogged headlights with simple home remedies usually only brings temporary results and sooner or later you will be longing for a more permanent solution like using the headlight restoration kit or a replacement.

Your headlights are your vehicle’s eyes and your second eye at night or in cloudy weather. Like human eyes, they could develop problems such as B. a yellowing or hazy appearance due to constant exposure to UV rays, debris and dirt and would need to be treated. The only proven method to restore the clarity of oxidized plastic headlights for at least another 500 hours is to use a headlight reconditioning kit.

But then again, not all headlight restoration kits are created equal. While some cleaning kits require extra effort and professional experience, like masking your headlights, sanding, polishing, or removing the headlight lens, others come with a pre-mixed liquid solution and require no experience or extra effort – simply apply the cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth or restoration wipes to clean the headlights.

In my opinion, the best DIY headlight restoration kits should be easy to use, require no professional experience, and be able to fix fogged headlights. Using this type of kit can permanently remove haze, haze and oxidation to restore the headlight to like-new condition. Let’s take a quick look at why we can use Coca Cola and how to clean headlights with Coke.

What makes Coca-Cola drink such a choice for headlight cleaning?

Coca-Cola is carbonated and contains a sufficient amount of acid to allow it to dissolve oxidation and eliminate deposits on a variety of surfaces such as metal, tile, alloy and even plastic. The citric acid found in cola makes it effective at removing stains, while the phosphoric acid gives it rust-dissolving power. However, compared to a headlight restoration DIY with home remedies like vinegar and toothpaste, Coca-Cola works more slowly. But it could be a good choice if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative.

Using Coca-Cola to remove oxidation from headlights: step by step

Are you ready to clean your headlight with coke? Here are the things you need:

Coca-Cola: You can buy a can or bottle of Coke at your local store. Try not to shake it and make sure it’s flat a little before using so it doesn’t start bubbling right away. Diet Coca-Cola is less sticky, so you’ll spend less time removing sugar residue.

Sponge or Microfiber Cloth: Gather some clean microfiber cloths or a sponge, along with soap and water. The sponge or microfiber cloth is gentler on the surface and will help clean the cola residue off your car body.

Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

Cleaning car headlights with coca cola

First things first, start the cleaning process by wiping the dirt off your headlight lens with a clean towel or microfiber cloth. You can also choose to give your car headlights a thorough wash with car soap and a sponge to ensure you have a clean and dry surface to work with.

When you’re done, open a can of Coca-Cola drink and apply it to your headlight lens. (Be careful not to stain your car paintwork). You can turn the Coca-Cola drink into a spray bottle or soak a sponge or towel with the Coca-Cola drink and apply it to your foggy looking headlights.

Leave it on for about 10 minutes and wipe your headlights with a clean towel. If you still have some sticky Coca-Cola stains on your headlight lens, you can wash your headlights with car detergent and warm water. If your headlights still fog up after washing off the Coca Cola, you should try repeating the process as many times as possible to get the results you want.

But that might be a waste of good soda! Honestly, how many cans of Coca Cola are you willing to waste in a year or a month or a weekend. Headlight glasses are expensive! Did you price in a replacement? If you have and know the cost, you don’t want to rig it with home remedies intended for other household purposes. So what is the best alternative? Restoring headlight glass with WD-40? Not really! The answer is to buy a headlight restoration kit. Headlight restoration kits are cheaper compared to a replacement. You can buy a good restoration kit for as little as $15.

Benefits of Using Coca-Cola as a Headlight Restoration Tool

It is easily accessible

It is versatile and can be used to clean other surfaces such as metals, tiles and alloys.

It can be used to remove rust

It can be consumed

Disadvantages of using Coca-Cola as a headlight restoration tool

It can damage your plastic headlights.

Because of its sugar content, it can be difficult to wash off.

Because of its acidity, it can damage the lens of cat headlights.

It’s not made with the intention of cleaning your headlights.

Final Thoughts

Despite all the wisdom you can find on the web, coke can clean some things like your toilet and ceramics, but on a polycarbonate plastic like your car headlights, I’m not sure you should try them. However, if your headlights are fogging up or getting hazy and you are in trouble and need cleaning to fix your fogged headlights, I recommend getting a headlight restoration kit. You can get as many headlight restoration kits as you want for emergencies. Some restoration kits come in sets, and you can buy about 5 sets of headlight restoration kits to use anytime your headlight lens looks fogged.

Why do headlights turn yellow or fog up?

Car headlights can yellow or fog up over time for a number of reasons. Let’s remove that and de-yellow those lights. Here’s why and how to remove headlight fog. First of all, their cover is made of plastic material – like polycarbonate. If this substance is not properly sealed, the dirt as you drive through dust, rocks, pebbles, and dirt will scratch your headlights, leaving tiny chips and cracks. Dirt can enter through these new openings and accumulate over time, causing that yellow headlight effect, ruining the quality of your seal and reducing the ability of your headlights to shine.

Another way your headlight sealant is stripped is by the combined corrosive force of outside elements such as the sun’s UV rays, acid rain and asphalt petrochemicals. There are countless possibilities as to why your headlights take on that yellow, oxidized tint. We’re here to teach you the best way to clean and repair oxidized headlights, so read on.

Why are clean headlights important?

Pay attention to the performance of your headlights. Is it light, yellowed or clouded? Haze or yellow cast in your headlights can reduce or redirect what is being emitted.

If you do, you put yourself and other drivers at risk for sight-related accidents. Regardless of the time of day or year, your headlight lenses need to be well maintained to prevent this from happening. A little proactive effort goes a long way now; You may not even need to call automotive professionals with all the great DIY methods at your disposal to clean oxidized headlights!

How to clean fogged headlights

Luckily, cleaning oxidized headlights or cleaning fogged headlights requires little more than a few items found around the house.

If you try all of the cleaning methods CleanTools recommends below and your headlights are still not producing enough light, you probably need to take your car to an auto shop to have it professionally cleaned or repaired.

How to clean headlights with toothpaste

Toothpaste can provide effective headlight restoration because its formula contains tiny amounts of abrasive substances that penetrate stuck dirt, road debris and the effects of oxidation.

You prepare to clean your car headlights by masking the edges of your car headlights to protect the car’s paintwork. You can also tape plastic sheets around them if you want to use less tape as the sticky glue can damage your car paint if left on for too long.

Next, fill a bucket of water, pour a generous amount of toothpaste onto our Premium Wash Mitt, and then add some water to loosen the consistency. Scrub away your headlight, rinse the dirt off your glove and reapply toothpaste if necessary. Repeat this process until all the sand has come off your headlights and they have cleared. Finally, rinse off any toothpaste residue thoroughly, dry the cleaned area with The Absorber® and carefully remove your protective tape.

How to clean headlights with vinegar

Vinegar itself is a great cleaning solution, but when coupled with baking soda it creates a chemical reaction powerful enough to remove hard-to-clean headlight oxidation and dirt build-up.

Prepare for your headlight restoration job by wrapping a protective film around the edges of your car headlights to keep the paintwork intact

Mix car shampoo (or liquid dish soap) with water onto your CleanTools Premium Wash Mitt until it foams to initially wipe down the headlight surface. Then mix some baking soda and vinegar together in a small bucket; You should see them react to each other immediately.

Put some of the vinegar and baking soda mixture on your glove and (quite effortlessly!) wipe the headlights again. Now you’re ready to hit the road with bright beacons once you’ve rinsed all residue from your headlights, dried with Absorber® and carefully removed the tape from your car.

How to clean headlights with WD-40

If you are looking for a quick fix for cleaning oxidized headlights, the WD-40 product is a great option. However, it may not be a suitable permanent solution for headlight restoration.

Prepare your car for headlight defogging by protectively tapping the area around your headlights. Mix a bucket of water with car shampoo (or liquid dish soap) and use our Premium Wash Mitt to clean the surface and prep it for the WD-40 lube.

Shake the can of WD-40 and spray the product onto the headlight lens, avoiding hitting unprotected areas of the car. Then, using another clean wash mitt or rag, gently but thoroughly wash the lube off with the bucket solution. Once all the oil is gone, try the CleanTools Absorber® and remove the tape (without putting lube on it).

Use WD-40 sparingly: Relying on this oil product too often could smear or burn out your headlight bulb, so be sure to wash it off completely each time you use it.

Tools you need to get the best look for your yellow oxidized headlights

In addition to purchasing an at-home headlight restoration kit or booking a professional cleaning, CleanTools has listed several DIY processes you can perform to keep your headlights in good visibility for maximum safety on the road.

Based on the descriptions in the section above, depending on the cleaning method you choose, we have compiled a list of the products you need to get the job done right:

Toothpaste (with abrasives)

vinegar and baking powder

WD-40 spray

Bucket

water

tape

plastic sheeting

CleanTools has two products that are a perfect match for all your car washing needs. Made from a blend of wool, polyester and nylon, our premium wash mitt can hold more water longer so you can keep your hand on your car and not in your bucket. We recommend keeping a separate glove for different surfaces on your car so you can avoid transferring abrasive particles from one area to another.

Our high-quality, reliable and gentle mitt can be followed by The Absorber®. This incredible drying product is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). It has the unmatched ability to dry your car with noticeably fewer wipes!

Meguiar’s Two-Step Headlight Restoration Kit is a simple and effective way to restore clarity to uncoated clear plastics in two easy steps. First clean the surface evenly with one of the supplied scouring pads and the cleaning paste. Then thoroughly coat with Headlight Coating to restore plastics to a crystal clear finish that coats and protects against re-oxidation for up to a year. This two-step process makes removing oxidation, haze and yellowing quick and easy while providing brilliant clarity that lasts.

Headlights are an important safety feature on your car, whether driving at night or in inclement weather. Unfortunately, headlights can get foggy and dirty, which dulls their brightness and makes them less effective at illuminating the road. Plastic headlights can fog up due to UV radiation and weather influences.

If your lights aren’t appearing as bright as usual, try one of these methods to clean them. There are several ways to restore the clarity of your headlight lenses.

Use liquid soap, baking soda, and vinegar

Using liquid soap, baking soda, and vinegar, you can restore your headlights in a few simple steps. Keep in mind that this method may not fully clear very yellowed, foggy lights and you may have to repeat the steps several times.[1]

Start by wiping the headlights of dust with a microfiber cloth. Add a tablespoon or two of liquid soap to a bucket. Add enough water to dilute the soap into a watery solution. Using another clean microfiber cloth, clean the headlight with the soap solution. The idea is to get the lens as clean as possible before using the baking soda and vinegar. Rinse the soap off the headlights with a spray bottle of water and use a towel to dry the headlights.

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thick paste. Gently buff the headlight with the paste using a dry cleaning cloth. Using the spray bottle, rinse off the paste with water and repeat the process until the lens is clean and clear.

How to clean car headlights with toothpaste

Before beginning, remove dust and dirt from the headlight with a clean cloth. Then spray the headlight with water using your spray bottle. Using an old toothbrush, apply toothpaste to the lens and scrub gently.[2] Use regular white toothpaste, not the gel toothpaste.[3] Rinse with water until the toothpaste is gone and the headlight is clear.

How to clean fogged headlights with a headlight restoration kit

These kits can be expensive, but they are effective and safe for headlight restoration.[4] Use them as directed; Normally, all you have to do is apply the cleanser and rinse. A kit may also contain wax mixtures to protect the lights.[5] For all methods, use soft microfiber cleaning cloths. These are gentle and can help prevent scratches. They also don’t usually leave stray fibers behind. Learn how to restore your headlights.

Keeping your headlights bright is just one important part of car maintenance. If your headlight fails, learn how to replace a headlight to keep your car safe and in good working order.

[1] https://www.washos.com/blog/clean-headlights-guide/

[2] https://www.carwow.co.uk/guides/running/how-to-clean-car-headlights

[3] https://www.washos.com/blog/clean-headlights-guide/

[4] https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-clear-foggy-headlights.html

[5] https://www.washos.com/blog/clean-headlights-guide/

How to clean your Toyota headlights with household items

Headlights are essential to illuminate the front of your vehicle so you can see the road ahead. Of course, they are also essential for other drivers to be able to see you when driving at night or in poor visibility. Headlights can be easily forgotten, but over time your headlights will yellow or fog up due to oxidation. There are numerous products that one can buy to clean their headlights, but did you know that you can also use a number of household items to clean them? Check out our guide to cleaning your Toyota headlights with household items. Check out our blog for more Toyota tips.

How to clean headlights with baking soda

Place about 5 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and add enough warm water to form a paste. After you’ve given your headlights a thorough cleaning, use a corner of your sponge to apply the baking soda paste to your headlights. Using a clean cloth, buff your headlights in small circular motions. Repeat this step as many times as necessary until you see the results you want. Then wash the headlights with dish soap and warm water and your headlights will shine like new.

How to clean headlights with vinegar

Take off the headlight cover, dip it in white vinegar bath and leave it there for about an hour. Rub away the dirt with a rough sponge and put the cover back on. The acidity of the vinegar should loosen any stuck dirt.

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How to clean headlights with toothpaste

Take some toothpaste and apply some directly to your headlights. Start in the center and spread towards the corners of the headlights using circular motions with a soft, dry cloth. Continue until the toothpaste is completely wiped away and check out the shiny results.

Cleaning your headlights is easy and with the ability to clean them with household products, chances are you always have something at home to clean them with. Remember to make sure your headlights are clean and clear to keep not only yourself but also the drivers around you safe when driving in low visibility situations. If you have a cracked or scratched headlight, give us a call at Arlington Toyota and let us help you get new headlights.

How to clean your fogged headlights at home

If you’ve been driving for a long time, you’ve probably suffered or witnessed the aggravation that comes from cloudy, foggy, or blurry headlights. Over time, the polycarbonate material that makes up most headlights can become damaged and scratched by flying debris, or the sun’s UV rays damaging the outer layers. The effect of this degradation can significantly reduce visibility at night or in inclement weather, in addition to looking unsightly. There isn’t much you can do to prevent this damage to your Toyota Camry, but you can fix it with 3 simple lifehacks. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean your fogged headlights at home, take a look at a few quick and easy headlight cleaning tips.

Lifehack: Clean fogged headlights with toothpaste

Are the headlights of your Toyota RAV4 starting to look a little blurry or becoming cloudy? One of the easiest ways to clean fogged up headlights at home is to use toothpaste and a rag. All you have to do is grab an extra tube of toothpaste — you might not like that gross peppermint flavor — and apply it liberally to your headlights. The mildly abrasive properties of your toothpaste will help scrub the damaged, deteriorated surface and give your headlights a bright new shine. Simply apply the toothpaste and rub it in with a rag in small circular motions to improve the clarity of your headlights. It might take some elbow grease, but it will do the trick.

Lifehack: Clean fogged headlights with baking soda and vinegar

Another trick you can use to clean fogged up headlights is to apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Both baking soda and vinegar have been used for cleaning purposes for years. Before you begin, use some dish soap to clean the surface of your headlights, then apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Mix baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl, then apply in circular and side-to-side motions until your headlight is clean. You can also use baking soda and a damp cloth to clean cloudy headlights.

Lifehack: Clean fogged headlights with bug spray

A third lifehack that you can use to clean the fogged up headlights on your Toyota Corolla is to use a little bug spray. It makes sense that something powerful enough to deter blood-sucking mosquitoes could have other uses. As it turns out, applying bug spray to fogged headlights and scrubbing away helps brighten your headlights. However, be careful not to use too much bug spray as this can damage the plastic.

If you’re looking for a quick fix to fogged headlights, these 3 lifehacks are for you, and you probably won’t even need to go to the store for anything. So if you’ve ever wondered how to clean your fogged up headlights at home, just follow the tips highlighted above. If that’s still not enough, take your vehicle to the Toyota J. Pauley Service Department and our team of certified service technicians will have your headlights looking like new. For more quick tips, tricks, and life hacks, check out the official J. Pauley Toyota Blog.

Project plans and electrical wiring costs plus labor will affect your costs. Read on to learn how much LED lights cost.

The price of light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, dimmers and strips is becoming more and more affordable. These lights are some of the most energy efficient on the market, but the number one factor affecting the cost is what you plan to do with them.

How much do LED lights cost?

Replacing incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs with LED bulbs costs about $4 to $8 for a 10 watt LED. So if you’re replacing 24 lightbulbs, it’ll cost $96-$192 to replace them all at once.

When buying multiple LED bulbs, you usually get volume discounts. For example, look at the cost of this 6-pack of light bulbs on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made on Amazon. Learn more

10W LED bulbs are the standard replacement for 60-100W incandescent bulbs. LED lights use lumens instead of watts. In the table below you will find the suitable LED lamp that can be used as a replacement for an incandescent lamp and the average price.

Comparable LED bulb size and price to standard incandescent bulbs. Incandescent Watts LED Watts Lumens Cost per bulb (average) 40w 6w LED 450 lm $3 60w 8.5w LED 800 lm $5 75w 10w LED 1,000 lm $7 100w 15w LED 1,600 lm $9 150 W 25W LED 2,500lm $12

While the initial cost may be higher, these durable and highly durable lights will save you significant amounts of energy and therefore money over time. Try our electricity cost calculator to calculate the energy costs of LED lamps.

Smart LED bulbs

The new smart LED bulbs, used with voice-controlled services, cost between $40 and $100 per bulb. These bulbs are capable of voice activated color changing, dimming and on/off functions from a remote location.

There are even smart LED lights with built-in video recording capabilities using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Many call these nanny cams so you can discreetly keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter.

Color changing bulbs also cost a little more than a typical LED bulb, but offer the ability to control the mood with a smartphone or remote control.

LED light bars

LED light bars offer an elegant way to add accent lighting in many applications. You can add backlighting for a piece of art, add under cabinet or bed lighting, or add a glow to pretty much any indirect surface with the strips.

Strips often come with an adhesive backing and a low-voltage power supply, meaning almost anyone can install them without an electrician or expensive tools. Stripes often range in price from $50 for a standard white stripe to $300 for a color-changing variety.

Integrated devices

One way to upgrade to LED lighting is to replace the entire fixture with a new fixture that has built-in LED lighting instead of standard bulb sockets. Lights typically cost between $100 and $150 and require an electrician to install.

Install track or string LED light

Tracks or strings of lights are the easy way to get targeted and personal lighting for any space. Track lights are particularly popular in kitchens, dens and craft areas, allowing the user to direct the light where they need it.

Otherwise, you could put up a string of lights to highlight artwork or prints to make them a highlight of your room. Track lights typically have six or more lights on the track and cost around $50 to $200 for a simple style, but elaborate styles can cost up to $1,500.

A DIYer can install track lights using a cord that plugs into a wall outlet. You typically hang the track with sheetrock screws or the screws that came with the track lighting kit.

However, if the wiring needs to be changed or added, an electrician will need to be called in. Where an overhead light already exists, you can hook onto these wires without installing more. Figure 2-3 hours and between $150 and $250 for the labor.

DIY of LED lights

The DIY LED light projects are minimal. The only thing you can do yourself is change the bulbs or install a plugin rail or strip. If you don’t have the tools, time, or knowledge, a handyman will charge $40-$80 for a small project.

Any other project will likely require a permit and a licensed electrician. Licensed electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the rate in your area.

Quality with energy saving

LED lights are the same or in many cases better quality than comparable incandescent or CFL lights. (The comparison to CFLs is probably pointless, as most companies have stopped producing them due to disposal issues with toxic mercury.) LEDs will save you money on your energy bills long after you’ve installed them.

How much do LED lights save per month?

Many new and refurbished lighting projects can use indoor and outdoor LED lighting. These LED lights will save you nearly 85 percent on your electricity bill, generate less heat, and some last up to 35 or 40,000 hours.

The estimated savings for the average homeowner by replacing 24 incandescent light bulbs with LEDs is nearly $7,000 over twenty years. Likewise, consider using solar powered lights where practical for even more savings. These are also becoming increasingly affordable.

For that “warm, cozy” feeling, choose warm white LED bulbs. Cool white is a bright blue, and natural incandescent bulbs fall somewhere between these colors. New smart lights come in a variety of colors.

Use our lighting cost calculator to calculate how much you’ll save by upgrading to LED lighting.

Why do LEDs save money?

LED lights save money because they use less energy to operate. LEDs consume less watts for the same light output, i.e. they consume less energy than an incandescent lamp for the same operating time.

Not convinced of the savings? Use our Watts to kWh calculator to calculate the amount of energy a 60W lightbulb uses when left on for 8 hours compared to a 10W lightbulb. You should get 14.4 kWh per 60W bulb per day.

If you multiply that by 12 cents per hour, you will see that a single 60W light bulb used 8 hours per day costs $1.73 per month. How many lightbulbs do you have in your house?

Depending on how much you spend per bulb and how often they are used, the payback time is typically 4-8 months per bulb when you upgrade to LED.

Estimates for a professional installation

If you decide to install new LED lights and need to do more than change the light bulb or mount the light on the wall, you likely need an electrician. To get estimates for wiring, switchboards and other electrical projects, try our contractor locator.

You may also be interested in our cost guide for under-cabinet lighting.

All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs and is subject to variance for project specific materials, labor costs and requirements.

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I recently purchased an upscale 2001 Mazda Miata which is my dream car. It’s no surprise that my new good ol’ buddy needs a lot of work, but safety is my number one priority. An easy way to make an older car safer is to replace those yellowed and fogged up headlights.

Oxidation in a cloudy headlight poses a safety concern because it can severely reduce visibility at night. Headlight discoloration is caused by a combination of UV rays, pollution, ozone and the chemicals used in some car washes. In 20-year-old Buddy, I find myself driving with my turn signals on all the time, and I still feel like I’m driving in the dark.

To find out which headlight restoration kit is the best, I picked six of the top sellers and tested them on a 2008 Subaru Outback owned by buddy and a mate. The Subie’s headlights weren’t very cloudy, so I decided to try two kits that didn’t require a drill to grind, using one kit for each headlight. To conquer Buddy’s cloudy headlight lenses, I selected four kits and split each bulb in half. These kits are sturdier and require more than just elbow grease.

The results have been impressive in many cases and Buddy and Subie’s dim headlights are now a thing of the past. So if you’re willing to leave yellowed headlights in the rearview mirror and aren’t afraid to grab a buffing pad and put in some work, you’ll be seeing brighter, clearer headlights in no time. I will also add that I have not tried these products on taillights or directional lights. Just the headlights.

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Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Rustoleum Headlight Cleaning Kit includes a microfiber cloth and a pair of gloves and sealant, but as with all of these kits you will also need a spray bottle of water. The first step is to wet the headlamp, use the 2000 grit side of the small polishing pad, and then flip it over to the 3000 grit side for further buffing. Wipe dry with the towel provided and apply Wipe-It sealant to the plastic lens. The instructions state that the lens should be dry to the touch within an hour and should not come into contact with moisture for 24 hours to prevent the finish from streaking or staining. The ceramic coating that chemically bonds to the headlights prevents fogging and fading of the headlights. The rust-oleum kit definitely made the Subaru’s headlight lens clearer, but the little buffing pad was a little tricky to hold. It’s about 1.25 inches square and not very thick, so my fingertips often rubbed on the plastic headlights when using it.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Cerakote This kit comes with gloves and a sealant but no towel. The first step is to use the oxidation remover wipe over the matte headlights. It’s really satisfying to see the yellow oxidation on the wipe coming off. Next, use the Surface Prep Disc to wet polish the lens. You will do this twice, once with 3,000 grit sandpaper and once with 2,000 grit sandpaper. After thoroughly rinsing and drying the lens, wipe over it with the Clear Coat Wipe and wait for it to dry. The instructions for use state that the lens should not be exposed to direct moisture for one hour. This headlight restorer offers UV protection and reduces UV damage due to its professional ceramic coating. Which no-drill headlight restorer is the best? The Cerakote made the lens clearer than the Rust oleum kit and is easier to work with thanks to its applicator. It’s bigger and fits my hand better. Although the grinding wheels are the same color, the grit number is clearly printed on the other side. Also, each step in the headlight lens restoration kit is arranged in its own bag, making it easier for you to organize all the parts and parts.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Next, I needed to get a handle on Buddy’s lamps, so I chose products that use a drill bit for grinding. I used a Ryobi One+ cordless drill with two speed settings, 0-600 rpm or 0-1800 rpm.

Mother’s This kit comes without gloves, a towel, or a headlight coating sealant. The first step is to attach the backing plate to the drill like you would any drill and attach the 800 grit sanding disc. Wet-grind the plastic headlight glass and then switch to a 1,500-grit glass. Finally, there is a 3,000 foam disc for the final sanding step. To polish, replace the foam disc with the PowerBall 4Lights foam ball, apply a nickel-sized amount of PowerPlastic 4Lights paste and polish. Finally polish with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. The Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit definitely made the lens clearer. However, the grinding wheels are all the same color and the imprint of the grit on the back is a stroke of luck. Some are easy to read, others have part of the number printed on the disc, which leaves me guessing. Due to the lack of a seal, the car headlights can fog up again very quickly. However, the instructions say I can use the foam ball or buffing pad and buffing paste to maintain clarity.

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Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Meguiar’s This kit does not include gloves or a towel, but it does have a clear coat sealer. The first two sanding passes of the car’s headlight housings are done by hand with a 1,000 grit sandpaper disc, then with a 3,000 grit sanding pad disc attached to a hand pad similar to the one in the Cerakote kit. To polish, place the yellow polishing pad on the drill, add a nickel-sized amount of PlastX lens clearing paste and polish to your heart’s content. After thoroughly wiping clean and dry with a microfiber cloth, apply headlight sealant to the gray foam applicator and hand wipe the headlight. The directions state that the product will feel to the touch in 15 minutes but will keep the lens away from moisture for a full 24 hours. Again, Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit made my headlights clearer, but not crystal clear. The discs have different colors depending on the grit. However, the directions do not refer to their colors, just the numbers printed on the back. The instructions are a little unclear at the end, only saying “the coating should be applied to the gray applicator pad”. The only bottle I didn’t use was the headlight sealant, so it was easy to figure out what the instructions were talking about, but it could have been clearer.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

3M This 3M Headlight Restoration Kit does not include gloves, towel or sealant. It also doesn’t use as much wet sanding. The first step is to attach the pad retainer to the power drill, use the 500 grit sandpaper on a dry lens, then switch to an 800 grit disc and dry sand the vehicle’s headlight lens again. Finally, use the 3,000 foam disc and water for a finishing touch. To polish, attach the large foam pad to the bracket and apply a small amount of 3M abrasive paste to it. Buff and buff and dry the lens with a microfiber cloth. The 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System was the best kit out of the bunch for restoring cloudy headlights. Not only did it make the lens the clearest, each disc is color coded and referred to as such in the instructions. The instructions are very detailed and offer tips and tricks, color photos and larger print.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Adam’s Polishes Adam’s Headlight Restoration Kit comes with two microfiber cloths and a pair of gloves and uses liquids instead of abrasive discs like the other restoration kits. Here you get a heavy correction compound, a detail spray and a finishing polish. It does not come with a protective coating. The first step is to attach the backing plate to the drill and attach the “blue microfiber cutting pad” – I’ll talk more about that in a moment. Add 3-4 drops of corrective compound and sand down the cloudy headlight housings. When you are finished with this step, wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth and use the detailing spray if needed. The second step is to repeat the process with the 4 inch blue foam pad. Finally, use the white foam pad and finish polish and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. The Adam’s Polishes Headlight Restoration Kit was my least favorite. It comes in great looking packaging but the instructions are confusing. This “blue microfiber cutting pad” is actually a white pad resting on a thin layer of blue foam. I just reached for something blue, thinking the white pads were down the line for a little later. To be fair, there’s an instruction video online, but the instructions shouldn’t say “blue” when the pad is clearly white.

Enlarge image Emme Hall/Roadshow

Best Headlight Restoration Kit Comparison Product Gloves Towel Sealant Drill Price Rust Oleum Wipe New Headlight Restoration yes yes yes no $10 Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit yes no yes no $25 Mother’s NuLens Headlight Restoration Kit no no no yes $22 Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit no no yes yes $24 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System no no no yes $13 Adam’s Polishes Headlight Restoration Kit yes yes no yes $30

Kits and Kaboodles

In my testing, the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System is the best headlight restoration kit thanks to its clear instructions and great results. Although the 3M kit does not contain a UV sealer, it clearly gave the best result of all the kits. I’ll go through the rest of Buddy’s headlights with the 3M product.

If you don’t have or don’t want to use a cordless drill, the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit is the best headlight kit of the two I’ve tried. It was easier to apply than the rust oleum kit and there was no question of which product to use in which step.

Before using a headlight restoration kit, here are a few pro tips. First, be sure to mask off the surrounding paint with painter’s tape or masking tape first. And opening the hood of your car to have easy access to the entire headlight housing is also very helpful.

If your headlights are cloudy, a restoration kit is a quick and easy way to bring them back up to scratch. Restoring them offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a cheap and easy way to make your car safer and should take you around 30 minutes to restore both headlights. There are other headlight restoration kits available on the market namely the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restoration Kit, Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit, Philips Headlight Restoration Kit and Chemical Guys Headlight Restoration Kit.

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