Over time, headlights can become cloudy, yellowed, or even oxidised. This significantly reduces their effectiveness and looks horrible.
Not only do dull headlights affect the overall look of your vehicle, but they can also pose a minor safety risk by decreasing visibility at night. Fortunately, restoring your headlights can be a relatively simple and cost-effective DIY project.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of foggy headlight restoration, ensuring that your headlights shine bright and your car is looking clean.
Headlights are one of the most crucial safety features on your vehicle, but let’s be honest—cloudy, dull headlights don’t just affect visibility, they look terrible.
As they age, they can become dull due to a variety of factors:
This could lead to dangerous driving situations, particularly in low-visibility conditions. In fact, according to the College of Optometrists, 76% of UK drivers found night-time headlight glare (which is increased when headlights are foggy) to be an issue when driving.
Photo by Yura Forrat
By restoring your headlights, you improve the look of your car and also enhance your safety on the road.
Before I dive into the method that I vouch for, I want to share some insight from Reddit. I was browsing through r/AutoDetailing and found some interesting tips on headlight restoration.
Here's the gist:
Just a few things I picked up while reading through the thread.
Before you begin the restoration process, gather the following materials:
While primarily a glass cleaner, Bilt Hamber's Trace-Less is effective in removing surface contaminants from headlight lenses. Its super-wetting formula ensures thorough cleaning, preparing the surface for further restoration steps. This product is available in 1-litre and 5-litre sizes.
How to Use:
Yum Wash is a high-quality car shampoo that effectively removes dirt and grime from headlight lenses. Following up with Yum Detailer provides a protective layer, enhancing clarity and offering UV protection. Both products plus Citrus and Wheels are available in our YumCars Wash Bundle.
How to Use:
Koch Chemie's Headlight Polish Set is designed to provide all you need to remove oxidation, yellowing, and surface imperfections from headlights, leaving them crystal clear. It is ideal for achieving a high-quality finish and is often used by the upper echelon pros.
How to Use:
Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the restoration process.
Start by cleaning the area around the headlights. Dirt and grime can cause scratches during the restoration process, so it’s crucial to ensure that the headlight lens is free from debris. Use a soft cloth and some soapy water to clean the surface thoroughly.
Next, apply masking tape around the edges of the headlights to protect the paintwork. This will prevent accidental damage while you’re working on the lenses.
The sanding process is essential for removing the top layer of oxidation and grime that has built up on the surface of the headlight lens. Begin with the lowest grit sandpaper (600 grit) to remove the bulk of the oxidation.
Once you’ve sanded the headlight with the 600-grit paper, move on to finer grits (800 and 1200) to smooth out the surface. The finer the grit, the smoother the finish will be. After sanding, the headlight may appear cloudy or dull, but don’t worry – the next steps will restore its clarity.
After sanding, it’s time to bring the shine back. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a clean microfiber cloth and rub it into the headlight using a circular motion. The polish will help to buff out any remaining haze and restore the clarity of the lens. If you have a machine polisher, you can use this as well.
If you don’t have a polishing compound, toothpaste can be an effective alternative. The mild abrasives in toothpaste can help polish the lens, making it clearer and more transparent.
To protect your newly restored headlights, it’s a good idea to apply a clear coat. This will help shield the lens from future oxidation and UV damage. Most headlight restoration kits come with a clear coat, but if yours doesn’t, you can purchase one separately.
Tip: Apply the clear coat in thin layers and allow it to dry completely before using your vehicle.
Once the clear coat has dried, remove the masking tape from around the headlights. Give the headlights a final wipe-down with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure a smooth, polished finish.
To keep your headlights looking clear and bright for as long as possible, consider these maintenance tips:
Here’s a YouTube video by OCDaddy Zsolt that explains the process using Koch Chemie’s headlight restoration kit:
Headlight restoration can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on factors like weather conditions, UV exposure, and how well you maintain the headlights. However, applying a clear coat and UV sealant can significantly extend the lifespan of the restoration.
While DIY headlight restoration can be effective, there are times when it’s best to leave the job to professionals. A professional service can often provide a more durable and long-lasting result, especially if your headlights are severely oxidised or damaged.
At CA Detailing, we specialise in high-quality headlight restoration services in North London. We can bring your headlights back to life. We use advanced techniques and products to ensure that your headlights are as clear and bright as new. You can book an appointment with us today or contact us for a consultation.
Restoring your headlights is a simple yet impactful way to enhance the look and safety of your vehicle. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or opt for professional help, the results are well worth the effort. With the right tools, patience, and care, you can make your headlights shine like new again.
For more tips on car detailing and maintenance, visit our blog or get in touch with the experts at CA Detailing. We’re here to help you keep your car in top condition.
Q: How do I know if my headlights need restoring?
A: If your headlights appear cloudy, yellowed, or dim, they likely need restoration. Oxidation and buildup from UV rays, road salts, and pollutants are common causes of headlight degradation.
Q: Can I restore my headlights myself, or should I hire a professional?
A: You can restore your headlights yourself with the right products and techniques. Using quality restoration products like Soft99's Headlight Clear or Koch Chemie's Headlight Polish can give you professional-level results without the need for a specialist.
Q: How long does headlight restoration last?
A: The results of headlight restoration can last for several months, depending on the conditions the vehicle is exposed to. Regular maintenance and the application of a UV-protective sealant can help prolong the clarity of your headlights.
Q: What products do I need for headlight restoration?
A: Essential products for headlight restoration include a good car shampoo (like Yum Wash), an abrasive polishing product (such as Soft99 Headlight Clear or Koch Chemie Headlight Polish), and a protective detailer or sealant (like Yum Detailer).
Q: How often should I restore my headlights?
A: Headlight restoration should be done when you notice visible signs of oxidation or cloudiness. Regular cleaning and protection can prevent the need for frequent restoration.
Q: Is it safe to restore my headlights with these products?
A: Yes, products from trusted brands like Kovax, Bilt Hamber, YumCars, Soft99, and Koch Chemie are safe to use when applied according to the instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best results and to avoid damaging your headlights.
Q: Can I use toothpaste or other DIY methods to restore my headlights?
A: While DIY methods like toothpaste may offer temporary results, they are not as effective or long-lasting as professional-grade products. For the best outcome, it's recommended to use dedicated headlight restoration products.
Q: How can I prevent my headlights from becoming cloudy again?
A: To prevent cloudiness, apply a UV-resistant sealant after restoration. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help protect your headlights from future oxidation.
Tahmid Rashid (the one in the middle) is one of the three owners of CA Detailing, alongside his trusted cousin-brothers. A long-time car enthusiast, Tahmid founded Carbon Accents, a car styling store, in 2019. His passion for cars and maintaining his own BMW 1 Series (F20 M135i) led him to dive into the world of detailing.
With over eight years of experience developing products in another industry, Tahmid noticed that customers across the UK were often purchasing low-quality car detailing products. Driven to make a difference, he co-founded CA Detailing in 2021. His goal is to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices and to share his knowledge so that customers can make the most informed decisions when buying detailing products.
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