How to Restore Cloudy Headlights

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.

Why Headlight Restoration is Essential

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:

  • UV Exposure: Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the plastic lens to oxidise, turning yellow or cloudy.
  • Road Debris: Bugs, dirt, and grime can build up on your headlights, causing them to become cloudy or scratched over time.
  • Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can all contribute to the degradation of your headlights.

The Dangers of Dull Headlights

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.

Cloudy headlights

Photo by Yura Forrat

By restoring your headlights, you improve the look of your car and also enhance your safety on the road.

Cloudy Headlight Restoration Tips from r/AutoDetailing

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:

  1. Sanding: A lot of people start with wet sanding at 400-grit, then move to 800-grit, and sometimes 1000-grit. Some go up to 3000 grit, but others say that's overkill and just wastes time.
  2. Clear Coat: After sanding, everyone agrees you need to clear coat the headlights. Some use a 2K clear coat, others use specialised headlight coatings. A few even swear by ceramic coatings, but it’s not universally loved.
  3. Tools and Products: The Kovax Toleblock S Sanding Block is a popular choice, but some guys use rotary polishers for quicker results. One guy even mentioned using bug spray for a quick fix (though that’s not recommended for anything serious).
  4. Other Tips: Some users add a layer of PPF (Paint Protection Film) after restoration to keep the headlights safe from UV and road damage.

Just a few things I picked up while reading through the thread.

What You’ll Need for Permanent Headlight Restoration

Before you begin the restoration process, gather the following materials:

  • Headlight Restoration Kit: While you can restore headlights using household items like toothpaste or baking soda, a dedicated restoration kit often provides the best results. Kits typically include everything you need, such as sandpaper, polish, and protective coatings.
  • Microfiber Cloths: These are essential for cleaning, polishing, and buffing the headlights without causing scratches.
  • Masking Tape: Use this to protect the paint around your headlights from any accidental sanding or polish.
  • Water and Spray Bottle: To keep the headlight wet during sanding, preventing scratching and ensuring smooth results.
  • Sandpaper: Various grits (600, 800, and 1200) are required for effective sanding and smoothing.
  • Polishing Compound: A good polish will restore the clarity and shine to your headlights after sanding.

Recommended Headlight Restoration Products

1. Bilt Hamber: Trace-Less Glass Cleaner

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:

  • Apply to a clean, dry cloth.
  • Wipe the headlight lens in a circular motion.
  • Buff to a clear finish.

2. YumCars: Yum Wash and Yum Detailer

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:

  • Wash the vehicle using Yum Wash.
  • Rinse and dry the headlights thoroughly.
  • Apply Yum Detailer to a microfiber cloth and buff the lens to a clear finish.

4. Koch Chemie: Headlight Polish Set

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:

  • Clean the headlight lens thoroughly.
  • Apply Headlight Polish to a polishing pad.
  • Buff the lens in a circular motion until clarity is restored.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Foggy Headlights

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the restoration process.

Step 1: Preparation is Key

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.

Step 2: Sand the Headlights

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.

  • Tip: Keep the headlight wet throughout the sanding process by spraying water on it regularly. This will help prevent scratches and ensure a smooth finish. Unless you are using the Kovax kit which can be used dry.
  • Circular Motion: Sand in a circular motion, applying light to moderate pressure. Be patient – this step may take a few minutes, but it’s essential for achieving a clear result.

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.

Step 3: Polish the Headlights

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.

Step 4: Apply a Clear Coat (Optional but Recommended)

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.

Step 5: Clean Up

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.

Step 6: Maintenance Tips

To keep your headlights looking clear and bright for as long as possible, consider these maintenance tips:

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean your headlights regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and grime.
  • UV Sealant: After restoration, apply a UV sealant to protect the headlights from sun damage.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products can damage the headlight lens. Stick to mild cleaners for the best results.

Here’s a YouTube video by OCDaddy Zsolt that explains the process using Koch Chemie’s headlight restoration kit:

How Long Does Headlight Restoration Last?

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.

The Benefits of Professional Headlight 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.

Restore your Headlights at CA Detailing

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

Restoring Headlights FAQs

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.

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Tahmid Rashid

Tahmid Rashid

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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