Over time, a cars headlights go from crystal clear to cloudy due to age and prolonged exposure to the suns damaging UV rays. Notably, this degradation decreases the headlight output and affects a drivers visibility at night.

　　As headlights age, the yellow and fogginess will affect how much light is projected onto the road. The result can degrade visibility for drivers. This degradation happens when the polycarbonate coating on a headlight lens deteriorates, which happens over the parts lifespan but is particularly noticeable in regions where cars get a lot of sun.

　　The good news? Solutions are available to correct the problem yourself. You can either replace your headlight housings — which is costly — or restore them using a headlight restoration kit. These kits generally cost from $10 to $25.

　　Essentially, the included tools help you remove the lens coating thats damaged and apply a protective layer. Some headlight restoration kits require a bit of elbow grease. Others include attachments for an electric drill to make the job less arduous.

　　Numerous options are available for headlight restoration, so it’s a wee bit confusing to pick the right kit. Rest assured, we purchased and tested the best ones available today and wrote up our impressions. Below are our recommendations for the best headlight restoration kits, so you can bring clarity to your dull and hazy headlight lenses.

　　To learn more about headlight restoration kits and a more in-depth analysis of how they can vary, check out ourcomprehensive buyers guide,FAQ, andcomparison chartbelow.

　　The Best Headlight Restoration Kits of 2024 Best Overall Headlight Restoration Kit: SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit Best Budget Headlight Restoration Kit: 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit Best Ceramic Choice Headlight Restoration Kit: Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit Best Overall Headlight Restoration Kit Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit Specs Chemicals Surface activator, clarifying compound, UV block clear coat Sanding tools Waterproof sandpaper; P400, P1000, P2000 grit Additional kit contents Vinyl glove, paper applicator, polishing towels Hand drill required No UV block Yes Manufacturer’s warranty Limited to vehicle lifetime

　　Pros Clarity is outstanding No tools required Warranty good for the life of the car Cons Manual process of sanding is time consuming Kit contains materials to restore two headlights, only Derek Mau If you prefer doing things the old-fashioned way, which requires some sweat equity, the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit ($25) comes with everything you need. This kit is ideal for folks who prefer to do projects by hand and see their headlights return to their former glory. It’s also the best kit to get the job done.

　　Inside the box you’ll find sandpaper, plastic gloves, and two types of paper towels. There’s a surface activator that quickly removes the top layer of oxidation. You’ll also see a polishing compound, masking tape, and a protective clear coating compound. Following the instructions will restore your headlights to a clear finish with lasting UV protection.

　　The restoration process begins by spraying the surface activator onto the headlight to soften the plastic. This step is followed by progressively sanding and polishing out the haziness and scratches on the headlight lens.

　　The last step is the application of the UV blocker coating, which will achieve clarity and make the lenses look almost new. Since this coating offers long-lasting UV protection, SYLVANIA guarantees a polished appearance for the vehicle’s lifetime.

　　After enduring 15 Idaho summers and winters, our tester’s 2008 Honda Ridgeline headlights were heavily oxidized and cloudy. Following 90 minutes of manual labor, which included sanding and polishing, we applied the UV blocker.

　　The clear coat brilliantly restored the clarity of the headlight to like-new condition in addition to protecting the lens from future oxidation. The SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit only provides enough materials for one set of headlights, but the warranty lasts as long as the vehicle’s life.

　　$22 at Amazon Best Budget Headlight Restoration Kit 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit Specs Chemicals 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat Sanding tools Discs; (2) 3M Gold P200 grit, (4) 3M White P500 grit, (4) 3M White P800 Grit, (1) 3M Trizact refining disc 3000 grit Additional kit contents (1) Nitrile glove, 3.25 in. disc pad holder drill attachment, 3M automotive performance masking tape Hand drill required Yes UV block Yes Manufacturer’s warranty None

　　Pros Kit comes with everything you need to restore headlights except a cordless drill Clarity restored to like-new condition Excellent quality kit materials The headlight clear coat contains a UV blocker Cons Heavily oxidized headlights require lots of sanding steps before applying the clear coat Derek Mau This Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit from 3M ($19) includes almost everything you need to remove years of haze. The only things you need from your garage are a cordless drill (or DA orbital) plus an hour of your time.

　　We removed years of oxidation from a 2012 Mazda3 typically garaged at home. The owner had the headlight lenses cleaned up by the local dealership about 5 years prior, but the unforgiving sun brought back the cloudiness. 

　　Since this is a kit put together by 3M, they include a couple of indispensable materials: a small roll of their green automotive performance masking tape and a Trizact sanding disc. The remaining contents of the kit include several types of sanding discs (P200, P500, and P800), a disc pad holder drill attachment, a nitrile glove, and 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat wipes.

　　What makes the Trizact disc special is its 3D-patterned, precise mineral structure, which delivers a fast cut and consistent finish. Equivalent to a 3000-grit sanding disc, it’s used in the final step of polishing to remove abrasive marks and super-fine scratches.

　　The green automotive performance masking tape will stick even if it gets wet during the sanding process and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. It also helps prevent accidental damage, so we always mask the area surrounding the headlights as standard practice. Yes, it takes extra time, but it’s the first line of defense if the spinning disc pad holder happens to touch the paint. 

　　During our process, the Mazda3’s lenses were sanded and polished until smooth but left with a cloudy haze. Two coats of the 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat were needed to restore clarity and achieve the best results. Bubbling of the liquid will occur if you apply too much with each swipe. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. Don’t get disappointed if the first coat doesn’t look brilliant, as the second pass will clean things up and restore the clarity to almost new.

　　The Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit from 3M gave us professional-grade results and is easy enough for first-timers to use. Restoring a set of heavily oxidized lenses requires a little less effort than the Sylvania kit, which was the most labor-intensive of the kits tested. Thankfully, we won’t have to repeat the process down the road if the warranty is an indication of how long the coating will last.

　　$16 at Amazon Best Ceramic Choice Headlight Restoration Kit Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit Specs Chemicals (8) Oxidation removing wipes, (2) ceramic coating wipes Sanding tools Discs; (2) P500 grit, (2) P800 grit Additional kit contents Sanding Pommel Hand drill required No UV block Yes Manufacturer’s warranty Limited to the original purchaser

　　Pros No tools required Restores close to original clarity UV coating is tough and will last many years Limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser Cons Recommend using a cordless drill and disc sander attachment for heavily oxidized headlights Chemicals are harmful to the skin, so wear gloves to protect your hands Derek Mau Taking full advantage of nanoceramic technology is the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit ($18), which makes the formulation durable and lasts much longer than other protective coatings. No power tools are required, but a cordless drill makes the restoration process much easier. The instructions outline three general steps for restoring your headlight’s clarity to like-new condition. And Cerakote is willing to back up the ceramic coating’s effectiveness as long as the purchaser owns the vehicle.

　　What sets Cerakote apart from other headlight restoration kits is a professional-grade ceramic coating that bonds to the polycarbonate headlight lenses and lasts for years. Nanoceramic formulations are used in ceramic coatings for automotive paint protection and ceramic window tints. These compounds are powerful and long-lasting because of their hardness properties, chemical inertness, and ability to block harmful UV rays. In the biomedical field, ceramic nanoparticles are considered excellent carriers for drugs, genes, proteins, and imaging agents.

　　Don’t be fooled by the three steps outlined on the box. A badly oxidized headlight lens requires progressively removing the layers of oxidation and smoothing the surface using P500 and P800 grit sanding discs. The ceramic coating wipes will eliminate the cloudiness. Those wipes also layer on a protective UV-blocking ceramic coating.

　　We restored the headlight lenses on a 2008 Honda Pilot parked outside full-time, unprotected from harsh Idaho winters and blazing summer heat. The oxidation wipes effectively removed the yellow layer that built up over the years of sun exposure.

　　Dry sanding using the P500 and P800 grit discs removed the imperfections and smoothed the surface, making it ready for the clear coat. Results were remarkable, and a 6-month checkup barely showed any signs of yellowing.

　　The Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit includes four pairs of plastic gloves to protect your skin from touching the chemicals. The bundle also has eight Oxidation Remover wipes, one ergonomic surface prep pad, and four surface prep discs. There are two pre-moistened Ceramic Headlight Restoration Wipes designed to restore and protect the clarity of your headlights.

　　Observant shoppers will notice that Griot’s Garage sells a similar product that produces the same results as Cerakote. The headlight restoration kit sold by Griot’s is a rebranded Cerakote kit with a slightly better warranty that covers the vehicle’s lifetime.

　　$17 at AmazonCheck price at Home depot Best of the Rest Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit Specs Chemicals Meguiar’s Two Step cleaning solution, Meguiar’s Headlight Coating Sanding tools (2) Abrasive disc pads Additional kit contents None Hand drill required Yes UV block No Manufacturer’s warranty Free from defects in materials

　　Pros Headlight coating is outstanding at restoring clarity Lots of product for repeated cleanings and touch-ups Headlight coating will work on other unprotected plastics Cons Requires touch-ups about once a year, depending upon environmental conditions You’ll have to find a way to apply the cleaning solution after the abrasive pads wear out Derek Mau Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit ($22) comes from one of the top brands in automotive care and maintenance. The products are specifically formulated to return your cloudy, scratched, oxidized, and yellowed headlights to like-new clarity.

　　Here, the magic lies in Meguiar’s Headlight Coating. After the polishing step, the coating will transform the cloudy lens into a clear one by filling in the micro-scratches. Since applying the clear coat involves spraying, it’s best to prep the headlight lens by cleaning it and then masking the area around the headlight.

　　Step one is to smear a glob of Meguiar’s Cleaning Solution, about the size of a quarter, on the abrasive pad. Dab the cleaner on the lens a few times before starting the drill. Move the abrasive pad back and forth across the lens to remove the layers of oxidation. Repeat the process and add more cleaner until the lens has an even foggy appearance. 

　　Step two calls for spraying on the headlight coating — preferably not on a windy day. Wipe the lens clean before applying the headlight coating. Do two overlapping horizontal passes. Wait about 5 minutes for the first coating to dry, and repeat.

　　As the headlight coating dries, it fills the micro-scratches, leaving a clear and brilliant lens. A vital piece of advice is to avoid layering on too thick of a coat, otherwise runoff and drips will occur. If you see drippings, you will have to go back to the cleaning step to remove them. 

　　Clear as day, the results are amazing. We were especially satisfied when watching the lens transform from cloudy to almost new clarity within a minute of spraying on the first layer of headlight coating. Nonetheless, the coating provided by Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit will wear off. The lenses will require a repeat cleanup after a year or so, depending on environmental conditions.

　　$18 at Amazon Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit Specs Chemicals Mothers PowerPlastic 4Lights plastic polish Sanding tools (5) restoration sanding discs Additional kit contents PowerBall 4Lights polishing tool, 3-inch backing plate drill attachment Hand drill required Yes UV block Yes Manufacturer’s warranty None

　　Pros Plastic polish restores clarity and blocks UV rays Lots of product for repeated cleanings and touch-ups Cons Requires frequent touch-ups, depending upon environmental conditions Derek Mau Mothers is a brand synonymous with automotive detailing. Thus, the Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit ($33) fits perfectly in its wheelhouse of polishes and cleaners. While it costs a few dollars more than most kits, it is a complete headlight restoration solution. 

　　The Mothers NuLens kit contains sanding discs to remove heavy oxidation and a padded drill attachment to quickly swap the abrasive discs. Inside the box, you’ll also pull out a bottle of PowerPlastic 4Lights and the PowerBall 4Lights foam ball polishing tool. We provided the cordless drill and masking tape.

　　For our first time using the Mothers kit, we picked a 2006 Subaru Outback with headlight lenses that were heavily oxidized. After washing the headlights, we wet-sanded the lenses with the provided sanding discs (P800, P1500, and 3000) before hitting them with the PowerPlastic 4Lights polishing compound.

　　After an hour of sanding and polishing, clarity was restored to the lenses, and they looked pretty close to new. The PowerPlastic 4Lights formula contains a UV-blocking polymer that will slow down the rate of oxidation. Just the same, Mothers recommends frequent cleaning using the polishing compound to maintain lens clarity.

　　The 8 ounces of PowerPlastic 4Lights polishing compound are enough to restore lens clarity, with plenty left over for repeated clean-ups when the lenses begin to oxidize again.

　　Unmistakably, the Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit can produce great results. It just happens to be the priciest of the lot and requires repeated polishing to stave off future hazing. However, touchups are quick and easy if you remember to polish the headlight lens a few times a year.

　　$22 at Amazon Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit Specs Chemicals Rain-X Premium Headlight Buffing Polish, Rain-X Premium Headlight Sealant Protectant Wipe Sanding tools (2) 1500 grade sanding discs (brown), (1) 3200 grade sanding disc (grey), (1) 4000 grade sanding disc (blue) Additional kit contents Nitrile gloves, drill attachment, headlight polishing pad Hand drill required Yes UV block No Manufacturer’s warranty None

　　Pros Faster than hand scrubbing Inexpensive Cons Wet sanding can get messy Headlight polish packaged in a packet Derek Mau We’re happy to report that the Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit ($20) readily removes oxidation and discoloration that’s built up on polycarbonate headlights. That’s important because a headlight’s haziness can progressively reduce the light’s effectiveness and potentially become a safety hazard.

　　The Rain-X kit contains all the products required for each step of your restoration from sanding the surface to polishing and sealing it. Inside the box is a packet of Rain-X Buffing Polish, a Rain-X Headlight Sealant Protectant wipe, a foam polishing pad, and a drill attachment to hold the sanding discs and foam pad.

　　There’s also a collection of sanding discs to progressively remove oxidation and imperfections and smooth the surface. The user supplies a power drill or DA orbital and masking tape.

　　Overall, Rain-X will achieve excellent results if you follow the instructions carefully. It’s essential to use the polishing pads in successive order, as each one is specifically designed for use at a particular stage. When the instructions specify which sanding disc to use in a specific order, do not mix up the order in which they’re used. Allow the sealant to dry fully before it gets rained on or goes through a car wash, which is critical to success. Otherwise, the sealant won’t cure correctly and protect your hard work.

　　Our findings showed that the Rain-X Buffing Polish is effective, but we got better results with the Mothers PowerPlastic 4Lights polishing compound. One bothersome thing was Rain-X’s choice to package the buffing polish in a single-use packet. The packaging means dispensing the desired amount on the foam pad is challenging, and it’s not resealable for future use. Since the Rain-X products don’t include a UV-blocking agent, expect to touch up the lenses in six to twelve months.

　　Bear in mind that not all headlights are created equal. Some are difficult to restore, while others take less than an hour to work on. The lenses on this 2004 GMC Sierra daily driver were badly oxidized on the outside and inside.

　　We spent 2 hours masking, sanding, and polishing the front lenses. But the clarity on the driver’s side was unrecoverable, because a lot of the hazing was inside the housing and inaccessible. Regardless, the Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit is still a great choice for auto maintenance.

　　$15 at Amazon

　　We restored foggy headlights on a 2006 Range Rover; (photo/Derek Mau)

　　How We Tested Headlight Restoration Kits Our esteemed GearJunkie tester and Buyers Guide author, Derek Mau, led the curation and field testing for this guide. A regular work day for Mau involves testing almost anything with four tires and a steering wheel. He obsessively researches and shops for the best deal. Of course, he shares his findings through detailed and informative writing and reviews of all things automotive for GearJunkie.

　　This busy guy knows something about detailing, specifically the chemicals used to make a car look pretty and how to use them to their fullest potential.

　　In this buyer’s guide, we chose headlight restoration kits that require varying degrees of effort. We tested each kit on older cars, trucks, and SUVs with heavily oxidized headlight lenses. We’ve used a couple of kits in the past and have general knowledge of how long the coating will last. Others, where noted, were our first experience using them.

　　Our choices were based on the final results, as well as the number of steps and effort required to achieve the best clarity. We also considered the price and the frequency of touchups that are needed after the initial restoration.

　　Sanding is a common step in headlight restoration; (photo/Derek Mau) Effectiveness of a Headlight Restoration Kit Look for kits that have proven effective in restoring clarity to headlights. Check professional and customer reviews and ratings to gauge the kits performance. You want to select a kit that can handle the level of oxidation and haziness you’re trying to resolve.

　　Ease of Use Opt for a headlight restoration kit that is easy to use and comes with clear instructions.

　　Kits with simple steps and minimal tools tend to be more user-friendly. If manually sanding and polishing isn’t your cup of tea, look for kits that are set up for use with a hand drill.

　　Headlights can become dirty and worn over time; (photo/Derek Mau) Included Materials Ensure the headlight restoration kit includes all necessary materials, such as sandpaper, polishing compound, and sealant.

　　Some kits may also include drill attachments, masking tape, and protective gloves for convenience. The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is one example that includes everything you need except for a powered drill. Youll also need a block of time.

　　Longevity Consider how long the results are expected to last. Some kits offer a sealant that provides long-lasting protection against future oxidation, while others may require more frequent maintenance.

　　Sometimes, the warranty gives an indication of the product’s longevity, especially if the instructions don’t mention how often touch-ups should occur. For example, Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit has a warranty limited to product defects. It yields excellent results but requires periodic touch-ups to maintain lens clarity.

　　We were pleased with the results of the Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit on the 2006 Range Rover; (photo/Derek Mau) Brand Reputation Choose a kit from a reputable brand known for producing quality automotive care products. Brands with a history of customer satisfaction and positive reviews are generally more reliable. Mothers, Meguiar’s, and 3M all produce outstanding products that are well-regarded by professional detailers.

　　Considering these factors, you can select a headlight restoration kit that meets your needs and restores your headlights to like-new condition.

　　Follow the instructions that are included in your headlight restoration kit; (photo/Derek Mau) UV Blocker It’s no coincidence that our top choices happen to include a UV blocker mixed in the polishing compound or sealant. To this point, the headlight restoration kits from 3M, Cerakote, Mothers, and SYLVANIA all contain a UV blocker of some type. Undeniably, UV-blocking agents in automotive care products offer several advantages.

　　Protection Against UV Damage UV rays from the sun can cause fading, discoloration, and deterioration of automotive surfaces such as paint, plastics, and rubber. UV blocking agents help protect these surfaces from UV-induced damage, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their appearance.

　　We restored the heavily weathered headlights on a 2006 Subaru Outback with the NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit from Mothers; (photo/Derek Mau) Preservation of Interior UV rays can also damage the interior of a vehicle, causing fading and cracking of dashboard materials, leather seats, and other surfaces. UV blocking agents in products like interior cleaners and protectants help prevent this damage, keeping the interior looking newer for longer.

　　Maintained Value UV blocking agents can help maintain a vehicles resale value by protecting its exterior and interior from UV damage.

　　When it comes time to sell or trade in the car, a well-maintained vehicle with minimal sun damage typically commands a higher resale value. Prospective buyers or dealers are often willing to pay more for a car that has a documented history of regular maintenance and minimal cosmetic faults, as it implies that the vehicle has been cared for and is less likely to have hidden issues.

　　We were pleased with the restored headlights on the 2006 Subaru Outback; (photo/Derek Mau) Enhanced Aesthetics Regular washing, waxing, and detailing keep the cars exterior looking clean and well-maintained. UV blocking agents in automotive care products can help preserve the original color and finish, ensuring that your vehicle looks its best between cleanings. Subsequently, they can prevent paint damage, rust, and corrosion, which can detract from the cars appearance and decrease its value.

　　Reduced Maintenance UV blocking agents protect against UV damage and can reduce the need for frequent detailing or repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.

　　Common to the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration and Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration kits is a UV blocker. Both will maintain lens clarity after restoration without a need for future cleanings. They also offer a warranty that lasts for the life of the car.

　　Overall, a UV-blocking agent not only ensures a vehicle’s safety and appearance but also helps preserve its value over time. Its wise to look for headlight restoration and automotive care products that have a UV-blocking agent, for both present enjoyment and future resale or trade-in.

　　Also, check out our top recommendations for the best car detailing kit to make your ride truly shine.

　　We tested the Cerakote Ceramic, Meguiars Two Step, 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration, Mothers NuLens, and Rain-X Headlight Restoration kits; (photo/Derek Mau) Why You Should Restore Your Cars Headlights Aside from taking care of those unsightly headlight lenses, there are several practical reasons for cleaning up the years of oxidation buildup.

　　Whether you take on the job yourself or hire a professional, consider the following reasons why it’s a good idea to restore the original clarity to those hazy headlights.

　　Improved Safety and Visibility Headlights are essential to your safety on the road. If you can’t see the road in front of you, you can’t drive safely. Furthermore, if other drivers can’t see you, then they are in danger as well. Hazy, foggy, or scratched headlights can make driving at night more difficult and dangerous. With clean headlights and an upgraded LED headlight bulb, you can drive confidently at night.

　　Weathered headlights were restored to almost-new condition on the 2012 Mazda3; (photo/Derek Mau)

　　Save Some Money If you need to replace your car’s headlights in the future, you may end up having to shell out some serious dough. A high-quality restoration kit, such as the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit, sells for $25, which is pocket change by comparison. As with any aspect of your automobile, doing preventative work is far better than paying for costly repairs or replacements.

　　Resale Value If you’ve considered selling or trading in your car in the future, you know it must be in optimal shape to get top dollar. Showing up with dirty, yellowing headlights isn’t going to help you seal the deal.

　　Restoring your headlight lenses can improve the overall appearance, making it look well-maintained. The Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit has a plastic polish that does an excellent job of removing layers of oxidation and restoring lens clarity to seemingly new condition. And it has enough materials to do touchups or more than one set of lenses.

　　The 2012 Mazda 3 headlights were cloudy after 5 years of exposure before the restoration; (photo/Derek Mau)

　　Environmental Impact By restoring your headlights to like-new condition instead of replacing them, you reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

　　Headlight housings are typically made of polycarbonate materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. After disposal, theres also the danger of those microplastics getting into our food and water ecosystems. Subsequently, you reduce the demand for new headlights and the associated manufacturing processes, which are resource-intensive and a source of greenhouse emissions.

　　The disposal of toxic chemicals associated with the manufacture of new headlights also adds to the environmental impact. For all intents and purposes, choosing to restore headlights instead of replacing them contributes to a more sustainable approach to vehicle maintenance and helps reduce one’s ecological footprint.

　　The final results were good from the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit on the 2008 Honda Pilot; (photo/Derek Mau)

　　Price Refer to the comparison chart to compare the prices of different kits for your budget and vehicle. Consider the value each kit offers in terms of effectiveness, ease of use, materials provided, and longevity.

　　One of the best values we found was the Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit. It has all the necessary materials to restore a set of headlight lenses and did an admirable job restoring clarity for the low cost of $20.

　　The Meguiar’s Two-Step Headlight Restoration Kit is a solid choice; (photo/Derek Mau) FAQ What is a headlight restoration kit? Commercial headlight restoration kits are intended for car owners who want to restore the lenses’ original clarity.

　　These headlight renewal kits improve visibility while driving and enhance a vehicles tired appearance. They are typically sold in auto parts stores and in the automotive section of big box department stores. You can also buy them online.

　　Items from the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit; (photo/Derek Mau) Commercial headlight restoration kits are intended for car owners who want to restore the lenses’ original clarity.

　　What is in a headlight restoration kit? A headlight renewal kit will remove years of oxidation, yellowing, and haziness on the lens, which is caused by years of exposure to the elements, road hazards, and thesun’s damaging UV rays.

　　A complete headlight restoration kit includes a polishing pad, sandpaper, polishing agent or oxidation remover, and a sealant. Some kits also include a drill attachment accessory for the sanding or polishing discs, masking tape, and plastic gloves.

　　Can you clean your headlights without a headlight restoration kit? Though you may have heard of people using various other options to clean their hazy headlights (including sandpaper, toothpaste, vinegar, polish, and insect repellent), we recommend buying a dedicated headlight restoration kit.

　　There are many affordable options. These kits will ensure you get the best results without further damaging your headlights.

　　We tested the Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit; (photo/Derek Mau) Why are my headlights discolored? As the polycarbonate lens on your headlights ages, it is inevitable that they will start to yellow due to oxidation and exposure to UV rays.

　　Thankfully, some headlight restoration products include UV blocking agents to help protect these surfaces from UV-induced damage. Those agents prolong the lifespan of headlights and maintain their appearance.

　　Headlights can also become discolored, faded, and deteriorated from exposure to various chemicals that your car may encounter at home and on the road.

　　Do headlight restoration kits really work? Absolutely! Headlight restoration kits from major brands (including Meguiar’s, Mothers, Sylvania, Cerakote, and 3M) will remove layers of oxidation and restore lens clarity. Light output at night is tremendously improved, along with elevating the look of your vehicle.

　　We tested the Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit on a 2004 GMC Sierra; (photo/Derek Mau) Can your car fail state inspection because of the headlights? Yes, but it isn’t common. Ensure your headlights and turn signals are in good working condition as part of your regular maintenance routine, and you should not have to worry about failing an inspection.

　　How often do I need to use a headlight restoration kit? The honest answer is it all depends on your vehicle and its environment.

　　If you frequently drive on heavily salted roads or your car sits outside in the elements, you’ll probably find yourself doing it more often. Parking outside and daily exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays will increase the rate of oxidation and yellowing of the lenses.

　　The honest answer is it all depends on your vehicle and its environment.

　　If you frequently drive on heavily salted roads or your car sits outside in the elements, you’ll probably find yourself doing it more often. Parking outside and daily exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays will increase the rate of oxidation and yellowing of the lenses.

　　If you aren’t subjecting your vehicle to anything beyond mild conditions, you may get away with using a headlight restoration kit once a year (or less) for maintenance.

　　The 2008 Honda Ridgeline had 16 years of oxidation and sun exposure that we cleaned off; (photo/Derek Mau)

　　Clarity improved after applying 2nd coat of UV block clear coat How do I use a headlight restoration kit? Follow the instructions for whatever kit you purchase. Three basic steps for restoring headlight clarity include the following:

　　Removing oxidation from the lens using chemicals or physical sanding Polishing the lens. That includes using a polishing compound specifically formulated for polycarbonate headlight lens or a final sanding step using P3000 grit sandpaper Apply a UV coating and sealant to protect the lens

　　The SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit removed years of oxidation and lens clarity was restored to like-new condition on the 2008 Honda Ridgeline; (photo/Derek Mau)

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