How to Restore Headlights?

headlight restoration

If you’re driving a car that is a few years old, there is a good chance that the headlights are not as bright as they used to be. This is because, over time, the plastic cover on the headlights can become cloudy, hazy, or yellowed, reducing the amount of light that can pass through.

Restoring your headlights is an easy and inexpensive way to make your car look newer and improve your visibility on the road. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of restoring your headlights.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

To restore your headlights, you will need some basic tools and materials. These include:

  • Microfiber towels
  • Sandpaper (2000-grit)
  • Masking tape
  • Water
  • Automotive polish
  • UV protectant
  • A drill with a buffing pad attachment (optional)

Step 1: Clean Your Headlights

Before you begin restoring your headlights, it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Use a microfiber towel and water to remove any dirt, debris, or grime from the surface of your headlights. This will help you see the extent of the damage and ensure that your restoration efforts are more effective.

Step 2: Tape the Headlights

You need to protect the surrounding areas from the next steps. Use masking tape to tape off the edges of the headlights, and any other areas that you don’t want to get polish or protectant on.

Step 3: Sand Your Headlights

Once your headlights are clean, you need to sand them to remove the haze or cloudiness. Use a 2000-grit sandpaper, which is fine enough to remove the oxidation but not so abrasive that it will scratch the surface of the headlights.

Wet the sandpaper and the surface of the headlights with water, and start sanding the surface of the headlights in a circular motion. Be sure to keep the surface wet at all times to avoid scratches. Keep sanding until the haze is removed and the surface is smooth to the touch.

Step 4: Apply Automotive Polish

Now it’s time to apply the automotive polish. Apply a small amount of polish onto a clean microfiber towel, and start rubbing it onto the surface of the headlights in a circular motion. Continue to apply the polish until the entire surface of the headlights is covered.

Polish your headlights until they start to look clear, then wipe off any excess polish with a clean microfiber towel. Be sure to remove all the polish residue, or it will leave streaks on the headlights.

Step 5: Apply UV Protectant

After polishing your headlights, it’s time to protect them from future damage. Apply a UV protectant to the surface of your headlights to help prevent future oxidation and discoloration.

Use a clean microfiber towel to apply the protectant to the surface of the headlights in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the headlights, and wipe off any excess protectant with a clean microfiber towel.

Step 6: Buff the Headlights (Optional)

If you want to give your headlights an extra shine, you can buff them with a drill and a buffing pad attachment. This step is optional, but it can help remove any remaining scratches and make your headlights look like new.

Attach the buffing pad to your drill and apply a small amount of polish to the pad. Turn on the drill and start buffing the surface of the headlights in a circular motion. Be sure to keep the surface of the headlights and the pad wet at all times to avoid scratches.

After buffing, wipe off any excess polish with a clean microfiber towel.

Conclusion

Restoring your headlights is an easy and inexpensive way to make your car look newer and improve your visibility on the road. By following these simple steps, you can restore your headlights in just a few hours.

It’s important to note that headlight restoration is a temporary solution. Over time, the haze and discoloration will return, and you will need to repeat the process. However, with regular maintenance and cleaning, you can extend the life of your restored headlights.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that not all headlights can be restored. If your headlights are severely damaged or have cracks, it may be time to replace them entirely. In such cases, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic or auto body shop.

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