Over time, plastic headlight covers tend to develop issues like fogging, yellowing, or scratching, which can significantly reduce both their effectiveness and visual appeal. Fortunately, you don’t have to accept diminished visibility and unattractive headlights. By utilizing specialized headlight restoration kits, you can restore your lights to a nearly pristine condition, making them look almost as clear as when you first acquired your vehicle. Of course, achieving these results may require some time and effort on your part.
Today’s headlight restoration kits offer more than just a temporary cosmetic improvement; they are designed to rejuvenate your headlights to a condition close to their original state. Whether you are an experienced DIY enthusiast or a novice looking to bring back your car’s shine, there is a kit suitable for your needs. In this article, we will showcase the top headlight restoration kits of 2023.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Headlight Restoration Kit.Before embarking on your quest for the ideal headlight restoration kit, it’s essential to keep a few key considerations in mind. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
- Type of Kit: Headlight restoration kits come in various types. Some are comprehensive, all-in-one solutions that contain all the necessary components, while others may necessitate the use of additional tools or products. For example, some kits may feature multiple abrasive solutions that must be used with drill-attached applicators for a more intensive restoration process. In contrast, less complex kits may provide a hand applicator and a cleaning wipe for a simpler application.
- Longevity: It’s advisable to seek out kits that not only restore the headlights but also offer UV protection to prolong the clarity of the restoration. UV protection is typically available in the form of a special solution or wipe that you apply using an applicator. Keep in mind that the effectiveness and duration of UV protection can vary among different kits. Additionally, factors such as your vehicle’s storage conditions, your geographic location, and the local climate can impact the longevity of the restoration.
- Skill Level: Be certain that the chosen kit corresponds to your level of DIY expertise. Some kits may demand a higher skill level than others. It’s essential to thoroughly review the instructions before purchasing the kit to avoid undertaking a more complex task than you’re comfortable with.
- Safety: Prioritize your safety at all times. Utilize protective eyewear and gloves, and ensure that you’re working in a well-ventilated area. If a drill is involved for mechanical cleaning, take precautions to prevent any sensitive components from being exposed to chemical residues that might be inadvertently dislodged from the applicator.
- Compatibility: While most headlight restoration kits are generally suitable for vehicles equipped with plastic headlights, it’s advisable to carefully review all instructions. This ensures that you apply and complete the restoration process as recommended by the manufacturer.
Cerakote’s Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit is a comprehensive package designed to rejuvenate and safeguard your headlights. The process involves multiple steps. Initially, the use of Cerakote’s exclusive Oxidation Remover Wipes is employed to prepare the headlight surface. The subsequent step involves wet-sanding the headlight’s surface, utilizing the included surface prep pad and discs to eliminate deep oxidation and minor scratches. After the surface is adequately prepared, the application of Cerakote’s ceramic coating wipes is performed to both restore and shield the plastic, preventing future oxidation.
It’s important to note that this kit does not comprise bottles of solution or necessitate the use of power tools, which might result in slightly less clarity restoration compared to other options. Nevertheless, it offers an excellent no-tool solution.
Meguiar’s offers a widely recognized, two-step Headlight Restoration Kit, known for its affordability and effectiveness, which doesn’t require any additional tools. This kit comprises a cleaning solution to enhance the clarity of the headlight lenses and a coating solution to provide extra protection. Additionally, two applicator pads are supplied with the kit.
For cases where more intensive cleaning is needed, Meguiar’s provides a Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. This alternative option includes Meguiar’s PlastX Polish, Headlight Coating Solution, and more aggressive cleaning pads. These consist of a sanding pad and a wool pad, which can be attached to a drill for more robust cleaning processes.
Mothers is well-known for its expertise in maintaining the appearance of vehicles, and their comprehensive NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit is no exception. While this kit necessitates the use of a drill (not provided), it offers all the essential components to restore your car’s headlights to their former glory.
The key component in this kit is Mothers’ Powerplastic 4Lights Polish, which is used in conjunction with the Powerball 4Lights Polishing Tool and restoration discs. Together, they effectively eliminate sun damage and discoloration from the plastic headlight covers.
Sylvania stands out as the sole company on this list that manufactures both headlights and offers a dedicated Headlight Restoration Kit. Their comprehensive three-step kit is equipped with all the necessary components for restoring clarity to sun-damaged headlights.
The kit begins with a surface activator, specially formulated to prepare the headlight’s surface for the subsequent sanding and polishing steps, facilitated by the included Clarifying Compound. Once the surface is effectively polished, a UV Block Clear Coat is applied to safeguard against future UV damage. While this kit doesn’t include fancy applicators, it provides various grits of sandpaper, along with polish cloths and gloves for the precise application of the clear coat and clarifying compound.
Suppose you happen to already possess applicator pads and tools. In that case, Chemical Guys’ one-step Headlight Restore and Protect solution offers a swift and cost-effective means to eliminate yellowing and imperfections from your headlights.
Apart from headlight polishing through its micro-abrasive cream formula, this solution incorporates a full-synthetic wax sealant that acts as a barrier against UV rays, preventing future yellowing of the plastic. While utilizing a drill-powered tool can expedite the process and yield enhanced results, you can also achieve favorable outcomes by applying this solution with a microfiber towel or sponge, coupled with a robust effort of manual application.
What are the leading causes of headlight fogging or yellowing over time?
The primary factor is UV radiation from the sun, which results in plastic degradation. Additionally, other contributing elements encompass road debris, chemicals, and contaminants to which headlights are consistently exposed.
How long is the typical duration of the effect achieved with a headlight restoration kit?
Subject to appropriate application and the kit’s quality, restored headlights can retain their clarity for a period ranging from six months to several years. Premium kits often incorporate UV protection, further extending the restoration’s longevity.
Are these kits suitable for use on the headlights of any vehicle?
Most headlight restoration kits are universally designed and can be applied to a broad spectrum of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Nonetheless, it is advisable to review the product specifications to ensure compatibility.
Is it safe to undertake headlight lens restoration independently, or is it preferable to engage professional services?
Numerous headlight restoration kits, including all those featured in this compilation, are formulated for user-friendly DIY application, furnished with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. Provided you are comfortable adhering to instructions and are willing to invest the necessary time, you can attain excellent results at home. Nevertheless, if uncertainty arises, it may be prudent to consider professional assistance, if only for the sake of peace of mind.
