If your headlights have become cloudy, yellowed, or scratched over time, restoring them to their original shine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

With a few simple steps and some basic supplies, you can bring your headlights back to life in no time. A video by Modern Vehicle Care shows a quick guide to help you restore your headlights and improve the look of your car and your visibility on the road.

How to Restore Your Headlights

Start by protecting the surrounding paint with painter’s tape to avoid any accidental damage while working on the headlights. Once the area is taped off, clean the headlight lens with a bug-off insect remover or, for a simpler option, use a dryer sheet dipped in water to remove bugs and general grime, as suggested by viewer TheScotsman1977.

Next, apply a heavy-cut compound to a microfiber cloth or buffing pad and buff the headlights in small, circular motions to remove the oxidation that’s causing the cloudiness. Once you’ve buffed the surface, wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth to remove any excess compound.

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After buffing, apply a polishing compound to restore shine to the headlight lens. Rub in small, even circles to ensure an even finish. Once polished, wipe the headlights with a clean microfiber cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining oils or residue, preparing the surface for the final protective layer.

For the final step, apply a layer of ceramic coating to provide a glossy, smooth finish. Not only does it help improve the look of your headlights, but it also offers a protective coating that helps prevent future clouding. For an even longer-lasting result, viewer TENNSUMITSUMA suggests adding a clear coat for plastic that’s UV-repelling.

Once you’re finished, carefully remove the painter’s tape and give your headlights one last wipe with a clean cloth to ensure a sparkling finish. With just a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have your headlights looking as good as new, improving both the safety and appearance of your car.

Wrapping It Up

This simple, DIY headlight restoration can save you time and money while helping your car shine like new. By following these easy steps, along with the helpful tips from fellow DIYers, you can bring back the clarity to your headlights and enjoy a safer driving experience.

Andre Nalin

Author: Andre Nalin

Title: Writer

Bio:

Andre has worked as a writer and editor for multiple car and motorcycle publications over the last decade, but he has reverted to freelancing these days. He has accumulated a ton of seat time during his ridiculous road trips in highly unsuitable vehicles, and he’s built magazine-featured cars. He prefers it when his bikes and cars are fast and loud, but if he had to pick one, he’d go with loud.

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