When a car is new, the plastic lenses on modern vehicles are crystal clear. Over time, though, these lenses can become hazy or crackled. Not only is this unsightly, but it also can be dangerous.
Headlights in this condition often work poorly, making nighttime driving unsafe.Luckily, there are many products on the market that can restore these lenses to nearly their original clarity.
We’re going to review our favorite to find the best headlight restoration kit, but first a word of warning. There are many DIY tips online that suggest these kits are unnecessary.
However, household using products for unintended purposes can lead to unintended consequences – like damaged paint. Plus, they don’t really work all that well and the results are fleeting. For lasting results, use the best headlight restoration cleaner you can find.
The Top Headlight Restoration Kits Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Headlight Restoration Kit
1. Meguiar’s – Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit
The Meguiar’s brand makes a few products that disappoint, but it also makes a few gems. The company’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit is a bright spot. In a crowded marketplace, this kit stands out, with results that are truly professional-like.
These kits come with two grits of sanding pads that connect to a molded sanding block.
The multiple sanding steps are labor-intensive but necessary. Things get easier after you move on to the buffing phase. The wool buffing wheel in the kit is top quality but requires a drill.
The final-step clear coat produces striking clarity. The results cannot be beat and can last more than the year Meguiar’s advertises if not left in the sun.
Pros:
- Molded sanding block is comfortable
- Sanding pads are cleanable and outlast the kit
- Produces dramatic results
- Included PlastX plastic cleaner has other uses
- Buffing wheel is a pro’s tool
- Enough included to restore several cars’ lights
Cons:
- Requires a drill for buffing step
- Requires more elbow grease than some others
- Only works on clear plastic
Meguiar’s products are hit-or-miss, but this kit is a winner. Its performance is the equal of any other kit on the market, and there is enough product for repeated uses.
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2. 3M – Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit
The folks at 3M have a solid reputation for delivering products that work, and this Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit works well.
This is the kit for users who don’t want to wear out their arms sanding. The included sanding discs attach to any high-speed drill, eliminating the need to use elbow grease.
The use of packets for the headlight clearcoat is confusing, as is 3M’s decision to include so little of it. However, a little bit of this compound goes a long way, and there is plenty to restore the headlights and tail lights on a single vehicle.
Pros:
- Sanding discs attach to drill for reduced effort
- Comes with everything you’ll need (except a drill and spray bottle)
- Solid product from a trusted brand
- Sanding can be done with or without drill
- Works on any plastic lens, not just for headlights
Cons:
- Using a drill shortens sandpaper life and may scratch paint
- Does not include permanent UV protection
- Non-sealable pouches of clear coat do not last very long
The 3M brand is well-respected, and products like this headlight restoration kit are the reason why. It is a no-nonsense solution to hazy headlights, and could have won this comparison were there more product included.
- Kits contain masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant and more
- For use on plastic lenses – headlights, taillights, fog lights, directional lights and more
- 3M abrasive technology removes yellowing and buildup without damaging plastic lens surface
- Easy to use – choose a kit with no tools required, or for use with a common household drill
- Save hundreds vs. replacing headlight lenses
- For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Sylvania – Headlight Restoration Kit
Sylvania is a name synonymous with headlights, so it would stand to reason that it would produce an effective headlight restoration kit.
Like most others, this one comes complete with everything you need to restore the headlights on a single car, but it won’t do more than that.
Unlike most others, this kit does not require the user to have a high-speed drill or any other tools. It takes only 30 to 60 minutes to use this kit, as it has only three steps.
It is more labor-intensive than some others, but it isn’t as prone to damaging the area around the light. The UV clear coat is a revelation, so much so that Sylvania sells it alone as a final step for use with any other restoration kit.
Pros:
- One of the most effective UV-blocking clear coats available
- Spectacular results without a power tool
- Guaranteed for life of the vehicle
- Only three steps and you’re done
- The simplest, fastest way to restore a car’s headlights
Cons:
- Really needs a finer-grit sandpaper for final sanding
- Only enough product to restore approximately two headlights (one car)
- Clear coat takes hours to dry, during which it must not get wet
Sylvania does headlights. This kit does what it is supposed to do and doesn’t require tools. The long drying time of the clear coat takes it down from the top spot, but you can’t argue with the results.
- Restores Headlight To A Like-New Appearance and Removes Haze: Headlight lenses on your vehicle can become yellow, dull, and hazy from the sun. Our Headlight Restoration Kit fully removes haze and corrosion and restores the clarity and shine you need to see downroad at night.
- Restores Headlight Light Output: Restores original clarity and vision to sun damaged plastic headlight lenses. The lenses will be clearer, the headlight will shine brighter, and the road ahead will be better illuminated.
- 3 Easy Steps To Restore Long Lasting Uv Protection To Your Headlights: Step 1 - Surface Activator, Proprietary activator softens plastic, making it easier to sand smooth. Step 2 - Sand and Polish. Step 3 - Finish and seal with UV Block Clear Coat applicator.
- Lifetime Warranty: The components of this kit are good for two headlight assemblies. Once installed properly, the performance of the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit is guaranteed by a Lifetime Warranty for as long as you own your car.
- The Sylvania Standard Of Quality: With over 100 years in business, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Philips – Headlight Restoration Kit
The Philips company has its hands in a lot of baskets, but it is doing something right with this headlight restoration kit. It has everything required – even paper towels – to bring faded lenses back to clarity.
The chemicals effective enough to be used alone, but there are three grits of sandpaper included for extra-cloudy headlights. Because the three-phase chemicals work so well, there is no need for using a drill or sander.
And unlike some others, the UV-protectant clear coat – here called Shine Restorer – dries quickly to get you back on the road.
This is the among the best plastic headlight restoration kits for people who don’t want to spend an entire Saturday tackling this job.
Pros:
- UV protection can last up to two years
- Requires no drill or other power too
- Good for all lenses on a car
- Works and works quickly
- UV clear coat dries in minutes
Cons:
- Only enough for one vehicle (two lights)
- UV protection won’t last if vehicle left in direct sun
- No power tools also means hard work sanding
Philips has a reputation for quality and intuitive use in its products. This kit lives up to that promise. It’s easy to use and effective, though the results are not as permanent as one might prefer.
- Removes haze and yellowing from sun and dirt and restores headlight to like-new conditions
- Provides 2 years of UV protection for your headlight lenses
- No power tools needed. The kit includes everything you need to restore both headlight lenses.
- Can be used on: headlights, taillights, turn signal lights, reflective lens covers
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Dupli-Color – Headlight Restoration Kit
Okay, so no one has all the time in the world to sand a headlight then repeat the process with gradually finer sandpaper.
For people who just want to restore some clarity to their headlights without earning a degree in automotive restoration, there is Dupli-Color’s Headlight Restoration kit.
For this one there are no tools required, because there is no sanding required.
Dupli-Color’s kit consists of two spray cans – similar to the company’s car spray paint cans. The big idea is really the Spray Polish, which strips away the old, yellowed factory clear coat.
The second step is to apply the Dupli-Color clear coat. That’s it.
Admittedly, this kit is not as effective as some of the more intrusive and labor-intensive kits. But then, that’s not the point. In two simple steps you can have headlights that work well at night. Then you can go on about your day.
Pros:
- Only two steps required
- No sanding and very little work
- Quickly gets the job done
- Spray stripper nearly as effective as sanding
- Enough product for several vehicles (and all lenses on each)
Cons:
- Doesn’t work as well as sanding
- Clear coat not as long lasting as some others
- Is it really a “kit”?
Dupli-Color’s spray paints are industry standard for restoring cosmetics, and this little “kit” fits that mold. Simplicity defined and generous in value, this is the quick fix for those in a hurry. Results can be mixed, but what do you expect for such little effort?
- These Products On Exceptionally High Order Fulfillment Rates, Breadth Of Available Products
- These Are Complete Line Of Heavy-Duty Shop Products
- Through Creativity, Productivity And Innovation - This Brand Continues To Develop The Finest Automotive Accessories
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A Guide to Using a Headlight Restoration Kit
Almost all modern headlights come from the factory with a UV-protectant clear coat applied to their surface.
Ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays eventually deteriorate the coating, causing the yellowing that is common when headlights age.
The first step in restoring the headlights should be to clean any dirt or grime from the surface. Simple glass cleaner will work fine for cleaning. Next, the old coating should be removed.
Sanding is (Sometimes) Critical
Automobile headlight restoration usually requires sanding to some extent.
Many kits have sanding pads or discs meant to be attached to a drill. Some may provide sheets of various grits of sandpaper for hand sanding, while others use chemicals to strip the old clear coat off a headlight.
One way or another, the old surface must go.
Protecting Painted Surfaces
Whether you use a drill or sand by hand, be mindful of the painted surfaces around the headlight.
Protecting this area can be as simple as covering it with masking tape. If the kit you select does not include tape, you should provide your own.
This YouTube video from Sylvania shows the areas that need covering. Sanding can permanently scratch these areas, so take the time to do this step correctly.
Follow Instructions Carefully
It might seem obvious, but each restoration kit utilizes its own process and chemicals.
Some kits are more simple to use than others, but each can produce lackluster results if the steps are not done precisely.
If you don’t want to spend time on the procedure, select a kit that doesn’t ask for as much patience on your part rather than rushing the sanding process, for example.
Conclusion
You don’t have to put up with poor nighttime vision from cloudy headlight lenses. Unfortunately, short of replacing your headlight housings with expensive aftermarket units, you will have to work for lasting results. There are shortcuts to hard work, but they simply do not work as well as multi-step kits.
For nearly permanent results, the best headlight restoration kit on the market is Meguiar’s Heavy Duty kit. The sanding pads are unobtrusive and not prone to damaging paint, and the supplied sanding block is comfortable. The polishing phase does require a drill, but the process leaves headlights in immaculate condition. Best of all, each kit has enough product to do several vehicles, or to restore your car’s lights again when the results fade in about a year.
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- GUARANTEED TO LAST AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR VEHICLE! - You read it right! We're so confident in our CERAMIC coating that we'll stand behind our limited lifetime warranty that it will last as long as you own your vehicle, or we'll cover the next kit for free. Our chemists developed this kit IN HOUSE at Cerakote HQ. We aren't re-bottling another company's product. This is a CERAMIC coating that chemically bonds to your headlights and provides UV protection for as long as you'll own your vehicle.
- NO POWER TOOLS REQUIRED - Everything is included in your kit. There are no tools required that could potentially damage your headlights or paint. There's nothing worse than having to call your crazy uncle you haven't seen since the holidays because he's got the power tools you need. After he hollers "STAND CLEAR!!", fires up his wheezing disk sander, runs it off of your headlight and across the paint on your hood.. It's too late. DON'T BUY A KIT THAT REQUIRES TOOLS!
- RESTORES AND PROTECTS FROM UV! - This isn't the classic bait-and-switch you're used to. We won't sell you something that needs to be purchased again in a few months. Our CERAMIC coating provides a layer of UV protection that is guaranteed to stand the test of time. We believe in providing our customers the best products on earth, the first time. After all, we're the chemists that have been providing world-class ceramic coatings to endless industries for DECADES. It's what we do.
- 3 EASY STEPS! - Cerakote's Headlight Restoration Kit is a simple, 30 minute process. Step 1: You'll be mesmerized by our Oxidation Remover as you wipe away the hazy surface oxidation. Step 2: Use our ergonomic surface prep pad to remove the deep oxidation and prep your headlight for the CERAMIC clear coating. Step 3: Cerakote's pre-moistened Ceramic Headlight Restoration Wipes restore your headlights to a like-new condition that is backed by our limited lifetime warranty.
- WHY TRUST CERAKOTE? – Cerakote is regarded as the world’s leading innovator and manufacturer of true inorganic ceramic polymer technology. The ceramic polymers and coatings produced at Cerakote’s US facility are trusted by some of the most advanced aerospace, automotive and technology companies in the world. Rely on the industry leader to protect what matters to you.
- KIT INCLUDES:1 - Disc Pad Holder, 3.25 in (8,2 cm), 6 - 3M Gold Sanding, Discs 500 Grit, 3 in, (7,6 cm) each, 4 - 3M White Finishing, Discs 800 Grit, 3 in, (7,6 cm) each, 1 - 3M Trizact Refining Disc, 3 in (7,6 cm), 1 - 3M Rubbing Compound, 1 US fl oz (29 m
- LIKE NEW HEADLIGHTS: Easy heavy duty kit solution help your headlights look like new
- REMOVE HARSHEST YELLOWING: Kit is powered by drill-activated sanding to provide maximum clarity
- RESTORE CLEARNESS: Improve the appearance of your vehicle
- SEE BETTER AT NIGHT: Enhances visibility and safety for night driving
- HEADLIGHT CLEANER CAR KIT: 1 Meguiar's Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit includes a 4 oz bottle of cleaning solution, 4 oz canister of headlight coating and two car cleaning pads to restore clarity to car plastic headlights
- CLEARS HEADLIGHTS: Remove yellowing, clouding and oxidation by hand using one cleaning pad with Meguiar’s car cleaning solution
- HEADLIGHT UV PROTECTOR: Headlight coating covers the clear plastic to improve optical clarity and provide durable protection against UV rays and the elements
- TOOL FREE: No tools or drills are required to clean your vehicle with this car care kit that has everything you need to clean your vehicle’s headlights
- TO USE: Shake product well and clean the surface with the car compound, then coat with the headlight coating to restore headlights to a clear finish and protect them from re-oxidation for up to a year
- Designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- It easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges, and flaws in a single step
- The included PowerPlastic 4Lights polish restores crystal clarity, leaving a tough protective, oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements
- Includes: 3-inch Backing Plate, PowerBall 4Lights Polishing Tool, Restoration Discs, 8 oz. Polish
- Restores Headlight To A Like-New Appearance and Removes Haze: Headlight lenses on your vehicle can become yellow, dull, and hazy from the sun. Our Headlight Restoration Kit fully removes haze and corrosion and restores the clarity and shine you need to see downroad at night.
- Restores Headlight Light Output: Restores original clarity and vision to sun damaged plastic headlight lenses. The lenses will be clearer, the headlight will shine brighter, and the road ahead will be better illuminated.
- 3 Easy Steps To Restore Long Lasting Uv Protection To Your Headlights: Step 1 - Surface Activator, Proprietary activator softens plastic, making it easier to sand smooth. Step 2 - Sand and Polish. Step 3 - Finish and seal with UV Block Clear Coat applicator.
- Lifetime Warranty: The components of this kit are good for two headlight assemblies. Once installed properly, the performance of the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit is guaranteed by a Lifetime Warranty for as long as you own your car.
- The Sylvania Standard Of Quality: With over 100 years in business, Sylvania is the world leader in automotive lighting for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API