A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Headlight Restoration for Enhanced Visibility
Cloudy headlights are a common issue on vehicles more than a few years old.
However, that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Clouded lenses can affect your ability to see clearly in bad weather or night driving situations.
It also makes your car harder for others to see. Luckily, fixing the problem is as easy as following a few simple headlight restoration steps.
Gathering Materials and Tools
You need a few basic supplies to get your headlamps looking new. This typically includes mildly abrasive buffer pads and microfiber cloths for applying and removing polish. Having paint-safe tape to mark off surrounding body panels is a big help.
There are many different types of headlamp polishing products, and many come as full kits. Luckily, most of these high-quality headlight restoration and cleaning kits come with most everything you'll need to get the job done. It is important to check the instructions on the product you choose. It may also be worth a quick check of your owner's manual to see if there are any special instructions.
Polishing Lenses To Remove Imperfections
Keeping in mind that you always want to follow the instructions included with the product you purchase, many of them have very similar steps. This usually includes:
- Tape off the painted areas adjacent to your headlamps to prevent damage
- Clean the headlamp to remove dirt and bugs
- Apply a polishing paste
- Use progressively finer polishing pads to remove surface scratches, oxidation, and scuffs
- Clean all residue from headlamp lenses
- Apply a protectant (if included)
As you can see, this is really a simple and straightforward process. You want to take your time and move slowly through each step to get the best results.
It may also be helpful to take this project on when you have access to a covered parking spot, or at least somewhere you can keep your headlights out of direct sun while you are working. This will prevent the product from drying before you can buff it.
Finishing Touches and Inspection
Once you are done, take a minute to go over the surface and make sure you didn't miss any significant imperfections that might affect the finished results.
Also, if the kit you chose did not include a UV protectant, it's a good idea to use one now. This will help reduce further oxidation of the lenses. Some products also help minimize other types of damage, such as scuffs and scratches.
Now, you can take a step back and admire your handiwork.
Maintaining Your Headlights
Now that your lights are looking new again, take steps to keep them that way. Regular cleanings and parking your car in a covered area when possible will go a long way to help. Since UV damage is a leading cause of hazy headlamps, it also helps to use a product like the Sylvania headlight restoration kit with UV block clear coat.
Restoring faded and cloudy headlights is not a difficult process. Start by buying high-quality polishing products online or from your local auto parts store, and then follow the included instructions.
