Unlike other restoration kits that require power tools to prep the surface and remove oxidation, you don’t need to attach the surface prep fans and disks to any tool with the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit. This means less damage to your car’s paint during application.
Also, the professional-grade ceramic coating included in the kit chemically bonds to the headlights for long-lasting UV protection, which ensures your newly refurbished headlights don’t become cloudy. This headlight restoration kit stands above other products on this list as the best overall because of its ease of use and UV protection.
If you are particular about protecting your headlight against the sun’s ultraviolet rays for the longest possible time, the 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is a great option. It offers UV protection for your headlights for up to 24 months, and it also works well on tail lights, directional lights, and foglights.
This headlight restoration kit comes with signature abrasive technology for removing yellowing and buildup without damaging the lens. With 16 restoration tools included, the kit includes all the essential items needed for your heavy-duty headlight restoration and is our pick for the best UV protection feature on this list.
The headlight restoration kit market might just look like a bunch of similar products with different names, but the Meguiar Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit sets itself apart from the unusual, albeit useful items included. It includes a drill-attached wool pad for more effective post-shading cleaning and an easy-grip hand sanding pad.
It also includes a PlastX clear plastic cleaner and polish for easily removing stains and light oxidation from your headlights. You also get a bottle of a proprietary headlight coating that keeps your headlights free of oxidation for up to 12 months. The unique included accessories make this headlight restoration kit the most innovative option on this list.
When convenience is one of the most important things you want in a headlight restoration kit, you should look no further than the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. The kit includes a surface activator that preps the headlight surface for stress-free sanding, and it includes premium sandpapers of different grit ratings (400, 1000, and 2000 grit) that allow you the flexibility to do a thorough job.
Using the applicator cloths included, you clear up the headlight with the clarifying compound, paving the way to apply the proprietary UVB clear coat that preserves your lens for long-lasting clarity. With a near-foolproof restoration procedure, this headlight restoration kit is definitely the easiest to use on our list.
The Turtle Wax Headlight Restoration Kit is easy to use and easy on the wallet. It is perfect for removing medium-level oxidation and restoring your headlight’s clarity. The kit primarily works with a seal and heal technology that focuses on removing everything clouding the headlight and sealing it up to avoid a recurrence for as long as possible.
The Turtle Wax headlight restoration kit includes two restoration pads of different grits (2400 and 8000) that enable you to tackle oxidation and discoloration, irrespective of the stage. The sealing wipe guards against future discoloration and yellowing. The premium features paired with affordable pricing make this headlight restoration kit our budget-friendly option.
Carmakers switched from glass to plastic headlights to save costs, and they’ve been quite effective. However, one of the common problems car users face with plastic headlights is the yellow lining and cloudy appearance that the plastic headlights develop over time. These discolorations eventually affect nighttime vision.
Although wholesale replacement sounds like the most obvious solution, new headlights come at a premium price. Headlight refurbishing kits save the day because they are budget-friendly and effortlessly restore the headlight’s clarity. They come in various designs, and we’ve taken you closer to finding the perfect product with the reviews above. This guide further simplifies things by explaining the benefits of using a restoration kit, how to choose it, and tips to help you use it effectively.
Oxidation is the primary culprit causing cloudy headlights. Oxidation occurs because headlights are now made with plastic, and they are constantly exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Other factors like accumulated dirt and debris from constant use also make headlights cloudy. While you can take measures to reduce the headlight’s exposure to UV rays, it is hard to block it out totally, except if you only drive the car at night.
Despite their relatively low price, headlight restoration kits pack a lot of benefits. Some of these benefits are:
A cloudy and discolored headlight puts your safety and the safety of other road users at risk because of reduced visibility. Clouded headlights blur nighttime vision, and only a restoration kit can fix it without costing a fortune.
If you decide to splash the cash and go for an outright headlight replacement, the price may make you rethink your decision. You’ll spend far less getting a refurbishing kit and maintaining your headlight from time to time.
Another cost-effective solution would be taking the car to a professional since you don’t have the required tools, but refurbishing kits provide all the required tools at your disposal, saving you some extra cash and allowing you to conveniently handle the restoration in your garage.
Bad-looking headlights make your cars look older than they are, and may sometimes be the only blemish on your otherwise spotless car. Also, if you ever try to sell the car off, discolored and dirty-looking headlights do not make for a hot-selling ad. It can be hard to convince a prospective buyer that the discolorations are minor issues.
The tips in this section point you to the factors to consider before settling for a specific headlight restoration kit.
Single-step headlight restoration kits only involve a single step, after which your headlight is shiny again. Conversely, multi-step kits require two to three, sometimes four steps to fully apply.
While most people might prefer single-step kits, the choice between the two depends primarily on the level of damage. One-step kits are typically cleaning solutions applied on the headlight for mild damage, while multi-step kits contain different items, including pre and post-application items for very cloudy headlights.
You’ll also need to decide whether you prefer kits that require additional tools to use or those that require no tools. Kits that require no tools are ideal for those that do not have a drill at home or are simply not used to handling power tools but want to get their headlight restored.
Kits that require tools make your work faster since the drill does most of the sanding, but using such tools means you need to be extra careful to avoid accidentally messing up the car’s paint.
Once you settle the first two factors above, it’s time to look closely at the content of the kit. The sandpaper will get the discoloration off and have the headlight looking clear again, but you also need to have a UV blocker to protect the headlight from future damage. The UV blocker is usually the last item you apply to the headlight. Some manufacturers may also refer to them as sealants. Depending on the product you choose, the blocker may protect your headlight from UV rays for 6 to 24 months.
While it is true that most headlights are made of one type of plastic or the other, there are still minor differences that mean certain headlight restoration kits might be suited to a particular lens type. Think of it as a contrast between a general kit meant for all lenses and a special kit meant for specific lenses. Make sure to find out the lens type of your headlights first, and then buy a restoration kit accordingly.
Take note of the extra items included in the kit since they could be the difference-maker. For instance, protective gloves keep your hands safe throughout the process, and masking tapes also protect the parts closest to the headlight from damage.
Follow these simple steps to effectively restore your headlight with the kit you’ve bought.
Some kit makers include step-by-step guides, videos, and other resources to help you restore your headlight efficiently, so don’t hesitate to use these resources to your advantage.
The best sandpaper for restoring your headlight varies according to the level of damage. This is why high-quality headlight restoration kits come with sandpapers of different grits.
Usually, you won’t notice any discoloration on your headlight for at least four to six months after your last restoration. The restored headlight may even last longer if you opt for a quality product with a long-lasting UV blocker.
Yes, it will. Improved nighttime visibility and the better safety that comes with it is perhaps the main benefit of headlight restoration, while the renewed aesthetic appeal is simply an added bonus.
Yes, they do. As long as you choose a quality refinishing kit like the ones reviewed above and follow the instructions specified on the product, you’re on your way to factory-level headlight clarity.
A power tool is not necessarily needed for headlight restoration. Although many products require drills for handling the sanding stage, you can find others that do not.
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