The best headlight restoration kits of 2024
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Clear, functional headlights are essential for driving in low visibility conditions. If they’re dirty or cloudy, they’re much less effective, which in turn makes them less safe. Over time, nearly all headlights become at least a bit foggy and lose some brightness, but there’s an affordable solution! To get your headlights shining like new again, you’ll just need to pick up a headlight restoration kit. Most headlight restoration kits work by removing oxidation and clouding that has built up on the headlight housing over time and offer instructions on how to correctly use them. Here are the best headlight restoration kits available on Amazon.
$15.99 at Amazon
Key Features
Removes yellowing and buildup
Won’t damage plastic lens surface
Works on plastic headlights, taillights and more
Drill required
The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit removes yellowing and buildup that accumulates without damaging the housing. This restoration kit works on plastic headlights, taillights, directional lights and fog lights. A standard drill is required to install this kit.
$16.88 at Amazon
Key Features
#1 best selling automotive headlight restoration kit on Amazon
Adds UV protection
Long lasting
No power tools required
Limited lifetime warranty
The CERAKOTE Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit is currently the best-selling automotive headlight restoration kit on Amazon. This ceramic coating headlight kit creates a chemical bond to the lights and provides protection to UV rays. Installation is simple and no power tools are required. This product is very long lasting and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
$20.99 at Amazon
Key Features
Removes oxidation, cloudiness and yellowing
Residue and streak free
Lasts up to a year
2 step installation process
No drill required
Meguiar’s makes products for just about every part of the car. Their two step headlight restoration kit is another quality product they have and it’s simple to use and won’t need any tools. After applying it won’t leave any streaks or residue behind.
$22.88 at Amazon
Key Features
All-in-one kit
Protects and maintains headlights
Removes scratches, smudges and oxidation
Adds UV-resistance
Professional results
Drill required
This Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit is a high-quality all-in-one kit that provides professional looking results. It includes a PowerPlastic 4Lights polish that leaves a protective oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to defend against future degradation. It maintains the headlights while removing scratches, smudges, grime and oxidation.
$22.97 at Amazon
Key Features
Removes yellowing from headlights
Easy to use
No additional tools required
This Clear Light Tech Headlight Restoration Kit uses wipes instead of the standard polishing compound that’s poured onto an applicator disc. This product is as simple as it gets for headlight restoration, just clean, dry and then coat.
What comes with a typical restoration kit?
Most headlight restoration kits include a microfiber towel, a sanding pad, polishing pad and a spray bottle of polishing compound.
How to use a headlight restoration kit
Using a headlight restoration kit is mostly done with an applicator pad but sometimes requires a drill. Always be sure to read the instructions before starting. First, make sure the car is clean and the headlights have been washed thoroughly. Next, use a sanding pad on the headlight to remove oxidation. Next, apply the coating to the light with the polishing pad and let it sit and dry for the amount of time the packaging recommends. Now add a second or third coat then let it sit for at least an hour. Here is our tutorial on how to restore your headlights.
Do I need any special tools?
The kit usually comes with everything you need for restoring headlights, but some need a drill to attach the backing plate to. On most occasions a basic drill is needed and nothing too advanced.
Are there any disadvantages of headlight restoration kits?
One potential drawback you may face with these restoration kits is they can solve the problem only temporarily. Another issue is that if you have a damaged headlight you may need to replace it completely and it can get pretty expensive depending on your make and model.
