Road grit and the sun’s UV rays can really do a number on your headlights. The grit literally blasts off the factory-applied protective coating, and the sun takes care of whatever coating is left. Then the lenses cloud over, dramatically reducing the amount of light they project. You’ve got two choices to see clearly again. You can either restore the old headlights with a restoration kit and a spare hour, or spend $40 to $250 each on new headlights. Tough choice, huh?
1. Before you buy a kit, check the headlight to see if the wear is on the outside of the lens. If you see moisture droplets on the inside of the lens or hairline cracks, the problem is on the inside and the headlight can’t be restored. If it looks and feels like frosted glass, the restoration will probably work.
2. Shop smart—buy a complete headlight restoration kit. The kit should include tape to mask off the headlight, clear-coat remover (activator), sandpaper, polishing compound and cloths, gloves and a bottle of UV-block clear coat.
3. Start by masking off the areas around the headlight to prevent paint damage. Then apply the “activator” solution to soften any remaining clear coat. Wipe the lens clean.
4. Next, wet-sand the lens, starting with the coarsest sandpaper, and work your way to the finest grit. Apply some elbow grease. Wet-sand the lens in a circular pattern with medium pressure. Rewet the lens frequently with clear water.
5. Dry the lens and then polish the surface with the clarifying compound and the polishing cloth.
6. Clean off all the polishing compound and make sure the lens is dry before you apply the new clear coat. Wipe on the clear coat and let it dry for four to six hours before driving.