How to Restore Headlights

A fairly common problem that arises with modern headlights is dull, cloudy headlight lenses. Not only does it look bad, but it’s also a safety hazard, hindering your ability to see down the road and keeping other drivers from seeing you as well.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions

Additional Resources

Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Saftey Glasses

Protective Gloves Gloves

Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restoration Kit Headlight Restoration Kit

Car Masking Tape Painter's Tape

Car Hand Towels Hand Towels

Instructions for Cleaning Headlights

There are two basic types of headlight restoration kits. One type of restoration kit comes with an attachment for your power drill, which makes sanding a little easier. Since not everyone has a power drill, these instructions are better suited for a manual type of restoration kit. Before you begin or if you have any questions about your specific vehicle, we always recommend taking a look at your service manual.
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Wash and Dry Headlight Lens

Step 1: Wash and dry headlight area

Wash and dry the headlight and the surrounding area in order to avoid dirt and grime. This will also help the painter's tape stick to the car.
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Tape Headlight Lens before your restore headlights

Step 2: Tape off assembly

Once the area is clean and dry, place painter's tape around the headlight assembly to keep you from damaging your paint when you’re sanding. It will also protect chrome and paint from the chemicals in the kit.

Do It Right: Use low-tack painter’s tape for this step. It won’t leave any residue on your vehicle.

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Apply Headlight Lens Coating with Towel

Step 3: Use Lens Clarifying Compound

Apply enough of the Lens Clarifying Compound on one of your towels to completely cover your lens. Use a fair amount of pressure as you apply the compound. Next, take a clean towel and buff that out. In some cases, this may be enough to clear up your headlight's appearance. If so, skip to Step 10 and apply the final coating.
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Sanding Pads for Headlight Lens

Step 4: Read kit for sanding instructions

In your kit, you’ll find two sanding pads and some spray lubricant. These pads are color-coded. You’ll be using both sides of these and there is a specific order, so read the instructions that came with your kit.

Do It Right: There is some variation between brands – sanding pads could be numbered or colored differently, so follow the directions carefully as you start to sand your lenses.

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Sand Headlight Lens Horizontally

Step 5: Use first pad

Select the first pad as indicated in your instructions, and spray it with some lubricant. Apply lubricant to your lens as well. Make sure the pad and lens stay wet during the whole sanding process. Sand horizontally with this pad for a minute or so. You want to remove as much of the oxidation as possible.

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Sand Headlight Lens Vertically with Lubricant

Step 6: Use back of first pad

Flip the pad over and repeat the process, but sand vertically for a minute or so.
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Repeat Sanding Headlight Horizontally

Step 7: Use second pad

Take your second pad and repeat the process (sanding horizontally for the first side). Make sure to use the first side as indicated in the instructions for your kit.
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Flip Over Sanding Pad and Repeat Headlight Cleaning Process on Other Headlight Lens

Step 8: Use back of second pad

Flip the second pad over and repeat the process, remembering to sand vertically with the second side.
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Clean headlight Lens with a Hand Towel

Step 9: Re-apply Lens Clarifying Compound

Grab a clean hand towel and dry the lens off. Re-apply the Lens Clarifying Compound, following the instructions in Step 3. If you haven’t already done both lenses, complete steps 1 – 9 on the other lens before proceeding.
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Apply Headlight Lens Coating Wipe

Step 10: Use Lens Base Coat wipe

Open the Lens Base Coat Wipe. Use the plastic glove that comes with the kit as it's specifically provided for handling this kind of wipe. Move quickly and coat both lenses.
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Dry Car Headlight with Lens Sealing Wipe

Step 11: Use Lens Sealing Wipe

Once both lenses are dry, wipe the lenses down with the Lens Sealing Wipe. This helps keep yellowing from happening later on. It takes about 24 hours for the coating to cure, but it is okay to drive your car while it is curing.
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Featured Product Categories

Wiper Blades Wipers

Automotive Light Bulbs Automotive Lighting

Car Wax, Wipes and Wash Products Wax, Wash, and Clean

Additional Resources

New Headlight Bulb on Car

Installing Headlight Bulbs
Keep your visibility clear and safe. Replacing headlight bulbs is an easy repair you can do at home.
How To Install Tail Lights On Vehicle

Installing Tail Light Bulbs

A rapid turn signal indicator can alert you to a taillight bulb needing to be replaced. Follow these simple steps to replace a tail light bulb on your vehicle

Headlight Bulb Selection

Bulb Selection
Find the right kind of headlight bulb for your vehicle.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.