How to Make your Headlights Like New Again

A vehicle’s headlights are important for a number of reasons. They allow drivers to see at night, in fog, and during rough weather. In addition, shiny headlights are an obvious indicator of a vehicle’s age. Most headlights are made with a polycarbonate plastic because it is durable, scratch-resistant material, however, over time, UV rays degrade that outer layer of plastic, which means that as a vehicle ages, its headlights yellow and dim.  This is not beneficial for driving or aesthetics.

With a few simple steps, it is easy to get your vehicle’s headlights shining like new again and get back great nighttime visibility.

Step 1: Wash Your Vehicle

• Remove any surface dirt

• Consider waxing your vehicle except for the headlamps to protect the rest of your vehicle from abrasive polishing compounds

Step 2: Mask Off Your Headlamps

• Use painter’s tape to protect the area around the headlamps that need to be polished

• Be sure to cover any chrome features of the vehicle to protect from the process

Step 3: Sand

• Be thorough

• Use abrasive sandpaper to scuff away the outer layer of haze

• When done, your entire headlight should be clear of any yellowing and have a rough, dull surface

• Soak a piece of 1000-grit wet/dry sandpaper in cold water for 10 minutes

• Lightly sand the lenses in light strokes. Methodically cover the entire lens surface. Be sure to sand back and forth in one direction. Keep the surface wet while you work

• Being careful not to damage nearby paint or trim, use the palm of your hand to conform to the curve of the lens.

• Sand until pits, discolorations, and scratches are eliminated. Don’t rush

• When done, clean and dry the area

• Repeat with 1500-grit wet/dry sandpaper, sanding at right angles to your previous work. Keep the paper wet and clean to remove any abrasive powder.

• Repeat this procedure, each time at right angles to your last sanding, with 2000-, 2500-, and 3000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Clean up one last time. Redo or touch up painter’s tape as needed throughout the process when tape becomes tattered

Step 4: Polish

• Use a polishing compound with a flannel or microfiber cloth to apply

• Smear the compound onto the lense and polish in a circular motion. As the polish becomes ground into the cloth and dries out, it lifts the haziness off the lens. Most of the compound eventually winds up in the cloth, but takes about 10 minutes per lens to apply.

• If you have an orbital polisher, you can use this with a lambswool or terry-cloth pad. Be careful not to polish the paint from surrounding surfaces

Step 5: Apply UV Sealant

• Sanding removes any protective layer that was originally applied to the headlight. Without this, the headlight will haze over again in a few weeks, so this step is the most important