Cloudy, faded headlights can make your car look older and poorly maintained. Restoring them is an easy and affordable way to improve your car’s appearance and increase its resale value. Follow these simple steps to get your headlights looking clear and bright again.

Materials Needed:

• Automotive masking tape
• Mild soap and water
• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Sandpaper (800, 1500, and 2000 grit)
• Plastic or headlight polish (optional)
• UV-resistant headlight sealant
• Spray bottle with water

Step 1: Clean the Headlights

Wash your headlights with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Dry them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Mask Off Surrounding Areas

Use automotive masking tape to protect the paint and trim around your headlights. This will prevent accidental scratches while sanding.

Step 3: Wet Sand the Headlights

1. Start with 800-grit sandpaper. Spray the headlight and sandpaper with water to keep the surface wet. Sand in horizontal motions across the entire headlight.
2. Move to 1500-grit sandpaper and repeat the process, this time sanding in vertical motions.
3. Finish with 2000-grit sandpaper, sanding horizontally again.
4. Rinse the headlight frequently and ensure the surface remains wet to avoid scratching.

Step 4: Polish the Headlights

Apply a small amount of plastic or headlight polish to a clean microfiber cloth. Rub the polish onto the headlight in circular motions until the surface looks clearer. Repeat as necessary for improved results.

Step 5: Apply UV-Resistant Sealant

Once the headlights are clear and polished, apply a UV-resistant headlight sealant. This step is crucial to prevent future clouding and yellowing. Follow the product instructions for the best results.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the masking tape and wipe down the surrounding area to clean off any residue. Your headlights should now look clear and bright!

Why This Matters

Restoring your headlights doesn’t just improve your car’s appearance — it also enhances safety by improving nighttime visibility. Clean headlights give your car a fresher look, which can make a big difference when you’re trying to sell it. Buyers are more attracted to vehicles that appear well cared for, and clear headlights show you’ve maintained your car properly. Taking just an hour or two to restore your headlights can pay off in both aesthetics and value!