Clear Winner!! Headlight Restoration Methods Compared

[@MissMollee]

Bought the 3M repair kit today. It took my Rav4 light fixtures from yellow to clear AND shiny for $15, in less than an hour. I'm a woman that constantly 2nd guesses myself, and it was easy even for me. Thank you so much for this video! 💞

[@ReginaJannie]

@@MissMollee ty for I was nervous if I could do it too

[@Blu3_777]

Getting them clear is the easy part keeping them clear is the hard part

[@MissMollee]

@@ReginaJannie Let us know how it turned out!

[@MissMollee]

@@Blu3_777 How long was it before yours became discolored again? I'm in Ohio and it's November, so all the weather is putting them to the test currently 😅 Mine still look pretty good so far. Maybe I should do a video too with six month follow up 🤔

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Great job!!

[@nomusicrc]

This was a bright idea Thank you for not adding music while you were talking

[@Chestnut442]

Yes! Those background loops are SUCH an awful intrusion aren't they? I always anticipate either a thousand-mile European river cruise where nothing looks like the castles filmed high from a drone, or on a safari bumping along in a cloud of choking dust pursuing the never-seen hephalump. Please!

[@WildlifeUKNatureByGlenO]

Great informative video without the need for loud music, gimmicks or bullsh*t. Great post bro. 👍

[@thrashnbash314]

I really appreciated the side by side comparison and I'll be going out and buying a headlight restoration kit with everything, like this, today so I can address the one's on my kid's car. Thank you for taking the time to make the video. Super helpful!

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Yo THRASH! \m/

[@brine80]

I have also used the 3M kit, as well as several others. Most kits that include the assorted grits of sand paper and a sealer seem to all work about the same. The key is following the instructions when sanding without getting the lens hot, and sealing them. If your lights are really fogged or yellowed bad, you will see an improvement, but it doesn't always last for longer than a year or two before they go back to tarnished again. Taking a layer off of the lens is what removes the damage, sealing then keeps them protected. I guess for whatever the cost is these days of the better rated kits is worth it if you want to see better at night.

[@peterzubritsky9120]

Excellent presentation. You really layed to rest all those so called home remedies. I thank you. I am now a fan of your site.

[@Vanguard1987]

Based on this video, i bought the 3M kit. Very pleased with the results. Thanks for the additional link to the bulk wipes to maintain. I’m hoping to never need to do a full restoration again (although it really wasn’t that hard)

[@gingerwolff3427]

I love the restoration kits. I got one from Amazon, did an outstanding job. 3 years later, yes it’s a tad less clear but wash and go and it’s clear again

[@danielmichaelconnolly]

Taking a break from WW3 News.. I stopped by to check out this video. Very informative and good to know. If there is a nuclear war, at least my headlights will be bright, clear and shiney~✨

[@Blowncaraudio]

You don't need that fake fear mongering news! The real world is right here. This is"social media" at its best! Cheers, bud, and enjoy your day!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I restored the headlights on my 2010 Chevy Silverado a few years ago before someone hit me and totaled it, and one of the things to realize it that it is the clear coat that is getting foggy! I used some 400 grit and 1500 grit sand paper to strip mine and a two part epoxy clear coat, and it worked out great. A regular clear coat may work for a short time but the life of it wont last as long as a two part epoxy clear coat. Eastwood 2K epoxy clear coat is the one I used. I've seen the Primers used as well as the paint on some of the off road vehicles when they build their racks etc. and it really is a great brand. I think it's like 40 dollars for a can of it. You have 24 hours after opening the can and mixing it to use it before it becomes useless. I used it 12 hours the following day to put a second coat on my headlights after using the 1500 sand grit paper to knock off any particles from the surface. They looked better than new with a nice finish!

[@MadMonk67]

A few years ago I basically wet-sanded my headlights using finer and finer (3000 grit) paper and did a final polish with Meguiar's PlastX plastic polish. They looked brand new. Not being aware that I had to reseal them, they were back to cloudy within 6 months. I liked my method of cleaning them. They looked PERFECT. However, I definitely recommend your bulk purchase of the sealants. It's a quick and easy way to keep them looking great.

[@victorianorman1848]

I used that same 3m kit. I was very pleased with the results on my 2010 rav4.

[@BasicTruth1109]

Glad that I saw your comment because I’m getting ready to buy one for my brother’s 2010 Chrysler 300.

[@glasshalffull2930]

How long since you did it and how does it look now?

[@victorianorman1848]

@@glasshalffull2930 a few months I did it in the summer. Still looks great, no deterioration I can tell.

[@glasshalffull2930]

@@victorianorman1848 Thanks for responding!

[@wiggsan]

I wet sanded the car lenses down from 600 to 12,000 grit and then put on a relatively thick coat of spray clear gloss polyurethane, and it's perfect! Looks like new. I tried to put an additional coat of polyurethane on one lens, but for some reason it fogged up a little bit, so I had to use acetone to remove the second coat of polyurethane, then sanded from 1000 back to 12,000 grit and it's perfect. Only put one coat of polyurethane on the lens!!

[@bizzzz]

Sounds good. I had done a few different cars this way: Wetsand from 800, 1500, 4000grit. Use clearcoat paint in a can. Wet sand to 4k again. Use buffer with buffing lotion. 👌

[@motorcyclemike43]

12,000 grit? don't you mean 2000 grit

[@wiggsan]

@@motorcyclemike43 No, I had some 12,000 grit sand paper from another project left over. 1500 or 2000 would work fine though.

[@bizzzz]

@motorcyclemike43 if you sand your lights with 12k grit you get better has mileage.

[@wiggsan]

@@bizzzz LOL!

[@jesset47able]

Ive tried several different ways over the years In the body shop. The best way I found was to sand the protective layer off, then sand till you get to a fine sandpaper (@1000p). Then clearcoat.

[@drzarkov39]

My local oil change place does headlight restoration for $55 per headlight. I bought brand new headlights from Amazon for $88 for the pair. Installation was simple - about 10 minutes each. Now I have new headlights instead of ground down (thinned out) headlights.

[@unclefester6033]

I bought a kit from Mothers where it involves using different grades of sanding discs & it did the trick for me!

[@starman6280]

I use any insect repellent that contains DEET to clean my headlights (Cutter, Deep Woods Off), the higher the concentration of DEET the better. Simply spray it on and wipe it off. Repeat if necessary. This cleans the acrylic lens very well, only takes seconds and I didn't have to buy the kit. The result is nearly as nice as what you get from the kit but literally takes seconds. Although the lenses will need to be redone in 3 to 4 months, I don't mind because it is so easy, and I always have some Deep Woods Off in my truck.

[@cgs-xi4bt]

Nicely done, fun & informative to watch!

[@ClearPathHeadlightSolutions]

Great comparisons @BudgetMechanicHawaii ! The kit is definitely the way to go for DIY. Everything else is just a gimmick. Like he said, the only way is to remove the damaged layer. The 3M kit is probably the best, that or the Sylvania kit. And yes, the UV protectant/sealant is a must. However, the wipes are okay. The Meguiars spray is the best. Only thing I’ll disagree with is the advice to buy a bunch of wipes and reapply each year. You can’t just put the sealant over top another layer of sealant. Trust on this. Better off letting them get to the point where you do the whole process again. But if you wax them regularly and avoid machine car washes, they’ll last another 4-6 years before needing to be restored again. Great video!

[@rabudman]

Best/cheapest "home remedy fix" I've found is Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish. Takes about 2 min w/no elbow grease. It's freaky fast. Costs about 9-10 bucks. Agree with you on importance of adding a UV protection. I just apply a coat of wax over lenses when finished. Amazon sells a spray bottle UV protectant (orange and white bottle) but it costs about 30 bucks. 2nd method - buy wet sandpaper, use lots of water then rubbing compound and wax...longer and more elbow grease but cheap.

[@migueliniguez7354]

I'm doing method 2, just waiting on this heat wave to end

[@markanthony3275]

You realize that the Polycarbonate headlight covers come with U.V. protectant that is all through the plastic not just on the surface...right? There is no need to re-coat them, because all that will happen is the protectant you put on will go yellow and hazy. There is no substitute for wet sanding by hand with a back-up pad starting with about 1500 and then working up to 3000, and then polishing with the correct polycarbonate polish...and then leave them alone. All the automotive repair companies want to do is sell you more product so they can establish an umbilical cord straight to your wallet.

[@rabudman]

@@markanthony3275 No, I didn't know polycarbonate headlight covers come with UV protectant all through the plastic. Shit. Thanks man. KZbin's not totally worthless.

[@privacyfig]

@@markanthony3275 "with the correct polycarbonate polish" what's the correct polish?

[@jamesstuart3346]

Yup Mother's is cheap, fast and good

[@phileisermann1257]

Great comparison! I’m thinking if you already had 500 to 3k grit, you’d only need the sealant. But the kit is almost certainly cheaper than buying everything individually. I just happen to have those grits left over from a bumper restoration I did a few years back.

[@MomentoMori769]

I've done the repair kits and they are solid! I definitely recommend doing the 2k - they simply don't last otherwise as you've stated. In my experience maybe 6 to 9 months and they slowly start losing their clarity. Anyway enjoy your work ALOHA & THANK YOU!

[@Vance-ik9ck]

Fast and easy way. Use Maguires mirror glaze takes five minutes and it’s all cleaned up! Then apply a yellow wax over top of it to seal it. Less than 20 minutes to do both headlights.

[@pjsurfer25]

I’ve used the same 3m kit and was very happy with the result. I also use a UV protectant spray and if you start while they are clear they won’t fog up to begin with.

[@RelaxedPuppy]

What spray?

[@pjsurfer25]

@ 303 ultimate UV protection spray. I use it on all my clear plastic lenses. It’s made to UV protect all plastic like your dash board but I’ve only used it on the lights. It works really well.

[@tjanderson575]

I use a napkin and oil from the engine oil dip stick. When the lenses are so dingy you can barely see at night, this is a quick fix. It’s helpful when needed.

[@williamfry5486]

I agree with you. I have used the buffing kit, rub on compounds, spray on solutions and the buffing kit works the best. You have to remove the damaged yellow plastic surface which is hard. Takes some work and time.

[@357JohnM]

aluminum / mag wheel polish. and an old tshirt. circular motions and polished the headlights to wonderful shine in 15 minutes.

[@christiand7437]

I just saw a video where the guy used Mags Aluminum Polish....worked good, too...one application with a quick wipe down!

[@msk3905]

I tried it doesn't remove any cloudiness or fading and unless you spray with clear coat afterwards it will go right back to where it started within a year

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

@@msk3905everyone acting like having to do it a year later is some horrible thing lol. 15 minutes a year? OH NO.

[@kentalanlee]

This is what I do. Buff it with the polish, wash it with Dawn, dry with a microfiber, then shoot it with a single spray of clear coat to prevent oxidation. At most 20 minutes a side.

[@elliotodell9939]

Perfect timing man, I was just searching for methods yesterday but there are so many

[@mattphipps1368]

I use the Meguiar's Heavy Duty restoration kit and I've had no complaints with the results. The only real problem with the kit is that there's not enough top coat for larger headlights - other than that it's fine.

[@shreyasdharashivkar8027]

Try Adam's results are even better compared to meguire.

[@ReginaJannie]

Can we use rubbing compound instead?

[@bobthompson4918]

It will work..​@@ReginaJannie

[@shawnd567]

Watch the project farm video. The clear coat on the meguiars is junk. Sylvania is much better

[@carlchristensen584]

Cleaned with toothpaste, then sprayed deep woods OFF on the lenses followed immediately with more toothpaste on a very soft brush. Very clean. If done carefully, mostly uniform and like new.

[@charlesbailey5579]

I kept wondering if the glass stovetop cleaner would work on the headlights plastic. Googled, and, others said it works, so gave it a try. I had already cleaned the headlights, so, put the solution on and rubbed it in with a rag. It took away the yellowness and most of the haziness. Rubbed in some wax and looks fine. I sprayed it with a hose, afterwards, which was stupid, because now I have spots of wax on the hood. Was very easy and quick. Good enough for me.

[@curveballintx]

😊 if you're not wet sanding and buffing, you're wasting your time. That oil makes it look nice until you wash it. Then you're right back to square one.

[@stephen0993]

You're right, just a temporarily and quick solution by skipping sanding and buffing.

[@Chestnut442]

Great explanation thanks; will try the kit. Your eloquence is also noted - thank you. (However - with that kayak above your head, surely we in colder climates could expect an episode while you are out on your beautiful waters? Doesn't matter the topic, just ramble on while you paddle along.)

[@JamesSchrader-i7o]

mothers rubbing compound and the mothers mag and chrome polish, no sanding took less than 10 minutes each light. I have a 2005 tundra, first clean in 19 years, besides a car wash.

[@Martin-yv3cz]

When it comes time to do my headlights , I'll be getting the restoration kit , thank you for the video I thought it was really good . Appreciate 👍

[@TheManFromKansas]

This is great advice, thanks for sharing your knowledge Budget mechanic.

[@timesurfingalien]

1000 grit sandpaper and a can of Rust-Oleum 2X clear. My headlights are almost as clear as the day they were new. $5 for the sleeve of sandpaper (10 sheets) $6 for the clear paint. Still have most of the sandpaper and paint.

[@keithcraig506]

I've been using the toothpaste method for years. It does take a bit more elbow grease and time than you gave it. For the 'elbow grease' part, I use a dremel with a fabric polishing wheel. The whole process usually take about 15 minutes. You're right though. The treatment doesn't last a year or two like you mentioned. Usually it will last around 8 months before I really need to do it again. But now that I know about that sealant I can probably get it to last a lot longer.

[@davidviner4932]

Great video, thank you from the UK

[@gretchen_needs_a_dog]

Thank you for the video - great info & I can’t wait to finally be able to see out of my 2004 Sienna. 😊

[@CarolinaGuy]

The best kit I've used so far is the Sylvania headlight restoration kit for $20 on Amazon. The final stage of the kit is the UV seal which is the icing on the cake.

[@ClearPathHeadlightSolutions]

I also like the lens conditioner that comes in that kit

[@paulchilvers5032]

Clear and comprehensive 👍

[@rajones007]

It may not have already been said, but you can simply wax the headlights with your favourite car wax in order to protect them. The spray on / wipe off type of wax is perfect for this, but even your regular wax is fine. A lot of people don't even realize you can even wax your windshield. When driving the rain just runs off it like crazy. It's easier on the wipers too.

[@carpecanem611]

Great video! I had good luck with a Magic Sponge followed up with rubbing compound. This takes some effort. But I did not seal afterwards. I will order some of those wipes you so thoughtfully gave the link for.

[@michaelwallace1861]

I use Soft Scrub a wet sponge and Turtle Wax. 2008 Corolla. Lights are like showroom new.

[@BONKYDOLLOCKS]

I used a headlight restore kit to restore my Nissan 370z GT headlights, and it was very impressive total cost £15 here in England

[@wiggsan]

Great comparison video! Thanks!!

[@viewerfrom1984]

I just use Flitz. It's a polishing compound, just not as aggressive as other compounds. WD-40 only really shines in removing road tar and bugs.

[@BevBilt_ltd]

the clouding of the lense is caused by a build up of heat from the halogen bulbs and the reflector or projector design directs the heat which effects the outer surface because it doesn't have any protection on it

[@andrewdouglas3091]

I had two identical cars a 2010 Ford Falcon. One had headlight protectors and one didn’t. The headlights on the un protected one were all faded and terrible. The one with protectors was fine. So besides UV which so harsh in Australia. As the guy said crap that comes off the road and hits your headlights causes heaps of damage. So maybe try them also. 👍

[@daniellang6112]

Very good video. Most kits will work best. There is an automotive clear coat shown on video's that tends to cost a little more,but results look to last much longer. 800-3000 grit? Huge jump.

[@ClearPathHeadlightSolutions]

That’s what I thought when I first heard of this too! The 3000 that comes from 3M in this kit is not any reg 3000. It is a 3000 Trizact and can manage that jump. It’s what I use in every headlight restoration job.

[@DavidOldenburg1]

I have always just wet sanded and clear coated. Just a couple of dollars has worked on every headlight so far.

[@bramweinreder2346]

Sounds about right. Which grits and clear coat do you use? Up to 800 and then a 2K spray can?

[@jamesstuart3346]

Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish does a fantastic job

[@dawggonevidz9140]

I use 1200 grit wet or dry to wet sand out the yellowness pretty fast, using a soft block and spray bottle to keep it wet. Then to polish out the scratches from the sandpaper I use a folded up cotton rag (old shirt) and toothpaste, I really lean in, pressure and speed are the tricks to not having to do it forever. For a final polish I use a polishing compound and a little electric lambs wool buffer that brings them up like new. The I hit it with a UV Protectant automotive plastic protector, applied a few times and buffed in. Goof for about a year, then it needs another "final" polish and reapplied protectant. The yellowing is pretty much sunburn in the plastic, it's UV damage.

[@otarsulava]

MOTHERS Mag Aluminum Polish works great to remove oxidation, try out ✌️

[@jandostal7343]

Thanks I will buy some to try 😃

[@deadraider420]

Do ya got to buff it in ?

[@otarsulava]

@@deadraider420 no, you don't need to buff off, I suggest you a 2 steps, 1st - just apply that mag polish all around the headlight, wait for 3 minutes and then start to clear off with a rough paper towel and 2nd apply again wait 3 minutes and wipe off with soft microfiber towel, that's it. Done this on my 20 yrs old car, worked great...

[@Pitbully23]

Do bother buying it! It will work a tiny bit and you will see a slight improvement but nothing even close to a full restoration with sanding, buffing and spraying new clear coat. Sanding and new clear is the best way to get ur lights back to 100%

[@otarsulava]

@@Pitbully23well it does work for fairly light oxidation, I actually use it on my 20yrs Mazda headlights and cleared it very well without any extra effort, but do agree if the headlight is really foggy, sending is a must to restore it...✌️

[@grant2149]

Brasso worked for me so far been a month crystal clear. Will wait a while longer and check. But looks great

[@HHG_BREEDINGGROUND1]

Brasso? Whoa !

[@grant2149]

@@HHG_BREEDINGGROUND1 Yep Crystal clear 6 weeks later.

[@sisterbecky411]

@@grant2149.. UV coating?

[@grant2149]

@@sisterbecky411 No UV coating. Sofar going for 2 months still beautifull clear

[@sisterbecky411]

@@grant2149 thank you for your reply! Now to figure out what Brasso is!! Lol!

[@Sir_JERSON]

Thank u for sharing your knowledge and experiments appreciated more videos to come ❤

[@petesteirer]

Good job! What I think is use the orange with baking soda, then eat the orange. Smooths out the lenses a little AND cleans your teeth! Win Win!

[@lesleyelalami2562]

I just used clear lacquer (which I already had in) to spruce mine up after rubbing over with wet and dry.

[@bangdollarsign]

Good video. I just wanted to point out that in my experience, the WD-40 method is a temporary solution, its nice because you can store a bottle in your car and do it on demand in 5 minutes, you can do the same with baby oil.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

with the baking soda, I would say using vinegar with the mother in it would produce more cleaning power. It definitely is great for an organic cleaning agent for the plumbing in your home! It really foams up when you mix them together. I've used it on my tub drain and saw it lift a lot of the grime in the drain, so it does have cleaning properties but not the kind you need to smooth the clear coat on the head light lenses!

[@BensWorkshop]

Many thanks. Got a Bass Motor kit. Will be doing my car shortly.

[@maryd9331]

I tried toothpaste and a green kitchen scrubby. Didn’t scrub for long. It took the dirt/brown off, so no more yellowish haze. Baking soda has more "grit" to it than toothpaste, but haven't used that yet. Im afraid of damaging the headlight with sandpaper, and I don't have a drill, so I won't be doing that. 😊

[@edkennedy9090]

I will try this 2008 Chevy Silverado ✌️❤️🇨🇦

[@lorih6956]

Yes the acidity from the orange. But why not just use dang tomato 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣 or paste with coke cola. Never saw that yet!

[@tripduece2055]

Brake fluid works amazing for restoring the headlights

[@speedokoterefinishnetwork4937]

800 grit straight to 3000 is absolutely a NO lol 😂 Idk why they did this in the kit . Good job for what you used tho bro !! Love the page

[@markanthony3275]

I wouldn't start finer than about 1500 grit...even 1200 will leave ruts in the polycarbonate that will be hard to sand out. You have to realize that the people selling these products and using them do not know anything about wet sanding and polishing.

[@speedokoterefinishnetwork4937]

@@markanthony3275 yup basically .

[@ClearPathHeadlightSolutions]

That's what I thought when I first heard of this too! The 3000 that comes from 3M in this kit is not any reg 3000. It is a 3000 Trizact and can manage that jump. It's what I use in every headlight restoration job.

[@ibrahimyusuf-st-mba]

Thankyou for the video, but how about glass headlamp, any solution? Thank you

[@corvusmoneduloides7420]

Toothpaste (or bicarbonate of soda) using sandpapers going down to ~2500 grit. You use sanding discs with a drill for the 3M, but a ridiculous sponge for toothpase or bicarbonate of soda. The UV protection is important though.

[@MarlinRando]

Wet sanded down to 800 then coat with UV clear paint. Still good. ETA: if you are clear coating you don't need to go super fine, the paint will fill tiny voids.

[@jameslethbridge9082]

That’s right! The key step is what everybody dislikes. Mask it really well, paper long and wide, no breeze, and hit it with clear gloss spray! But “practice, baby, practice” first, gotta learn a new skill, but it will fill whatever won’t buff out!

[@eddymumford4086]

W D works great for about a week or two

[@eddymumford4086]

you could cut holes in them plastic junk lights and put a big glass lens in place

[@_just_looking_thank_you]

☝️🤓 Fun Fact: Baking soda mixed with ANY acid makes a powerful looking foam, but is ineffective. Acids and alkali simply neutralize one another and the foam is just CO2 bubbles. The best one can hope for is the baking soda and vinegar combination to form sodium acetate, which though a worthless cleaner, is used to flavor yummy salt & vinegar potato chips.

[@markanthony3275]

mmm...I could use me some S&V chips!

[@larrypahl5756]

such absolutes draw exceptions. The reaction does cause mechanical displacement that can be associated with a scouring action.

[@KevinScruggs-d5z]

Great job From Las Vegas

[@stephensmith4533]

The wipes are £85.00 for 40 in the UK 🇬🇧 we are always ripped off here Jay

[@jandostal7343]

I have lots of success with JIFF cream cleanser use with a sponge pad on drill using slow speed with light pressure

[@jensz9360]

Its not complicated. The store-bought kits might work and look good but will last maybe 6 months. I tried the 3M one and it lasted 4 months and that was a car that was garaged 50% of the time. The only way to do it and have it last is to sand it down and remove the oxidation (They will look cloudy as hell after sanding) and then spray it with clearcoat and they are crystal clear, preferably from an HVLP gun, but if you dont have one then just use the spray can kind (likely around $7 a can and will be way more than enough for both headlights). I did mine and it lasted 3 years until I sold the car and it still looked new the day I sold it. This car was not a beater and the headlights looked brand new. Saved me the expense and time of installing new ones. The myths about clearcoat cracking or damaging the lens and all that is not true. If anyone experienced that it was likely due to prep issues or spraying too thick.

[@justinmartinez680]

Meguiars plast x works great. If it’s heavy oxidation sand and polish

[@Jerrylbee]

Great video! I used a turtle wax kit. Much the same, but no drill attachment. Yea the sealant doesn’t last. Somebody did sanding and then clear coat paint with UV protection. Maybe last longer? I haven’t tried, but I might.

[@MichaelJohnson-ux7pe]

Nice video covering all on these things, good job. Now I would like your opinion on this, I have some 1/4" plexiglass that are really foggy and hazy and I'm trying to find some that would clear them up better than what they are, but not like when they were new. I just want to see threw them. What do you think?

[@ranger178]

I got Maguires headlight spray and just spray that on each year to keep lights from losing their uv protection and car is 8 years old headlights are like new

[@dongraston8376]

Sanded it with 600 grit sandpaper and then sprayed it with Clear Coat. Looks brand new. Whenever it fogs up a bit l wipe it down with WD40 for that new look again.

[@caseyalexander2244]

The Sylvania kit is the very best one, second to that is the Cerakote kit. After that, your job is to keep the lenses sealed just like the paint. Avoid parking in full sun too.

[@Blowncaraudio]

Great video man!

[@AdamBreslow]

The bottom line the discoloration or haze is due to dirt etc sticking to the plastic coating on the lense , once you buff it , yes it will shine up however you strip the plastic , it will haze up again

[@CSTLLNS]

That 3M kit is excellent you’ll get a good 2 years of clear headlights around the 3rd year you can go and do it again it’ll be less work though so this is a win

[@blauer2551]

I used baking soda/toothpaste mixture and the Mr Clean magic eraser did a decent job on bad headlights

[@yazming1720]

They came out GREAT for 15 buckaroos. Thank You for the tip. Definitely gonna try it👍💯👍💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tnowandthen-t8t]

I think that coating is critical. My 2013 Lexus has clear taillight housings, and they are not fogged AT ALL. But I just did the headlights using the MaGuire kit, because they were really bad. So what's the difference between front and rear? It's the same plastic exposed to the same UV rays, and it looks like new. It's got to be the abrasion that the headlights get, wearing out the protective coating. If that's true, then replacing that coating is essential.

[@FeistyRabbitz]

If you really need dirt cheap solution to restore faded headlight,just use original Autosol metal polish.Wet sanding with 300-600 grit sandpaper to remove yellowed crust layer followed by another wet sanding with 800-1500 grit sandpaper.Apply autosol compound and buff with dry cloth minimum 3 times,using buff machine may achieve better result.

[@BevBilt_ltd]

instead of paying for a product for restoring the polycarbonate headlights I use scotchbrite to cut into the surface and then go over it with a claybar and plenty of water to remove the surface with the least amount rinse well, dry and give it a good coat of protective polish or a caruba wax and wash and polish the headlights every time you get the car washed

[@silverback8183]

Fine sandpaper,soapy water and 30 mins. Did my car a year ago and they still look new

[@jayong2370]

Thanks. This was a fantastic video

[@lupineh7831]

Fun way to get good info, thanks

[@donaldcastillo2408]

Lol. Love these type of video's showing multiple solutions, usually the best cost a little more , so again, you get what you pay for.

[@robnation2475]

If your clear coat is peeling off of your headlight hand sand with sheets of wet sandpaper. First 600 grit then 1,000, 1500 2,000 and then get 3Ms Trizact 3000 and finish with 3M 5000. Buff/polish with PlastX. Takes a little longer than using a power tool but by doing it by hand you will not create heat which can distort the plastic. If you have your hood up you will only need to mask off your fender and bumper cover. Your choice to use a headlight sealer/coating But I generally just maintain my headlights with PlastX or other products like 303 UV protectant.

[@jec_ecart]

Superb explanation.

[@kodi-78]

I did toothpaste and soda and used sponge kit for power tool