How to Make Your Headlights Shine Like New

popularmechanics ^ | March 31, 2014 1:30 PM | By Michael Austin

[virgil283]

"Most headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which is durable and scratch-resistant. But over time polycarbonate clouds over, mostly due to UV rays that degrade the outer layer of plastic. .....

.....Good do it yourself project;

[virgil283]

Prep : Wipe as much grime as possible off the headlights with glass cleaner or soap and water....

Sand : All of these products use an abrasive such as sandpaper to scuff away the outer layer of haze....

Polish : A fine polish cleans up the sandpaper scratches and makes the headlight lenses clear again......

Apply : UV Sealant There's a reason we tested only headlight lens restorers with a UV protectant. The sanding step removes any protective layer that was originally applied to the headlight, and if you don't reapply that shield your lights will haze over again in as little as a few weeks. ....

Best product - Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit--$12-$20 ---[h/t instapundit]

[11th_VA]

Thanks for posting - my ‘95 Saturn is in desperate need of this

[Cvengr]

I just replaced my headlights and taillights and it made a huge difference.

[Balding_Eagle]

I simply went to Ebay and bought a new set of headlights for a 2001 vehicle we have. $45 for two headlamps, complete with bulbs.

[headstamp 2]

“Thanks for posting - my ‘95 Saturn is in desperate need of this”

You mean a Satrin.

[RegulatorCountry]

I read the article and still am not quite sure whether they’re advocating the use of actual sandpaper or not, and if so wet or dry sanding. I’ve used the kits with abrasive paste before, they work so-so if the lens is not starting to get a rough texture. Improved appearance and clarity but not anywhere near being like new.

[DaxtonBrown]

Maybe I could buff up an old girlfriend or two the same way.
Just take off a few lawyers of nasty.

[DaxtonBrown]

ooops, a few layers of nasty. Though one is a lawyer, come to think of it.

[deweyfrank]

later

[Star Traveler]

I’m not sure what to think about that. I’ve seen the products before and have read about them ... but I’m thinking about just getting another assembly, instead.

[Star Traveler]

And ... those two pictures look like two different cars, to me.

[Jack Hydrazine]

“Sand : All of these products use an abrasive such as sandpaper to scuff away the outer layer of haze....”

But what grit?

1000? 1200?

[Flick Lives]

Check out the car care products by Meguiar’s. They make one specifically for polishing out plastic. Any of their products which I’ve tried have been excellent.

[AirForce-TechSgt]

Take it from an old parts guy; Deep Woods Off.
Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it clean. Yes, it does work.

[miele man]

I agree. The fender underneath the headlight is rounded in the 2nd picture while it is more angular in the first picture and the hood is also different from the first to the second pix. Paint color is also different.

[mabarker1]

Buy a good kit:

3M I have used- just follow the instructions.

Have not used any others.

Have not used the UV Protectant.

Don’t just go buy XXXX grit sandpaper and some polishing compound unless you know what you are doing, USE A KIT!

[Osage Orange]

ROFLOL!!!

[Jack Hydrazine]

When I was in France with the army
One day I looked inside my kit
I thought i would find me a sandwich
But the darn thing was loaded with ...
Shaving cream, be nice and clean
Shave every day and you’ll always look keen

[mabarker1]

Interesting

18 years selling parts myself, but that was before plastic headlight lenses.

? Does it help with bug splatters ?

[mabarker1]

And Thank You for Your Service.