When it comes to driving, safety should always be the number one priority. And every driver should know that their car headlights cannot properly illuminate a dark roadway when yellow and cloudy residue is obscuring the bulb.
That’s why finding the best headlight restoration kit is critical for keeping your lights clean and improving visibility. We’ve taken the time to compile a list of the best products on the market to help you see more clearly.
Best Headlight Restoration Kits
We may earn a commission when you buy certain products through the links on this page. Note that this does not influence the content created by our team. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. 3M Headlight Restoration System Review
Best headlight restoration kit in 2021
- Easy four-step process
- Abrasive discs
- Good value
Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restoration kit on Reddit
- Inclusive kit
- Prevents reoxidization for up to a year
- Drill powered polishing with sanding
Philips Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restore kit with assortment of sandpaper
- Affordable
- No power tools required
- Long-term UV protection
Mothers NuLens Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best Headlight Restoration Kit Without Sealant
- Simple and effective
- Quality polish
- Reusable foam ball
TurtleWax Speed Headlight Cleaner Kit Review
Among the Top Inexpensive Headlight Restoration Kits
- Simplest to use
- Best value
- Impressive results
Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restoration kit without a drill
- Quality ceramic compound
- No power tools needed
- Quick results
Chemical Guys Headlight Lens Restoration And Protectant Review
Top rated one-step headlight restoration kit
- Easy to use
- Protection against future damage
- Different kit sizes available
SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best Product to Restore Headlights With Warranty
- Lifetime warranty
- No tools needed
- Quality sealant
Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Popular Amazon headlight restoration kit
- Simple to use
- Great value
- Great for maintenance
Adam's Graphene Ceramic Headlight Restoration Pro Kit Review
Best rated headlight restoration kit among professionals
- Large kit
- No tools needed
- Chemically strips oxidized layer on headlights
Headlight Restoration Kit Reviews
The following reviews dig deeper into some of the key components that make these kits the best options on the market.
3M Headlight Restoration System Review
Best headlight restoration kit in 2021
- Rating: 9.8
- Type: Multi-step, heavy-duty kit
- Best for: Maintenance/restoration
- Shipping/Returns: Contact seller
The 3M kit, manufactured by the highly reputable American conglomerate, is widely regarded as one of the most popular solutions on the market.
More importantly, the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System is convenient to use and involves a simple four-step process. Using a common household drill, you can restore your headlights to their former glory with the help of the backup pad and sanding discs.
The 3M headlight restoration kit includes a disc pad holder, six sanding discs, four finishing discs, one trizact grit, a foam buffing pad, as well as pads, tape, wax, and a polish. Another perk is that you can use this same kit to repair hazing on plastic surfaces such as plastic motorcycle lights and emergency light bars. This is a far more affordable option than having the headlights repaired commercially.
Online 3M headlight restoration kit reviews only serve to confirm our positive assessment of both the quality and value of this product. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and you’re guaranteed excellent results.
However, it’s important to note that each kit is designed to restore two headlight lenses. As such, you’ll have to purchase more than a single kit if you want to restore all of the lenses on your vehicle. On the plus side, our thorough 3M headlight restoration kit review can confirm that the entire process doesn’t take longer than one hour.
Pros
- + Easy four-step process
- + Abrasive discs
- + Good value
Cons
- − Doesn’t come with a drill
Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restoration kit on Reddit
- Type: Multi-step, heavy-duty kit
- Best for: Maintenance
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping over $99, 30-day returns
There are times in life when you need to roll out the big guns. Enter Meguiar’s heavy-duty kit. This inclusive pack is ideal for those who need more than just a routine lense clean and are looking to restore clarity to uncoated clear plastics.
Meguiar’s headlight restoration products are designed to deliver professional results on hazy, yellowed, and oxidized headlights by combining drill-powered polishing with sanding. In our book, it’s one of the best solutions for delivering shining headlights and improved visibility.
Using the kit is fairly easy. You need to start with the sanding disks that are included in the package. After a bit of sanding, use the PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner polish with the Easy-Buff Wool Pad that you need to attach to your drill. Clean the lights with the drill and lastly, add the Headlight Coating to prevent reoxidation for up to a year.
This is arguably the best headlight restoration kit of 2021, which got plenty of love from Reddit users who describe it as a rock-solid product that breathes new life into your headlights.
The only downside is that the crystal clear finish requires a bit of work from your side. Some don’t like the idea of having to use drills. Also, badly oxidized headlights may need grittier sandpaper which isn’t available with this kit. Other than that, this still is one of the best heavy-duty kits on the market.
Pros
- + Inclusive kit
- + Prevents reoxidization for up to a year
- + Drill powered polishing with sanding
Cons
- − Slightly complicated to use
Philips Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restore kit with assortment of sandpaper
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Simple restoration
- Shipping/Returns: Standard Amazon shipping and return policy
If you’re on the hunt for a kit from a world-renowned brand, this is the perfect solution. Philips is a reliable and established company in the world of electronics and lighting, and its headlight restoration kit is a natural extension of that efficiency.
In other words, the Philips headlight restoration kit is a highly professional product that delivers clarity and ensures safety.
The restoration process involves four simple steps. You’ll begin by cleaning with a water-based pretreatment. Next, you’ll sand with 600, 1500, and 2000 grit sandpaper and then polish the headlights. Lastly, apply the UV protector that dries in 10 minutes. Unlike other kits, this one doesn’t require power tools, making it extremely easy to use while still delivering excellent results.
Moreover, the solution will protect the headlights from UV exposure for up to two years in most cases. To top it off, you can also use the kit for turn signals, tail lights, and reflective lens covers.
But despite these impressive characteristics, some prospective consumers are still asking that basic question: do headlight restoration kits really work? Online reviews from existing customers only serve to confirm our positive assessment of the Philips kit. The vast majority of users are very pleased with their investment.
However, it’s worth noting that the exclusion of power tools means that the restoration process takes longer. Some of the headlight restoration kit reviews online highlight this flaw.
But even then, the Philips kit is a must-have if you want something efficient and easy to use that’s both high quality and cost-effective.
Pros
- + Affordable
- + No power tools required
- + Long-term UV protection
Cons
- − Lengthy restoration process
Mothers NuLens Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best Headlight Restoration Kit Without Sealant
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Restoration, maintenance, protection
- Shipping/Returns: $6.95 (free over $750), 30-day return policy
If you have any experience with car maintenance, you’ve probably heard about this brand and you know that it’s one of the best solutions on the market.
The Mothers headlight restoration kit is a jack of all trades packages that restores, protects, and maintains acrylic and plastic headlights.
It comes with a drill-mounted precision foam ball (reusable and washable) for polishing which will restore your lights in mere minutes. The 8 oz. PowerPlastic 4Lights polish provides oxidation-inhabiting protective polymer coating to protect plastic surfaces.
Before the polishing steps, you have an assortment of three different sanding discs at your disposal to clean your lenses.
Overall the kit is a great and easy-to-use restoration solution that will fit most of your needs, especially if you’re handy with a drill.
On the other hand, when writing this Mothers headlight restoration kit review, we couldn’t help but notice that the discs are all the same color. Also, the fact that there is no sealant may result in clouding faster than expected. But even then, you can use the foam ball and the polishing compound to maintain clarity.
Pros
- + Simple and effective
- + Quality polish
- + Reusable foam ball
Cons
- − Issues with disc grit
TurtleWax Speed Headlight Cleaner Kit Review
Among the Top Inexpensive Headlight Restoration Kits
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Restoration
- Shipping/Returns: Free delivery, 14-day return policy
If you’re on a tight budget, look no further than the TurtleWax Speed Headlight Cleaner kit. This product delivers outstanding results in three easy steps without the need for power tools. The kit quickly removes oxidation and restores yellowing headlights.
As such, the TurtleWax headlight restoration kit is the perfect solution for those who want to save money on power tools and commercial auto repairs.
This simple yet effective kit comes with a bottled solution, gloves, a polishing pad, and the necessary sealing wipes. These are all the tools you’ll need to get the job done.
Online reviews echo our satisfaction with the results. This is especially true among customers who want a quick fix for their lights. However, some TurtleWax headlight restorer reviews point out the obvious — you’ll still need a drill for long-lasting results.
All in all, whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a reliable product that will keep your headlights clean, this inexpensive option will do the trick.
Pros
- + Simplest to use
- + Best value
- + Impressive results
Cons
- − Clear coat hardens too quickly
Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best headlight restoration kit without a drill
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Restoration, maintenance
- Shipping/Returns: Free two-day shipping, 30-day return policy
If you’re a fan of ceramic coating and all the advantages that come with it, you should check out the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit.
According to the manufacturer, the kit provides UV protection that stands the test of time. There is also a limited lifetime warranty. So, if you’re not satisfied with the product, Cerakote will cover the expenses of your next kit.
When compared to the exhaustive list of headlight restoration wipes and kits, the Cerakote is a great option as the kit contains everything you’ll need to get the job done in around 30 minutes.
First, start with the Oxidation Remover, wiping away the hazy oxidation on the surface. Then, use the ergonomic surface prep pad to get rid of the deep oxidation on your lenses. After that, all you have to do is go over the lights with the ceramic restoration wipes that will form the protective UV coating.
Almost every online headlight restoration kit review applauds Cerakote’s efficiency. For most users, the results were more than satisfactory, given that the formula needs no power tools. Meanwhile, a few critical reviews still praise the effectiveness of the kit, but note that the solution has to be applied carefully in order to make it work properly.
Pros
- + Quality ceramic compound
- + No power tools needed
- + Quick results
Cons
- − Restoration requires extra caution
Chemical Guys Headlight Lens Restoration And Protectant Review
Top rated one-step headlight restoration kit
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Restoration, maintenance
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping above $49, 30-day returns
If you’re looking for a professional-grade restoration kit that’s available in several sizes and tackles all oxidation, clouding, and yellowing problems while protecting the surface against UV rays, then give Chemical Guys a try.
This brand might not be the very best plastic headlight restoration kit on the list, but it gives consumers the option between 4 oz, 16 oz, and a full headlight kit size. In other words, you can pick the product that suits your individual needs. You’ll also need latex self-adhesive sanding sheets, hyper flex sanding block, microfiber towels, a clay bar, wax, and masking tape.
The cream formula can be rubbed into the headlight plastic with a simple microfiber towel until it finally becomes clear. The micro-abrasives blended into the solution’s formula removes the debris, peeling off the layers of dead plastic and restoring the headlamps back to their former glory.
Once cleaned, the accompanying wax creates a protective coat that ensures long-lasting results.
Consumers are largely satisfied with the product and its ease of use. In our book, it’s a great option for anyone looking to reverse damage caused by sunlight and maintain clear vision. On the other hand, it might not be able to restore severely damaged headlights.
Pros
- + Easy to use
- + Protection against future damage
- + Different kit sizes available
Cons
- − Not a heavy-duty kit
SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Best Product to Restore Headlights With Warranty
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Restoration, maintenance
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping above $50, 30-day return policy
If you’ve been browsing the market for headlight restoration kits, you’ve probably come across Sylvania, especially if you’ve had to replace your car bulbs in the past. It’s one of the most reputable brands in the business, and as such, you can rest assured their restoration kits deliver a unique standard of quality.
The Sylvania headlight restoration kit is easy to use and comes with components that are suitable for two headlight assemblies. Apart from that, it delivers quick results, and it took us about 30 minutes to get the job done.
To get started, use the Surface Activator, a proprietary formula to soften the plastic, preparing it for effective sanding. After that, perform the sanding and polishing. Lastly, apply the UV Block Clear Coat applicator to seal your lenses.
Almost every Sylvania headlight restoration kit review raves about the effectiveness of the product. One thing is for sure, this kit ensures clarity while providing durable, long-lasting protection.
On top of that, you have a lifetime warranty which helps this brand stand out among the long list of restoration kits on the market. Of course, not everyone is satisfied, and some users said that achieving perfection with Sylvania takes more than 30 minutes. If time is of the essence, you should probably consider less expensive and faster-acting solutions.
Pros
- + Lifetime warranty
- + No tools needed
- + Quality sealant
Cons
- − Restoration process can be time-consuming
Rain-X Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Popular Amazon headlight restoration kit
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Maintenance
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping over $25, 30-day returns
This brand is perhaps best known for its water-repellent products. But Rain-X also offers a pretty straightforward inclusive kit that restores plastic headlights by removing discoloration and damage from haze. In short, this is a reliable product from a well-known brand at a great price. What’s not to like?
A closer look at the Rain-X headlight restoration kit reveals a multi-step package that guarantees a deep clean while saving you a trip to the garage to have your headlights replaced. The kit comes with a lubricant, a headlight restorer, sealant, a microfiber cloth, and the necessary polishing pads.
The cleaning process is simple and does not require a drill. This can especially come in handy when you’re in a hurry and need to get the job done as fast as possible or if you simply don’t have access to power tools.
During our Rain-X headlight restoration kit review, we were also impressed with the product’s great value. On the other hand, we have to agree with some of the more critical views regarding the polishing pads, which should be a bit bigger and easier to hold. Also, this isn’t a heavy-duty product, meaning that it can’t handle severe damage that well.
Pros
- + Simple to use
- + Great value
- + Great for maintenance
Cons
- − Not a heavy-duty restoration kit
Adam's Graphene Ceramic Headlight Restoration Pro Kit Review
Best rated headlight restoration kit among professionals
- Type: Multi-step
- Best for: Maintenance, restoration
- Shipping/Returns: Free shipping over $100, 30-day returns
Adam’s headlight restoration kit comes in two different sizes. The Standard kit is designed to restore mildly oxidized headlights that need color and clarity correction. The Pro kit is a far more advanced option that eliminates oxidation and restores clarity to severely damaged and discolored headlights.
The pro kit’s contents include four headlight oxidation remover wipes, two headlight graphene ceramic coating wipes, a sanding applicator, a total of four sanding discs (two 2000-grit and two 3000-grit), and four nitrile gloves.
Headlight restoration kit reviews echo our professional assessment — this is an outstanding option for anyone looking for a heavy-duty set that doesn’t need power tools. In that respect, it’s a one-of-a-kind product since most kits that don’t require you to use power tools aren’t really suited for major restorations. The kit has even managed to breathe new life into a pair of 14-year old headlights.
And while some users noted issues with the coating, this is still a far better option than using a drill and two bottles of headlight restoration spray.
Pros
- + Large kit
- + No tools needed
- + Chemically strips oxidized layer on headlights
Cons
- − Minor issues with coating
Buying the Best Headlight Restoration Kit
Buyers Guide
Whether you’re searching for the best survival kit or one to restore your headlights, you have to know what to look for in each product. The following sections will help you identify headlight restoration kits that are worth considering and tell you more about what to avoid.
Using a Headlight Restoration Kit
There’s really no point in buying a professional headlight restoration kit if you don’t know how to use them. Just like with a beard kit or any similar product, you need to be somewhat familiar with the different components in the package.
Of course, it’s also crucial to follow the instructions that come to the products. Not all kits are made the same, and one package may require you to perform the process differently than others. But there are a few general steps you’ll probably have to perform:
- Before adding the contents of the headlight lens restorer, make sure to clean your vehicle’s lights so that there’s no dust or any other kind of debris on them.
- Some products will require you to use painter’s tape to cover the area around your lights not to cause damage to the body paint.
- If you use a product that comes with a particular pre-treatment formula, apply it, but again, make sure that the lenses are clean.
- Even the best headlight restore kit will require you to use sandpaper to sand down the headlight lenses. Different products tend to use different grit sandpaper to get rid of all oxidation and haze, so be sure to refer to the instructions for the right type of sandpaper.
- Lastly, apply a sealant product or polishing product to the lights to make sure they are protected from future oxidation and potential damage.
How Does Restoration Work?
Online headlight restoration kit reviews often fail to properly explain how headlights become faded, foggy, or discolored and how these solutions can help restore the lenses to their former glory.
Most of the time, UV exposure is the biggest culprit that simply causes oxidation in the polycarbonate plastics that most headlights are made of. On the other hand, dirt, debris, and even general weather changes can cause the initial protective layer to break down on the lenses which leads to discoloration and yellowing.
The best headlight restoration kits solve these problems by getting rid of the yellow and cloudy residue with help from different solutions and materials.
Most of these restoration kits rely on wet sandpaper to clean the surface of the lights. After that, you should use a protective product or polish solution and give another protective layer to your clean lenses.
Most drivers restore their lights for safety reasons. In some cases, foggy, discolored, oxidized lenses can decrease visibility up to 40%.
Why Use A Restoration Kit?
Our headlight restore kit reviews touch on some of the fundamental reasons for using these solutions. Here are just a few:
Improved Safety
Properly functioning headlights are essential safety features on the road. If you can’t see where you’re going and if others can’t see you, you’re risking your life and those of other drivers.
Discolored, scratched, and foggy headlights will make night driving dangerous, and you might end up with a hefty fine as well.
Resale Value
The best headlight restoration kit on the market can also come in handy if you’re thinking about trading your car in or selling it at some point. As you know, it should be in optimal condition if you want to get the best price for it and your lights are no exception.
If you pull up to the dealership with foggy headlights, chances are, you won’t be getting top dollar for your car. As such, maintain your headlights properly, just like any other part of your ride.
Saving Money
In this headlight restoration kit review, we’ve already mentioned that using a good kit is far cheaper than replacing your headlights. The latter option costs several hundred dollars, which is far more than a restoration kit.
Bear in mind that proper maintenance can spare you the cost of any repairs and replacements.
Kit Pricing
While the best product to restore headlights shouldn’t cost you a fortune, knowing the different price ranges is always a good thing.
- Kits under $10: These are the basics. Budget kits deliver decent results but are always a bit of a gamble depending on the overall quality of the product and brand. While these kits aren’t necessarily bad, experts still recommend investing in a better quality kit.
- Kits between $10 and $30: In this price range, you might not get a top–rated headlight restoration kit, but you will be able to find several outstanding products that deliver longer-lasting results. Even in this price range, you should be able to find products from reputable brands that are known for their reliability.
- Over $30: You’ll be getting the best that the market has to offer in this range. Products from this category deliver great results regardless of your car and headlight. Buying a quality product makes sense, especially if you have a more expensive car.
Key Restoration Kit Features
By now, you’ve probably noticed the differences in price between the best–rated headlight restoration kit brands and other products on the market. While price is a key factor in choosing a product, it’s not the only one. The following section covers several other features that should play a role in your decision-making process.
Multi-Step vs. Single-Step Kits
On closer inspection, you can clearly see that these kits can vary significantly. Some of them are multi-step products, meaning they require you to complete the restoration process in more than one step. You also have one-step products that are mostly just cleaning solutions.
Headlight restoration kit reviews will often recommend using one-step kits for minor restorations and multi-step kits for more intricate work. On the other hand, the latter usually contains abrasives as well.
This can make a huge difference when it comes to the end result and longevity. So, if you don’t mind spending a few extra minutes cleaning your headlights, multi-step kits can be well worth the extra effort.
No Tools vs. Tools Needed
Another important thing you should know about is the fact that some kits will contain everything you need while others will require you to get additional tools yourself (like sanders or a drill). Using a power tool can certainly make a notable difference in the cleaning process.
However, most top headlight restoration kits work outstandingly even without these power tools. Ultimately, this part depends on your individual needs. Some prefer tools when dealing with damaged lights, as the best hand tools can really make the entire process easier.
Other Considerations to Keep in Mind
Lastly, here are a few more features that you should know about when trying to find the perfect headlight restoration kit.
Lens Type
While most kits will do a great job on nearly all headlights, keep an eye out for products that are made for specific types of lenses. Even though most headlights are made from plastic, our headlight lens restorer reviews found that some composition variations make certain kits more suitable for the job than others.
UV Blocker
Products with UV-blocking fluid can help prevent yellow residue, clouding, and oxidation from forming. This also makes the results of the restoration last longer and can help lower your maintenance costs.
Kit Contents
The best headlight restoration kit will most often come with sealing and cleaning solutions, as well as a towel, glove, and several sandpaper grades.
Easy of Use
These kits are made with the everyday consumer in mind, which makes them rather easy to use. Even then, it’s always a good idea to read the instructions and avoid causing damage to your headlights or paint job.
The Condition of Your Lights
After outlining the best headlight restoration kit reviews, we can safely say that the pre-restoration condition of your headlights will also play a huge role when it comes to the type of product you should be choosing and the end result. If you have discoloration, scratches, and even pits on your headlights, you should look for more heavy-duty options.
FAQs
What is the best headlight restoration kit?
While there are literally tons of great options on the market, picking the best one comes down to your individual needs. If you just want to get rid of minor damage, then a basic kit with just the essentials will probably do the trick. However, if you’ve neglected your headlights for years, chances are, you’ll need a more heavy-duty product.
What headlight restoration kit works best?
Not all restoration kits are made equal, and some people will need a different kit than others. However, you should be looking for a kit with a protective coating to shield your clean lights from debris accumulation and UV rays. If you want to keep things simple, opt for a simple kit that requires no power tools.
Do headlight restoration kits really work?
These kits are used to remove the yellow and cloudy residue obscuring the bulb in your headlights. The restoration process is easy and takes an average of 20 minutes without the need for any special tools or skills.
In essence, they can help you restore your lights and improve their performance in a fast and inexpensive way. The best headlight restoration kit saves you money by enabling you to restore your headlights instead of replacing them.
On the other hand, these kits can’t really prevent serious defects, and some experts recommend regularly using wax to combat headlight aging early on.
Does headlight restoration last?
Headlight restoration should prevent reoxidation for up to a year. In some cases, the effects can last up to three years or as little as nine months. But it’s important to remember that you’ll still experience oxidation, no matter how thorough you were during the restoration process.
Simply put, headlight lenses are prone to oxidation as they are made from polycarbonate plastics that react to grits, UV rays, debris, air pollution, and so on.
How long do headlight restoration kits last?
They can last anywhere from nine months to three years. However, if you aren’t in the habit of maintaining your headlights regularly, the restoration results probably won’t last that long. Also, using the wrong restoration kit (one without a protective coating) will further reduce the effectiveness of the restoration.
As a matter of fact, some experts recommend parking your car in a garage to avoid UV ray exposure and applying a coat of wax every time you use a restoration kit to get the best results.
Conclusion
Finding the best headlight restoration kit shouldn’t be a problem as long as you know what you need. To get the best product on the market, familiarize yourself with the different offers, do your homework about the brand, and find the best deal that fits your needs. Our reviews will tell you everything you need to know and help you avoid wasting time on haphazard remedies.