The 10 Most Popular Headlight Restoration Tools of 2022

If you haven’t looked at your headlights in a while, you should. Chances are they’re cloudier than when you purchased your vehicle, and now you’re wondering the best way to get them as bright as they were when they were new.

You can get your headlights back, but the wrong kit could cost you your hard earned money. That’s why we took the time to Review ten of our top-rated headlight restoration kits out there, and we came up with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you pick the best one.

So, just keep reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and have your headlights looking like new in no time!

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.

Top 10 Headlight Restoration Products in 2022

1. 3M Headlight Lens – Best Headlight Restoration Kit Overall

If you’re looking for the best headlight restoration kit out there, this is it. It’s the perfect combination of price and performance that can make your headlight look like new again.

It has everything you need to get the job done, so you don’t have to worry about having any additional tools to use this kit. While it’s not the most straightforward application process, it’s certainly manageable if you take the time to read the instructions.

Don’t wing it, take your time, and this kit will have your headlights looking like new in no time. This 3M Headlight Kit is just what you want. Most Headlights require. But if your vehicle’s headlights need more extensive restorations, you might need to invest in the other 3M kit a little further down our list.

Still, for most headlights, this is exactly what you need, and if you go for the other kit, you’re simply spending more for the same results.

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2. Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Best Budget

If you don’t want to spend a ton of cash but need your headlights to clear up a bit, then the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit is precisely what you need. Not only is it a more affordable option for restoring headlights, but it’s an extremely simple application process.

This means you don’t need to overthink how to do it, and you don’t even need any tools to use it! That means when you see the cost of the Cerakote Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit, that’s the Final Costs associated with the restoration of your headlights.

However, while it’s super easy to use and affordable, there’s a reason that it’s not our top choice. While it does a great job at restoring your headlights some, it won’t be quite as effective as our top choice. If you have a simple need, Be better performance, or if your headlights aren’t all that faded, then this is a great choice that won’t cost you a ton either.

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3. Meguiar’s G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit – Premium Choice

Sometimes you have a headlight that you think you can’t bring back, that’s when you need Meguiar’s G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. Sure, it’s a more expensive option but when a regular headlight cleaning kit doesn’t cut it, this will.

Even better, this kit uses a long-lasting formula that provides protection for up to 12-months, so you don’t have to worry about Any Fogging or fading for at least one year. This kit gives you professional-quality results, but keep in mind that you’ll need a drill to apply it.

All you need is a common household drill, but if you don’t already have one, then it’s another expense you need to factor in. However, it’s this drill that really takes the results to the next level and helps clean up even the most faded and fogged headlights.

If you have a headlight that needs a little more TLC, then you really need to go with a restoration kit that uses a drill, and Meguiar’s G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit is as good as it gets.

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4. 3M Heavy Duty Restoration Kit with Quick Clear Coat – Best for Professionals

If you’re running a business, you need the best possible results, and nothing else matters. With this 3M Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit with Quick Clear Coat that’s precisely what you’re getting.

It does a great job of restoring headlights. But it also provides a protective clear coating that protects them. It prevents dirt and grime from sticking to the headlights in the future and keeps them looking great for longer.

There are some downsides to the headlight restoration kits. The first is its price. It’s undoubtedly one of the more expensive kits out there, but for the results you get it’s worth every penny. You will also need to drill. You will need a drill for all top-end headlight restoration kit, including this 3M one.

Final, and most importantly, is the application process. While it’s certainly possible to figure it out if you take the time to read the instructions, it’s a more complicated process compared to most other restoration kits.

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5. Chemical Guys GAP11516 Headlight Protect and Restore

Chemical Guys makes a ton of top-notch products, so it’s no surprise to find that they have a headlight restoration kit on our list. However, while most of the products on our list are the full kits, it’s important to note that this is only the chemical compound you need to restore your headlights.

You don’t need much more to get the job done, but unlike most kits, this doesn’t come with everything that you need. Still, with a microfiber cloth, it’s insanely easy to apply, and it’s one of the most effective headlight restoration compounds out there.

It also comes with a ton of product, so if you think that you’ll need to restore lights on multiple vehicles, you can get the job done with just one bottle of Chemical Guys GAP11516 Headlight Restore and Protect.

Super effective and super easy to use, it’s only the fact that you need to purchase everything else separately that keeps this product off the top of our list.

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6. Turtle Wax T43 Headlight Cleaner & Sealant

Turtle Wax They are another major player in the auto care market. Their T-43 Headlight cleaner and sealant is another excellent product. This product not only restores the headlights of your vehicle, but seals them as well to protect against future damage.

This Turtle Wax headlight cleaner and sealant is easy to apply, and it’s really an outstanding mix of price and quality. While it’s not as effective at restoring headlights as the top options on our list, it does a better job than most at sealing the headlights.

This Turtle Wax, just like the Chemical Guys kit for headlight restoration, includes Only The chemical compound. It’s more than enough to complete several headlight restorations, but it’s not quite as large as the Chemical Guys product.

To use this headlight cleaner and sealant, you’ll need a microfiber cloth to get the job done. And if you invest in a household drill and the attachment for headlight cleaning you’ll get even better results.

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7. Philips Headlight Restoration Tool

Philips is well-known for their lighting products, but they’ve also ventured into the headlight restoration business. While they’re not at the top of our list, it’s still a highly effective kit. It’s easy to use, and you don’t need anything outside of the kit to use it.

This kit offers up to 2 years of protection against UV rays to prevent your headlights from becoming faded again. Still, while there’s plenty to like about this kit, it did fall towards the bottom of our list for a reason.

Price is the first problem. While it’s not a super expensive kit, it is a bit more expensive for what you’re getting quality-wise. This kit isn’t quite as effective as our top choices, but it’s priced similarly to those products.

It’ll get the job done for you, and you won’t regret going with this headlight restoration kit, but we simply like the choices higher up on this list just a bit more.

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8. Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit

Sylvania Lighting is another company that has ventured into the field of automobile headlight restoration. They did a great job. The headlight restoration kit provides high UV protection and is very easy to use.

It does an outstanding job of protecting headlights, and if you’re looking to keep those results longer, you can purchase the UV block and activator separately. This allows you to get longer-lasting protection without the need to spend a ton of money on an entire kit that you don’t need.

But while it does a great job protecting your headlights, especially from UV rays over time, it’s not the best restoration kit out there. If your headlights already have a ton of fading or fogging, then it’s probably not the best choice for you.

However, if you’re looking for a product that will keep them from fading or fogging again, then this might be the best choice out there.

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9. Mothers 07251 NuLens Kit for Headlight Renewal

While you likely never heard of Mother’s NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit before now, that doesn’t mean that they’re not worth checking out. This kit does a great job of restoring headlights, and it even comes with bulk purchase opens if you’re restoring a ton of headlights!

But just because you can purchase in bulk doesn’t mean you Not required to. That’s because each product comes with a decent amount, so for most people a single kit is more than enough to get their vehicle’s headlights looking like new.

This headlight kit was ranked in the bottom half due to its high price and need for a drill. It’s not that it’s not a great choice and can’t restore your headlights, it’s that you can easily spend less money and get the same results.

Still, if you do opt for this headlight, you’ll be happy with the results, and that’s enough to earn it a spot on our list even if it is a bit overpriced.

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10. Headlight Restore Kit for CLT

CLT Headlight Replacement Kit completes our selection of top headlight restoration tools. It’s the lowest-priced option on our entire list, and it’s also by far the easiest to use. This kit does not use liquid chemicals or rags for clearing up headlights.

To see dramatic improvements in the visibility of your headlights, all you have to do is clean them. However, while these wipes help clear up some fogging and provide UV protection, they don’t do nearly as good of a job as other kits on our list.

It’s why we recommend using these wipes as a preventative product instead of a restorative one. It’s the quickest way to get some extra UV protection onto your headlights, and it doesn’t cost a ton to do. Still, it doesn’t come with a ton of product, so ensure you order enough and realize how long it’s going to last before you purchase anything.

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Buyer’s Guide

There are so many excellent headlight restoration tools available, and it can sometimes be hard to pick the right one. We understand the dilemma, and that’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect headlight restoration kit the first time!

Is it worth buying headlight restoration kits?

Absolutely! You won't find better value than that, considering the price of the headlight assembly is $250-$700 and the restoration kit costs between $10 and $35.

You can even save time by using a product that only lasts until the headlight assembly is replaced. A headlight restoration, however, does much more. With proper care, there’s a good chance that a headlight restoration kit will extend the life of the headlight assembly to match the life of your vehicle – so you’ll never need to replace it.

Headlight restoration kits are a great value and can save you a ton of money – so yes, they’re absolutely worth every penny.

What causes headlight assemblies to become cloudy?

Automotive headlights get cloudy through a process called “oxidation.” This happens when UV rays from the sun interact with the polycarbonate layer in modern headlights and form microscopic cracks. But while this is the primary cause of headlight cloudiness, it’s not the only one.

Another factor is dirt and debris hitting the headlight assembly and water vapours. You may have water vapors on the inside of your headlight assembly. Inside There are chances that your headlight assembly needs to be restored. won’t work.

That’s because these kits only clear up the cracks from oxidation and road grime on the Extern of the headlight, they don’t do a thing for anything going on inside of them.

What is the frequency that you need to use a headlight restoration kit?

The kit you choose will determine how long your headlights last. However, an average headlight restoration kit will keep them from oxidizing for 12 months. A lower-end headlight restoration kit may only last for nine months. While a higher-end one might last for two years.

We recommend that you apply it to almost all products on this list once a year. This ensures that the oxidation never gets so bad that you can’t restore it completely. It is possible for the headlights to become damaged if they are left alone.

Are You able to wet sand headlight assemblies?

Yes! It is important to properly wet sand your headlight before you begin. This is one of the biggest mistakes in headlight restoration. Each headlight should be sanded using 800-grit sandpaper. Before spraying it, you can use a water bottle to clean it.

Do this till you can see all the fine scratches left by the sandpaper. The oxidation is completely removed from your headlights. Your restoration kit will then take care of any scratches that you may have created in the following steps.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Headlight Assembly?

If you use a headlight restoration kit every few years, there’s no reason your headlight assembly can’t last the entire lifetime of your vehicle. Of course, there’s still a bit of luck that goes into this because if the wrong rock kicks up while you’re driving down the highway it can crack your headlight assembly.

However typically, if you care for your headlight assembly, you’ll never need to replace it. If you let the time get to you, however, it's possible to find yourself spending between $500-$1,400 on both of your headlight assemblies to be replaced in seven to ten year intervals.

What can you do to prevent headlight assemblies from flickering?

There are a few things you can do if you want to keep your vehicle’s headlight assemblies from fading in the first place. Your vehicle should be kept inside as much as possible. By doing this, UV rays are prevented from reaching the headlights. This significantly reduces the rate of oxidation.

The second step is to apply the UV protectant and headlight restoration kits about every twelve months. It prevents UV rays hitting the polycarbonate coated headlight assembly.

Is it possible to restore headlights without a kit?

If you search the Internet, you’ll find tons of homemade “remedies” for cloudy headlights. People will sell anything from Dawn dish soap to Magic Erasers.

These remedies are effective for treating headlights that have little or no oxidation. However, there are two major drawbacks to them. First, they don’t help with more severe cases. Second, it doesn’t provide any UV protection.

That means your headlights will oxidize again in short order, and you’ll have to pay extra attention to ensure that it doesn’t get too bad. You can use a homemade remedy if you’re in a pinch, but it’s best to stick with the good stuff.

How to Use a Headlight Repair Kit

It doesn’t matter what headlight restoration kit you get if you don’t take the time to use it the right way. To use it correctly, however, you must first be able to follow these steps. Learn more It's how it works. That’s why we’re going to give you a quick rundown of how to use a headlight restoration kit here.

1. Locate the right location

When you’re looking to restore your headlights, finding the right location to do it is key. You need to find somewhere with adequate lighting, but it shouldn’t be in direct sunlight. To get the best results, make sure the temperature is well above freezing

2. Get the headlight ready

To prepare your headlight assembly for restoration, there are some things that you should do. You should first clean the headlights. This isn’t when you use the cleaning compounds in the kit, instead, just wipe off any dirt or grime that’s settled on the headlight.

Tape the area around your headlight assembly. You don’t want the chemicals or the sandpaper to hit the paint, and by simply taping the area around the headlight assembly you create a buffer to keep this from happening.

3. Get wet sand for the headlight

Once you have the headlight assembly ready, it’s time to wet sand the headlight. This is an often-skipped step, but if you want the best possible results, it’s not one you want to ignore.

Get 800-grit sandpaper and use a ¼” section for each headlight assembly. Fine sandpaper nicks are important throughout the whole assembly. This will help with the restoration process, and provide a clear appearance.

When you’re sanding the headlight ensure that you wet both the sandpaper and the headlight assembly, as this lets you get the most out of your sandpaper and get the most consistent results.

Keep in mind that you’re not trying to smooth out the headlight in this step, but you’re also not trying to overly sand it down. Take a look at the fine details and let it be.

4. Use Your Cleaning Compounds

Now that you finished preparing and wet sanding the headlight, it’s time to thoroughly clean it. The restoration kit comes with a cleaning compound. This will ensure the best possible results. If your kit doesn’t come with a cleaning compound, you can use some Dawn dish soap, but don’t expect it to give the same quality of results.

Don’t be shy during the process and do your best to clean the Complete Make sure you have enough headlight to illuminate all areas. It might take a little longer, but it’s crucial to giving you consistent results throughout.

5. Get the headlight dried

After you have used the cleaners on your headlights, be sure to let them dry completely before you move on. Use a microfiber cloth to dry off the headlights, as this prevents water spots from forming and won’t scratch up the headlights at all.

6. The Coating Solution is a good choice

Now that you have the headlight clean, it’s time to apply the restoration coating. The chemical is included with the restoration coating. Everywhere restoration kit on our list, and it’s the part that actually restores the headlights.

While we’d love to walk you through the exact process you need to follow for each kit, the truth is that it’s different for each product. To get the best results, read the instructions and follow them exactly.

7. You can add a second coat

Finish the first coat and take some time to finish it again. Two things are possible with the second coat. It helps to fill in any missed spots. Even if you didn’t miss spots, it’ll help by giving you consistent results throughout the entire headlight.

Some areas are bound to have experienced more oxidation than others, and sometimes a single coat won’t clear up the trouble areas completely. You can eliminate this problem with a second coat and get a flawless finish all around.

A second layer gives your headlights additional UV protection. The additional protection helps delay new oxidation and will ensure that your headlights look newer for longer.

It also helps reduce the risk of oxidation getting to the point to where you can’t repair them. It is worth giving it a second coat even if you have already given the first one a new look.

8. Let the results show!

If there’s any step that’s more skipped than wet sanding, it’s waiting. We get it, the first thing you want to do when you’re done restoring your headlights is hit the open road and see how much better they are! Refrain from succumbing to the urge.

You should wait at least 24 hours before you take your car out on the roads. It gives the compound time to cure and dry. It is possible for dirt, dust, ultraviolet rays and other contaminants to still get through your compound if you drive too fast.

Although it may not seem like much, this can cause premature wear to your headlights and damage all your hard work. If you have an indoor garage that you can park your vehicle in for the next 24-hours it’s ideal, but otherwise, do your best to keep your vehicle away from traffic, rain, or other inclement weather until everything cures.

Last Thoughts

If you’re still wondering what headlight restoration kit is right for your vehicle after reading through the reviews and the buyer’s guide, chances are you’re overthinking it. The 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System is our top choice for a reason, and it’ll do a great job on your vehicle.

Now if you’re headlights already have a ton of oxidation and you need to throw everything out there at it, consider Meguiar’s G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit. Sure it’s a bit more expensive, but it packs a punch that can restore almost any headlight out there.But really what’s most important is that you get Something Order now. It is important to order as soon as possible.