What's happening to the lens
Polycarbonate headlight lenses are durable but vulnerable to UV. Once the protective coating wears away, the surface oxidizes. Road grime, heat and car wash chemicals speed it up.
Why it's more than cosmetic
Cloudy lenses scatter and block light, which can reduce how far and clearly you see at night. They also make a vehicle look older.
How restoration works
Headlight restoration involves sanding away the oxidized layer in progressively finer steps, polishing the lens back to clarity, and applying a protective coating so it doesn't yellow again quickly.
Keeping them clear
- Park in shade or a garage when possible
- Keep lenses clean during regular washes
- Maintain the protective coating after restoration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toothpaste fix headlights?
It can briefly polish light haze, but it doesn't add UV protection, so yellowing returns quickly.
Is restoration cheaper than new headlights?
Restoration is generally far less expensive than replacing headlight assemblies. Call us for an estimate.