Best Headlight Restoration Kit

Published by Mike Dufraine at November 15, 2019

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W hen the lights on your car become dull and foggy, it might be hard for you to see the road clearly. In this situation, you must act immediately and restore the shine on your lenses with the help of an easy-to-use restoration kit. It offers instant results and you will enjoy an increased visibility for a very long time thanks to the long-lasting action of the cleaning products in it.

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Top 14 Headlight Restoration Kits Compared
1. 3M 39045
2. 3M 39008
3. Meguiar’s G2970
4. Mothers 07251 NuLens
5. 3M 39165
6. Turtle Wax T-240KT
7. Turtle Wax 50764
8. Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT
9. H&A Pestco-1
10. Rain-X 800001809 Kit
11. Rustoleum HDLCAL
12. Sylvania HRK.BX
13. Quixx 00084-US
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Top 14 Headlight Restoration Kits Compared

Photo	Product	Kit content	Process	Component materials it can be used on	Manual use / attached to a drill	Action	Price
Best Overall	1. 3M 39045	Polishing pads, sanding discs, compound, and masking tape	5 steps	Plastic	Both	Removes scratches, dullness, and yellow on the lights	Check Price
Popular Pick	2. 3M 39008	Sanding disks, wax protectant, masking tape, and more	4 steps	Plastic	Manual	Removal of cloudy, yellow haze
	3. Meguiar’s G2970	Polishing pads, coating, and cleaning solutions	2 steps	Plastic	Manual	Treats oxidized and yellowed headlights	Check Price
Our Choice	4. Mothers 07251 NuLens	Backing plate, Power Ball polishing tool, restoration discs, and polish	3 steps	Plastic, acrylic	Both	Cleans scratches, smudges, and stains on yellowed headlights	Check Price
	5. 3M 39165	Polishing pads, sanding discs, compound, and masking tape	5 steps	Plastic	Both	Cleans cloudy and dull headlights	Check Price
	6. Turtle Wax T-240KT	Lens sealing wipe, lens clarifying compound, 3 restoration pads, and a spray lubricant	4 steps	Plastic, plexiglass	Manual	Gets rid of dirt and discoloration	Check Price
	7. Turtle Wax 50764	Velcro drill arbor, 3 premium sanding pads, 4 oz. spray lubricant, 4 oz. compound, 2 base coat wipes, and 2 sealing wipes	8 steps	Plastic, acrylic	Manual	Treats heavy oxidation, scratches, and yellowing	Check Price
	8. Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT	Wipe-it, lens polishing pad, nitrile gloves, microfiber drying towel	2 steps	Plastic	Manual	Removes haze, road grime, imperfections	Check Price
	9. H&A Pestco-1	Cleaning cloths, drying cloth, polishing cloth, protection glove	3 steps	Plastic	Manual	Gets rid of dirt, grime, small scratches, and yellow tint	Check Price
	10. Rain-X 800001809 Kit	Lubricant, restorer, microfiber cloth, polish pads, and sealant	3 steps	Plastic	Manual	Cleans scratches, discoloration, and restores headlights	Check Price
	11. Rustoleum HDLCAL	Wipe-It infused with Wipe New, microfiber towel, 1 pair of nitrile gloves, 1 lens polishing pad	3 steps	Plastic	Manual	Treats fogginess, restored illumination and visibility	Check Price
	12. Sylvania HRK.BX	Clarifying compound, surface activator, clear coat for UV block, viyl glove, protective tape, sandpaper, and towel	3 steps	Plastic, acrylic	Manual	Treats haze and corrosion	Check Price
	13. Quixx 00084-US	Polish, lens sealer, sanding and polishing block, 3-grades sandpaper, polishing cloths and special application cloths	6 steps	Plastic, acrylic	Manual	Cleans foggy and yellowed headlights	Check Price

3M 39045

1. 3M 39045

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One of the most appreciated products is the 3M 39045 that includes a plethora of instruments meant to remove scratches, stains, and yellowness on headlights, tail lights, directional lights or fog lights. It can make old lights look like new with only one application and the result is guaranteed to last several months.

It contains all the necessary items for manually cleaning the plastic lenses: you will receive a polishing compound, a pad for easy application, and several sanding discs that work their way into the scratches and leave the surface of the lens smooth and shiny.

The polishing pad can be attached to a drill to make the process easier and more effective. You will also receive a masking tape to help you protect the paint job around the headlights to ensure you won’t cause any damage to the car’s body paint.

PROS	CONS
Complete kit with all the required utensils Both manual and drill operating Can handle deep scratches and yellowed lenses Long-lasting results Enough polish to restore both headlights multiple times
Verdict
The reason why this product sells so well is because the polishing process includes 5 steps and the results are impressive in improving the visibility of the driver. With a few simple moves you can get the job done fast

3M 39008

2. 3M 39008

Should cloudiness and the nasty yellow haze afflict your headlights, taillights, directional light, fog lights, or basically any plastic component of the car, the 3M 39008 is your go-to solution to solve the problem, sparing hundreds of dollars that you would have otherwise spent on replacement. Moreover, you can even use it on motorcycle windshields, so if you have a hog and want to see more clearly through the shield to increase safety, after all, you should seriously consider this product as an option.

No tools are required with the kit, and as there’s only an easy 4-step process you must go through, there’s not much effort to put into proper restoration. It comes at a cheap price as well, this aspect combined with its effectiveness granted by the abrasive technology it uses weighing in to make it the best-selling product at the moment.

PROS	CONS
Abrasive technology for good results regardless of how harsh the damage is Best-selling product at the moment Cheap acquisition Can be used on taillights, headlights, fog lights, directional lights, and more
Verdict
No more putting yourself in danger when you ride your car at night as your headlights will shine as bright as the first day you drove the vehicle after you apply the 3M 39008 restoration kit.

Meguiar's G2970

3. Meguiar’s G2970

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Instead of buying new headlights, you can try and put a new shine on them with the help of this product. The user friendly two-step product that can be used on any type of light made of plastic. Whether you want to improve the visibility of your headlights, taillights, or fog lights, this product will do wonders in removing the foggy and yellowed aspect.

Using the cleaning solution and the abrasive pads, you will be able to solve the cloudiness of old lights while the final coating solution will seal the shine and prevent the lights from getting dull for approximately 12 months. It’s safe to use on any plastic component but you have to be very careful not to scratch the paint on the car. You can also use sandpaper if you run out of discs, just make sure you get the right grade.

PROS	CONS
Complete kit very easy to use Manual application for increased accuracy Large amount for multiple pairs of lights The result lasts around 1 year Sealing product for a longer lasting result
Verdict
This is one of the best-selling products because it is enough to polish up to six pairs of headlights, depending on the size and wear level. Thus, when you purchase the item it will surely have as much as you need so you do not need to spend your money twice.

Mothers 07251 NuLens

4. Mothers 07251 NuLens

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You can get great polishing results with this product from Mothers called NuLens. It includes multiple accessories, starting with a 3-inch packing plate that can be used manually or attached to a hand drill for increased power. The plate has velcro on it to make it easier for the discs to stick to it. If some products come with a small pack or tube, this one has an 8-oz bottle that will surely cover many cars.

Firstly, you use the ball along with the polish to prepare the lights, then you use the discs for a deep effect and finally, you can wipe the lights using a microfiber cloth. The result will be a thorough scratch removal from plastic and acrylic lenses of headlights, directional lights, or taillights. These tools combined to ensure that the lights will not lose their new shine and will prevent yellowing and fogging of the lenses.

PROS	CONS
Can be used either manually or with a hand drill Generous amount of polish Patented PoweBall for a thorough polish Easy three-step process
Verdict
This is one of the best sellers because there are 5 discs of various thicknesses includes and a PowerBall polishing tool that can be used with the polish compound. The amount of polish is very generous, enough for polishing multiple pairs of lights of various sizes.

3M 39165

5. 3M 39165

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Nonetheless, you need to try this model when you decide to give your old lights a quick polish. The first substance is the rubbing compound that can be used with the included sandpaper to ensure even the deepest scratches are being removed.

There are different grit levels included, from the finest to the coarsest ones. You will also receive a polishing pad that completes the shine-restoring process and guarantees you will have brand new lights on your car. The product is advertised to last for polishing three pairs of lights but this depends on the size and wears level.

PROS	CONS
Very easy to use manually or with a hand drill The result lasts around 1 year Multiple discs included Complete five-step process
Verdict
The reason why we have chosen this product is because it can be used both manually and together with a hand drill if you want to accelerate the process and double its effectiveness. Once you have polished the plastic lenses, you can use the wax to apply a finish coating that will protect the lenses from future scratched and oxidation.

Turtle Wax T-240KT

6. Turtle Wax T-240KT

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As time passes, the lights of your vehicle inevitably degrade, light scratches, discoloration, and oxidation being some of the common issues which appear. With Turtle Wax, you will end up saving money as you won’t have to replace the lights but rather simply restore their shine. In addition to coming at an incredibly cheap price, the kit is easy to use, no need for tools existing.

The sealing wipe which is included in the package provides the added bonus of preventing future yellowing and prolonging clarity for years, thus not only helping improve your vehicle’s aspect but enhancing the safety of your commute as well. Visibility will be increased, and that’s only after following through with a simple 4-step process, all the items you need to proceed being included in the package.

PROS	CONS
Sealing wipe prevents discoloration from reappearing Comes at a cheap price Takes less than 5 minutes to fully restore lights
Verdict
Great at removing medium oxidation without having you use any tools in the process, the Turtle Wax will make the lights look brand new so that you won’t have to spend money on replacements.

Turtle Wax 50764

7. Turtle Wax 50764

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This kit has the capacity to restore lights that have been exposed to heavy oxidation, scratches, and yellowing. Even though it looks small, it has the ability to work on up to 4 headlights and taillights. As well as, it will also prevent damage. In addition to this, it includes everything you possibly need.

This includes a Velcro drill arbor, 3 premium sanding pads, 4 oz. spray lubricant, 4 oz. a compound, 2 base coat wipes, and 2 sealing wipes. In addition to this, the varying grits of sandpaper and universal arbor will allow you to customize the tools depending on your needs and degree of damages. As well as, the base coat wipes and sealing wipes will lock in results in order to prevent further damages, yellowing and oxidization.

PROS	CONS
It’s easy to use by beginners All of the things you need are included It will prevent further damage You will see results in 15 minutes The liquids are a convenient size
Verdict
The reason why we recommend this model is because it works fast and efficiently. In just 15 minutes you will be able to see visible results without too much struggle. As well as, all of the accessories you need are included in the package so you don’t have to invest further.

Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT

8. Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT

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Reduce chances of ever having a car accident occur and help your vehicle pass inspection as well with the help of a single, cheap product – the Wipe New. In little time, more precisely after a simple 2-step process, issues like haze, grime, and imperfections of all kind will be gone from your headlights.

What aids in this high efficiency is the oxidation removal and lens polishing 2-sided 2000-grit pad that is included in the kit, while the microfiber wipe-it helps reduce waste as a single cleaning with it suffices to leave an impeccable finish.

PROS	CONS
Takes only a single cleansing with it to restore your headlights to their initial appearance 2000-grit polishing pad removes dirt and grime of all kind Cheap asking price	Good only for a single use Pad isn’t large in size, customers have complained that it takes multiple passes to get the job done
Verdict
Easy to use and providing an effective 2-step process to make your headlights look just as good as new, the Wipe New could be your secret weapon to pass the inspection of your vehicle and ensure a safe ride each time you get behind the wheel.

H&A Pestco-1

9. H&A Pestco-1

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It won’t take you longer than 60 seconds to be done with cleaning the lens with this product, the effective 3-stage process you must pass through sufficing when it comes to the removal of small scratches, dirt, grime, and yellow tint. In addition to making the lens look brand new, it offers UV protection over the span of a few months.

As it is the best-selling product in its niche, you are guaranteed to enjoy a superior cleaning quality that has been already tested and praised by other customers. It comes at a cheap price, which makes it all the more appealing as it is sure to fit your budget. With it, you won’t need any additional tools or accessories as it is a manual process that needs to be performed.

PROS	CONS
Provides with months of UV protection Comes at a cheap price Does not require the use of special tools or accessories
Verdict
Cheap and easy to use, you will be done in only 60 minutes with removing scratches, yellow tint, grime, and dirt with this product. Best of all, it provides many months of UV protection so that you won’t have to use it all that often.

Rain-X 800001809 Kit

10. Rain-X 800001809 Kit

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If the sun has affected the color and quality of the headlights, you should consider this kit. The reason fro this is because it restores clarity by removing haze, scratches, and discoloration. The tools included will clean, clarify, polish, and seal the lenses. Even though you have to do the work manually, you don’t have to worry about wasting time as it can be easily done with one swipe.

Inside of the package you will receive all of the tools that you need in order to restore the headlights. Thus, you don’t have to invest further. The reason why this is a popular kit is due to the fact that it isn’t a one-time use. You will have enough restorer for many uses.

PROS	CONS
It can be used with cold water Manual application for increased accuracy Instructions are easy to read The result are long-lasting Sealing product for a longer lasting result
Verdict
Numerous people have vouched for this kit due to the fact that it brought back the previous high quality. You will have left over product to use as many times as you want so you don’t have to continuously purchase new kits.

Rustoleum HDLCAL

11. Rustoleum HDLCAL

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The Rustoleum is a lomg-lasting solution to restore clarity to foggy, aging headlights. It is easy to use, and a single wipe suffices to enjoy headlights as good as new, the long-lasting shine this kit provides resisting through over 100 car washes. It takes only a few minutes for the solution to take action and you can use the contents of the kit for multiple lenses, so you’re not limited to your car only if you acquire it.

Inside the kit, you receive a precision Wipe-It that is infused with Wipe New that has the purpose to eliminate fogginess, a professional lens polishing pad, a microfiber towel that you use to wipe off the solution, and a pair of nitrile gloves that you must wear for protection.

PROS	CONS
Takes a few minutes for the solution to take action and wipe fogginess Shine lasts through over 100 car washes Easy to apply
Verdict
As the shine provided by the Rustoleum kit is guaranteed to last through 100 car washes, you are sure to make a smart pick if you go with it. Clarity when you drive will be once more had, and you will feel safer on the road as a result.

Sylvania HRK.BX

12. Sylvania HRK.BX

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Although it is one of the cheapest models you can find on the market, the Sylvania will serve you unexpectedly well, treating haze and corrosion professionally so that light output and beam pattern are finally restored. Thus, your car rides will become a lot safer, and the general aspect of your beloved vehicle will significantly improve.

It comes with everything you need for this delicate procedure – a towel for polishing, protective tape, a vinyl glove for application, a towel for application, a clear coat of UV block, sandpaper for plastic polishing, surface activator, and clarifying compound. It can be used on all of the plastic and acrylic components of your car’s headlights. Furthermore, the manufacturing company offers a lifetime warranty for it.

PROS	CONS
Helps increase visibility on the road and safety Provides you with an easy DIY headlight restoration Helps improve the appearance of your vehicle Lifetime warranty offered for the product Quality kit which comes at a surprisingly cheap price
Verdict
Should you ever be in need of a quality yet cheap kit for the vehicle’s headlights, the Sylvania is the go-to choice. It comes with all the needed content for a successful DIY restoration, and it helps significantly improve the clarity of the lenses, ensuring you will have safer rides from now on.

Quixx 00084-US

13. Quixx 00084-US

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It is great for making old lights look like new without investing a lot of money and by doing it yourself. The pack includes a lens polish, two polishing cloths, two special application cloths, a sanding a polishing block, 12 pieces of 3-grade fine sandpaper, and a final lens sealer that closes the polishing method.

Each one is designed to prepare, smooth, polish, and complete the process so that, in the end, you will have lights that offer an increased visibility. Also, you will be surprised to know that the polish is actually a scratch remover as well so you can also use it to fix minor scratches on the body paint.

PROS	CONS
Includes all needed items to polish plastic lenses Dual-purpose polish and scratch remover Instant and lasting results Prevents further damage and dullness	Not enough sandpaper to handle multiple cars Some customers had issues following the instructions
Verdict
You can go ahead and purchase this product because everything you need is included in the package so you can start the process at any time with the certainty that you will be able to remove scratches and eliminate cloudiness and yellowness from the plastic lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

?How long will a newly cleaned lens last?

This solely depends on the environment in which you drive. If you drive in muddy or dirty places, it’s inevitable that it will get dirty fast.

?How long does the process take?

It usually does not take long. If you are a beginner, it will take about 25 minutes and if you have done this before it will take around 15 minutes maximum.

?How many times can I restore before purchasing a new one?

You can do it as many times as you wish as there is no limit.

?What is headlight restoration?

It is the act of refinishing headlight lenses that, due to the passing of time and environmental factors, have become dull or discolored. Primarily, oxidation and UV light are the two factors that affect headlights and make them appear foggy, not illuminating your path on the road properly anymore as a result.

?How can I make my headlights clear again?

While the most effective way to restore clearness in headlights is definitely with the use of a specialized kit like the ones reviewed in this article, there are alternative methods that you can turn to as well. The 3 most common alternative solutions for headlight restoration include toothpaste, bug spray, and baking soda.

?Will vinegar and soda clean foggy headlights?

A mixture of 2 parts white vinegar and one part baking soda is perfect to restore the shine back in the headlights and clear the hazy, cloudy aspect they have developed with the passing of time. Just make sure you wipe off the foamy solution at the end so that it doesn’t stick to the surface.

Conclusion

With the passing of time, the headlights of your vehicle develop a foggy, dirty aspect that can put you at risk when you drive as the lights don’t shine as bright as they should and thus not lighten up the road ahead properly. Fortunately, cleaning the headlights is a cinch, an operation that you can do on your own if you have the right kit, saving money as you won’t need to take the car to a professional shop.

In just 5 easy steps, you can restore your headlights and make driving safe once again with the 3M 39045. The kit includes everything you need for the procedure, like polishing pads, masking tape, sanding disks, and compound, and it can even help remove scratches and similar aesthetic issues.

A popular pick not only due to the fact that it comes at a reasonable price but due to the fact that it gets the job done in only 2 steps, the Meguiar’s G2970 is your go-to option for yellowed and oxidized headlights.

Even though you must go through 8 steps to restore your headlights with it, the Turtle Wax 50764 kit is an option we recommend you look into once again before you make a choice, especially considering the fact that it effectively treats heavy oxidation, an issue most products have trouble dealing with.