Headlight Restoration and Headlight Repair

Your vehicle’s headlights are constantly exposed to the worst elements and toughest conditions. It should come as no surprise that, over time, they may become dull and yellowed. Headlights are an integral part of your vehicle and should always be maintained to increase visibility for you and other drivers during the early mornings, nights, and foggy weather. When your car, SUV, truck, or RV has dull or hazy headlights, the auto glass repair service professionals at Glass Doctor^® are here to help! Contact our experts today for fast, professional headlight restoration services.

BEFORE

AFTER

Why Do I Need Headlight Restoration & Repair?

At Glass Doctor, we often see scratched, foggy, or cloudy headlights drive into our garage. This type of damage is commonly caused by three key factors:

• Oxidation—Car headlights can become yellowed by prolonged exposure to UV rays. This is particularly common for vehicles that are not stored in a garage.
• Water Vapor—If the watertight seal around the headlight is worn or damaged, water vapor can condense on the inside of the acrylic lens. This is particularly dangerous during nighttime driving.
• Driving Conditions—Your car encounters dust, dirt, and rocks on the road each day. Run-ins with debris can scratch and scrape the lens, reducing the effectiveness of your headlight over time.

Headlamp Restoration vs. Headlight Replacement

Deciding whether to repair or replace your headlights depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your budget, and long-term goals for the vehicle. If your headlights have minor issues, such as a cracked lens or a faulty wiring connection, a repair might be a cost-effective solution.

However, if the damage is extensive, such as impaired housing or significant electrical issues, it may be prudent to opt for a replacement. We recommend seeking guidance from a professional if you’re unsure – investing in an unnecessary replacement can be a costly endeavor. Additionally, consider the overall condition of your vehicle and whether a new set of headlights aligns with your plans to keep it for an extended period.

Considerations may vary if you own a specialty automobile, such as a luxury car or commercial fleet vehicle.

Luxury vehicles typically feature advanced lighting systems and intricate designs, which can make repairing a preferred option if the damage is minimal and doesn’t compromise the vehicle's functionality.

Fleet vehicles often endure rigorous use, and their headlights are critical for safety. Repairs may be suitable for minor issues, but if the cost and downtime become significant, replacing the headlights can be a more economical choice.

Headlamp Restoration 

If your headlights are scratched, foggy, or unexpectedly dim, it’s time to call Glass Doctor. Like all exterior surfaces, headlights can be degraded by harsh weather like rain, snow, and bright sunlight. While the light mechanism and the light bulb may eventually require replacement, your vehicle’s lenses could be the main cause of the problems you’re experiencing and can often be restored.

Overview of Glass Doctor's Headlight Restoration Services
At Glass Doctor, our headlight restoration services will:

• Smooth pitted surfaces.
• Erase scratches.
• Polish headlights, removing any yellowing and returning the acrylic to its original color.

Like our windshield repair and windshield replacement services, we're often able to complete your headlight restoration quickly while you wait.

How Pricing Works for Headlight Restoration Services

While we can’t guarantee a price for your headlight restoration without first examining your needs in person, we can guarantee this: once our service professionals provide you with a final quote, that’s the price that you’ll pay. No hidden fees or surprise charges ever.

Variables that factor into the total cost of your headlight project can include the extent of damage, the type of your vehicle, and any additional services you may require. Our service professionals will conduct an initial assessment and provide you with a transparent estimate before we get to work.

Types of Headlights We Can Restore or Replace

Headlights can be composed of an array of different components depending on the type and age of your automobile. Glass Doctor can accommodate restoration on nearly all of these, regardless of these variables.

Polycarbonate headlights: Polycarbonate headlights are durable plastics common in modern vehicles. However, they are prone to oxidation, hazing, and discoloration over time.

Composite headlights: Composite headlights consist of multiple materials, such as plastic and glass. The restoration process will vary based on the specific composition of your headlights.

LED headlights: Some vehicles are equipped with LED headlights, which typically have a plastic lens covering the LED array. These produce light through the movement of electrons in semiconductor materials and may become susceptible to clouding and other damage.

Acrylic headlights: Common in older vehicles, acrylic headlights are transparent and fairly durable. They’re also known as plastic headlights and present a high risk of oxidation and yellowing over time.

Maintenance Tips & Tricks for Car Headlight Repair

Properly restoring your headlights can improve your vehicle’s aesthetics and enhance safety for both yourself and others on the road.

Here are some tips to ensure your headlights can return to optimal driving condition:

Start with cleaning: Before restoring, clean the headlights thoroughly to remove dirt and other surface contaminants. Use a mild soap or automotive cleaner with a soft sponge. Then, rinse with water and dry completely.

Mask surrounding areas: To protect the surrounding surfaces, use masking tape or painter's tape to cover the areas around the headlights. This can prevent accidental damage during the restoration process.

Apply headlight restoration compound: Secure a quality headlight cleaning kit, which typically includes abrasive compounds, sandpaper, and polishing pads. Then, apply the compounds using a clean cloth or the provided applicator, rubbing in a circular motion or following the product instructions.

Seal the headlights: To protect the headlights from future oxidation, apply a UV-resistant sealant or clear coat. This can help maintain their clarity and prolong the effectiveness of the restoration.

Park in the shade: To maintain your freshly cleaned or restored headlights, make a concerted effort to park out of the sun whenever possible. This will reduce exposure to UV rays, which can contribute to discoloration over time.

Headlight Restoration - FAQs

What is the average cost for headlight restoration?

The cost of headlight restoration can vary based on several factors. If you opt for DIY headlight restoration, automotive stores typically sell basic kits ranging from $10 to $30. Professional headlight restoration services may cost between $50 and $150 per pair of headlights. Prices can vary depending on location, the service provider's reputation, and the specific techniques used.

How do you restore cloudy headlights?

The process typically involves pre-cleaning, masking surrounding surfaces, applying a specialized compound, and sealing the headlights. For a more detailed breakdown, refer to our guide above.

What is the best thing to use to restore headlights?

We recommend the agents found in typical headlight restoration kits. These usually offer sanding pads, polishing compounds, and protective coatings to help remove oxidation and clear the lens.

Does WD 40 restore headlights?

While WD-40 is an effective product for household applications, it’s not specifically designed for headlight restoration. It may provide a temporary improvement in the appearance of headlights by removing surface contaminants and adding a bit of shine. However, its effectiveness in addressing long-term issues such as yellowing, cloudiness, or UV damage is limited.

Find Headlight Restoration Near Me

If you have scratched, discolored, or cloudy headlights, Glass Doctor has your back. Not only is reduced visibility frustrating, but it can be dangerous to you and those around you. If you need headlight restoration, it’s time to schedule your Headlight Lens Restoration appointment. Schedule an appointment online or find a location near you.

*Not all Glass Doctor locations offer this service. Contact your local Glass Doctor to learn more.