How to Restore Car Headlights
The headlights on a car need cleaning just like the other parts of the car but they are often neglected. They should be inspected for damage so they can protect you when you need them the most. The best time to inspect the lights is after they have been in the sun. You want to inspect them regularly so you can repair or restore them.
How to Restore Car Headlights
Materials Needed
- Plastic cleaner
- Clean cloths
- Sponge
- 320 grit sandpaper
- 600 grit sandpaper
- 1000 grit sandpaper
- Polish
- Sealant
- Protective gloves
- Apply a coat of plastic cleaner over the first lens. Allow the cleaner to sit on the headlight for about 20 seconds. Rinse the headlight with a sponge and clean water. Use a clean cloth to dry the lens. Repeat this step for the additional headlight.
- Sand the headlights with sandpaper. The sandpaper grit is determined by the severity of the damage to the headlight. 320 grit sandpaper is used to sand away light corrosion. If there is severe damage, you will need to sand with 320 grit sandpaper, 600 grit sandpaper, 1000 grit sandpaper and lastly, 1000 grit sandpaper. Sand both headlights until they are clear and free of corrosion.
- Apply a minute amount of polish to a soft cloth. Polish both headlights until they begin to shine. Use a vigorous amount of rubbing for both lights. Go over each light with another soft cloth.
- Repeat Step 1 for both headlights.
- Put on protective gloves to protect your hands from the sealant. Apply the sealant on a soft cloth and wipe it over the first headlight. Work from one side of the light to the other side until the light has a glossy finish. Apply the sealant to the additional headlight.