Best Headlight Restoration Kits In 2023 — Effective & Easy To Use!

Are the headlights on your car starting to turn yellow or dim? Or have noticed some deep scratches emerging?

Whatever’s brought you here, don’t worry – this is something that happens to most headlights over time. The good news is that you don’t have to rush out and purchase new lamps if yours aren’t looking (or performing) their best because there’s a simpler fix.

In many cases, a car headlight restoration kit will solve the problem for you. As the name suggests, with these kits, you can revitalize your car’s headlights and get them back to their former glory.

In this guide, we’ll review some of the best kits on the market today, so you can choose one that works best for you.

Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations

• SYLVANIA – Headlight Restoration Kit
  • A complete kit with three grades of sandpaper, surface activator, applicator, two polishing cloths, vinyl gloves, and sealant.
• 3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System
  • Our top pick for buyers looking for a power-drill-compatible kit. 
• 3M 39084 Headlight Restoration Kit
  • The most user-friendly option we tested.
• Mothers 07251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit
  • Includes a full complement of supplies plus a polymer polish that acts as a barrier against further oxidation.
• Meguiar’s G2970 Meguiar’s Two-Step Headlight Restoration Kit
  • The easiest-to-use headlight cleaner and restorer out there, and one that does a good job of removing yellowing and oxidation.
• Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit
  • More affordable than many other restoration kits and ideal for treating light scratches and yellowing.
• Wipe New HDL6PCMTRRT Headlight Restore Kit
  • The quickest way to improve hazy headlights!

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

Best Headlight Restoration Kit Reviews – Our Top Recommendations

Now that you know all about how these products can come in very handy at times, as well as what you should look for when shopping around for the right kit, it’s time to look at some of the top kits on the market today.

SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit

Hazy or foggy headlights can be given a new lease of life thanks to this award-winning headlight restoration kit from SYLVANIA. It’s specifically designed to revitalize lights that have suffered damage from UV light and other environmental factors.

The product is easy to use, even for first-timers who might be hesitant to try something like this on their own.

First, you use the surface activator to soften the plastic and make it easier to sand. Then you sand and polish to reveal a brighter and more illuminating lamp. Sounds simple and straightforward, right? That’s because it really is!

The inclusion of 400, 1000, and 2000-grit sandpaper means this product should be suitable for deep scratches. If your headlights are significantly damaged, this kit is sure to make them a lot better.

Start off with the 400-grit sandpaper first, and work up to the 2000-grit.

This kit also includes a UV-blocking clear coat that acts as a sealant and may help to protect your headlights from future sun exposure.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Includes surface activator to soften plastics.
• Contains applicator, two polishing cloths, and vinyl gloves.
• Features premium 400, 1000 and 2000-grit sandpaper.
• UV coating for future damage prevention.

What We Like

• Helps remove deeper scratches.
• The surface activator may help make the restoration process easier.
• Includes vinyl gloves to keep your hands clean.
• Sealant to protect against future UV damage.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for use with a power drill.

Summary

Altogether, this is a really impressive product.

We love the variety of sandpaper provided, which helps to revamp really aged and weathered plastics. Plus, the sealant can help to repel debris from the road and act as a barrier against UV rays.

This kit provides just about everything you’ll need, with clear instructions to get started.

If there’s a downside to this product, it would be that it’s not compatible with a power drill. This means you’ll still need to sand and polish by hand.

While this may take you longer, many people prefer having more control and doing things that way regardless. That way, you can stop any damage occurring to the lens or surrounding paintwork, which can be a risk with a power drill.

You can find out more information about this item by clicking the following link.

Check Price at Amazon

3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System

If you think it’s high time you clean up those cloudy headlights, this is a great product to get you started. In fact, you can also use it on your tail lamps and fog lights as well.

First things first: this kit is going to provide you with most of the tools you need. Three Trizact sanding discs of 500, 800, and 3000-grit are included. This will help you rub down and smooth medium to small scratches on your lens.

The good news is that if you’ve got a power drill, you can use it with this 3M product. This kit includes a drill adapter which is going to save you some time on the job.

After sanding, all you’ve got to do is apply the polish. Simply buff it off with the polishing pad that’s included, and there you have it: a headlamp that looks brand new again.

It’s a pretty simple way to remove that yellow tint and any damage sustained from being on the road.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Includes 500, 800, and 3000-grit Trizact discs.
• Polish and a polishing pad are provided.
• Includes an adapter for use with your own power drill.

What We Like

• Variety of sanding discs for rubbing down scratches.
• Discs can be used with a power drill to save time.
• Fast three-step method.
• Can be used on all car lamps.

What We Don’t Like

• No sealant provided for future lens protection.

Summary

Overall, if your vehicle’s lights have sustained minor damage and discoloration, this is a great product to consider. If you’ve got some deep scratches, though, then you may be better off with a rougher sanding disc to start off with.

But for most cars, this is going to do the job just fine. There are only three steps you need to follow; sanding, polishing, and buffing. This means that this kit is simple and quick, especially when you use it with your own power drill.

You will still have to provide your own masking tape to make sure the paintwork isn’t damaged while you’re sanding. In addition, you might have to buy more than one kit, as there isn’t a lot of polish in this one.

There’s no sealant included, too, which might be a little disappointing for some.

To learn more about this product and see how much it costs, click this link.

Check Price at Amazon

3M 93084 Headlight Restoration Kit

Next up, we have another headlight restoration kit from 3M to recommend. With this one, you don’t need any tools, so you can start renewing your headlights straight away. 

We especially like how easy it is for beginners who have never done anything like this before to use this kit.

We also like the variety of sandpaper grits provided. This can help remove the toughest damage and revitalize even the dingiest, yellowest lamps. There are 500, 800, 100, and 3000-grit abrasive discs included – depending on what kind of job you have at hand.

You just attach a disc to the foam pad to start sanding. Always start with the lowest number first if you’ve got a lot of damage on your headlights, then work your way up to the finest grit.

The rubbing compound is included and acts to clean up the appearance of the plastic. You’ll have to use your own microfiber towel to buff it off and reveal the shine, though.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• 500, 800, 1000, and 3000-grit sandpaper discs.
• Includes an orange foam pad with a hook attachment.
• One fluid ounce of rubbing compound included.
• No power tool required.

What We Like

• The variety of sandpaper discs for tackling oxidation from bulbs and grime.
• Simple instructions are easy to follow.
• Fast process of sanding and polishing.
• No need for a power drill.

What We Don’t Like

• Might be more time-consuming than other options, seeing that more work needs to be done by hand.
• No sealant included.
• Microfiber towel not included.

Summary

The highlight of this product for us is the variety of sandpaper discs it includes.

A lot of headlight restoration kits don’t supply a range of different grits, and this can mean they only deal with small scratches and minor damage.

However, this one gives you a good range to deal with cloudiness, deep scratches, and yellow-tinted lights.

As opposed to the 3M 39008 kit above, this can’t be used with a power drill, so it will likely take you longer to complete the restoration.

Depending on the condition of your headlights, the finish may not be as good, and you might need something more advanced to work with.

You can find out more about this product by following this link.

Check Price at Amazon

Meguiar’s G2980 Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit

Another headlight restoration kit from popular brand Meguiar’s, this one does a great job at removing the yellow tint from your plastic.

Nobody wants their car to look old, and this two-step product is easy to follow to deal with oxidation.

There’s no need for any drills or tools that may damage your vehicle, either. All you’ve got to do is use the cleaning solution and apply the protective coating, and then you can get on with your day.

We like that a sealant is provided to protect your plastic lenses against the elements. This will block out the UV rays that can cause damage and oxidation to recur, and also help repel debris.

The spray can makes for an easy application process, too.

In addition, this product offers you up to 12 months of protection. This means cloudiness and haze should be kept at bay for a long time to come, and is going to be great if you live somewhere with a lot of sunshine or dirty winter conditions.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Cleaning pads included.
• Four ounces of cleaning solution.
• Includes a 4-ounce spray bottle of headlight coating.
• Lamps stay clear for up to a year.

What We Like

• Offers up to 12 months of protection.
• Simple for beginners to use, with only two steps.
• Good job at removing yellowing and oxidation.
• Can be completed swiftly within 20 minutes.

What We Don’t Like

• Not very suitable for removing scratches.

Summary

This product really helps improve the clarity levels on yellowed headlights, and ones with low-visibility.

The cleaning pads included are abrasive in order to buff away clouding, and the whole process will only take you around 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish.

Not using a drill lowers the risk of damage to your paintwork, and this is a huge plus for many.

However, you should still be careful and apply masking or painter’s tape around the edges of the plastic. The tape will also be helpful when you’re spraying on the sealant.

With that being said, if your headlamps are excessively hazy and have some damage, you may be better off with a different product that includes sandpaper.

To find out more details about this kit from Meguiar’s, click on the link here.

Check Price at Amazon

Mothers 07251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit

If you’re looking for an all-in-one headlight restoration kit, then this is an option you’ll certainly want to consider.

There are only a few easy steps that go into putting it to use, and it’s designed to be a fast process.

Start by using the restoration discs to deal with scratches and tough grime. There’s also a backing plate included which allows you to attach to a drill, but be careful when working near your paintwork.

A highlight of this kit is that the included polish also acts as a barrier against further oxidation, by leaving a protective polymer layer in place.

This means that you can drive on different roads and in all types of weather without the headlights discoloring in a hurry.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Includes a 3-inch backing plate.
• Restoration discs included.
• Attach the Powerball 4Lights polishing tool to a cordless drill.
• Includes an 8-ounce bottle of PowerPlastic 4Lights Liquid Polish.
• Instruction sheet to follow.

What We Like

• Polishing tool is reusable and it can be washed.
• Restoration discs included to remove scratches.
• Fast process, and you don’t have to use elbow grease.
• Easy-to-understand instruction sheet.

What We Don’t Like

• Requires a power drill.

Summary

To summarize, we’d say this was one of the better headlight lens restoration kits we’ve looked at.

If you’re someone that doesn’t want to spend a whole lot of time cleaning your lights, then this is for you. With this option, you can attach both the restoration discs and the polishing tool to your drill.

Usually, the only thing you’ll need to purchase separately is some automotive masking tape to protect your paintwork.

If you’d like to learn more about this product, you can do so by clicking this link.

Check Price at Amazon

Meguiar’s G2970 Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit

Another product from popular brand, Meguiar’s, this does a great job at removing the yellow tint from your plastic.

Nobody wants their car to look old, and this two-step product is easy to follow to deal with oxidation.

There’s no need for any drills or tools that may damage your vehicle, either. All you’ve got to do is use the cleaning solution and apply the protective coating, and then you can get on with your day.

We like that a sealant is provided to protect the lenses against the elements. It’s going to block out the UV rays that can cause damage and oxidation to recur, and is also going to help repel debris.

The spray can makes for an easy application process, too.

In addition, this product offers you up to 12 months of protection. This means cloudiness and haze should be kept at bay for a long time to come, and is going to be great if you live somewhere with a lot of sunshine or dirty winter conditions.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Cleaning pads included.
• Four ounces of cleaning solution.
• Includes a 4-ounce bottle of headlight coating.
• Lamps stay clear for up to a year.

What We Like

• Offers up to 12 months of protection.
• Simple for beginners to use, with only two steps.
• Good job at removing yellowing and oxidation.
• Can be completed swiftly within 20 minutes.

What We Don’t Like

• Not very suitable for removing scratches.

Summary

This product should really help improve the clarity levels on yellowed headlights, and ones with low-visibility.

The cleaning pads included are abrasive in order to buff away clouding, and the whole process will only take you around 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish.

Not using a drill lowers the risk of damage to your paintwork, and this is a huge plus for many.

However, you should still be careful and apply masking tape around the edges of the plastic. The tape will also be helpful when you’re spraying on the sealant.

With that being said, if your headlamps are excessively hazy and have some damage, you may be better off with a different product that includes sandpaper.

To find out more details about this kit from Meguiar’s, click on the link here.

Check Price at Amazon

Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit

If you’ve bought car products before, chances are you’ve already used at least one item from Turtle Wax. This brand is popular for its quality products, and this one won’t let you down.

This kit is ideal for everyone with a yellow haze on their plastic lamps, as well as scratches and grime.

There are three restoration pads provided in this kit, including varying grits from 2400 to 8000. This allows you to scrub at grime and get rid of any damage.

You can work your way up to the finest grit and combine it with the included spray lubricant for the best results.

Of course, once you’ve got your lamps all shiny and clean again, you’ll want them to stay that way – which is why this kit provides lens sealing wipes to protect your car from further oxidation.

If you’re looking for a ceramic headlight restoration kit, the Turtlewax 53435.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Three restoration pads with 2400 to 8000-grit ratings.
• A 4-ounce bottle of spray lubricant.
• Four ounces of lens clarifying compound included.
• Lens sealing wipes.
• Suitable for both plexiglass and plastic.

What We Like

• Lubricant included instead of water.
• Varying grits to tackle grime and scratches.
• Includes sealant to prolong results and provide UV protection.
• No need for power tools.

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t tend to do the best jobs at removing deep scratches.

Summary

If your headlights or tail lamps are starting to look old and tired, it’s time to use a restoration kit like this one.

This is going to help you clean up the lens nicely to improve optical clarity and promote safer driving.

The various grits will rub away light damage and help to renew the lens, and the polish will also help you tackle yellow tint.

This kit doesn’t include coarse-grade sanding pads, so using a different product will likely be more suitable if you’re dealing with deeper chips and scratches.

You can learn more about this product from Turtle Wax by clicking the following link.

Check Price at Amazon

Wire New HDL6PCMTRRT Headlight Restore Kit

If you’re looking for a quick way to improve hazy headlights, this may be the right product for you. It’s award-winning and is definitely one of the easiest ones to use on our list.

You just have to use the two-sided pad to help remove oxidation and grime and polish the lens. Then, simply use the Wipe-It microfiber included in the kit on the plastic and you’re done!

Oftentimes, this is all you need to reveal a brighter and streak-free headlight.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Polishing pad included.
• Nitrile gloves to protect your hands.
• Precision Wipe-It infused with Wipe New solution.

What We Like

• Removes grime and diminishes yellowness on plastic.
• Very easy for beginners.
• One of the fastest headlight restoration kits on the market.

What We Don’t Like

• The included Microfiber Wipe-it is single-use.
• Not the best for deep scratches.

Summary

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best headlight restoration kits in terms of simplicity.

It’s incredibly easy to use and the job can be done very quickly – but it doesn’t include sandpaper grits, so you can arguably question its suitability for damaged headlights.

If you only have surface scratches you want to work on and not deeper ones, then this product is a great option to consider.

The microfiber Wipe-It included is only single-use, which is also a bit of a downside.

To learn more about this product, click on the following link.

Check Price at Amazon

What Exactly Is a Headlight Restoration Kit?

Basically, this is a DIY kit that allows you to clean and rejuvenate plastic headlamps by sanding and polishing them. This means you don’t have to go to a garage or call a professional when your lamps are dull – you’ll have everything you need at your disposal.

Over time, the headlights on your car will become discolored and dull in appearance due to oxidation, a process that takes place when cars are exposed to UV light, debris from the road, bugs, and extreme weather conditions.

Because of this, the hard coat on the plastic will break down and the light from your headlamps will be negatively affected.

This deterioration of your headlamps can severely affect your visibility of the road at night – which puts your safety, your passengers’ safety, as well as that of anyone else who happens to be on the road near you at the time at risk.

As a matter of fact, hazy headlights can produce up to 80 percent less light than clear ones.

Also, if you live in cold regions with snow and salted roads, you might have to consider restoring your headlight lenses more often than someone else who lives in moderate climate regions.

A headlight restoration kit can also make your car look newer, improve nighttime visibility, increase resale value, and save you money on replacement lights.

If you do need to replace your headlights, then follow the instructions in this handy video:

DIY or Hire a Professional?

If you don’t feel confident about using a restoration kit on your car all on your own, then you may prefer to hand this job off to a professional instead.

But, even if you’re a total beginner when it comes to car care, it’s worth pointing out that most of these products do come with instruction guides, and we have a guide ourselves on how to clean headlights that you can follow.

What You Should Look for in Headlight Restoration Kits

First of all, do you need a different DIY headlight restoration kit for HID vs LED headlights? In rare cases you may do, however nearly all kits are suitable for both types and you just need to read the product description to make sure. If no ‘type’ is mentioned, it will suit both.

Let’s take a look at what a good headlight restorer kit should contain:

Masking Tape

Some of these kits will include automotive masking tape.

This is needed around the headlight lenses to protect your paintwork from the damaging heat and roughness of sandpaper and polishers.

Always look for automotive masking tape; normal tape may stick to your car’s paint and cause damage, and basic masking tape will wash off if it becomes wet.

A Range of Sandpaper Grits

This allows you to smooth scratches and dents in the plastic, as well as rub out yellowness.

The greater the range you have on hand, the more damage you can tackle, ultimately leading to a better result.

Use of a Power Drill

Some products will be compatible with a cordless drill for sanding and polishing, while other kits will require some elbow grease by hand.

There’s nothing wrong with products that can’t be used with a power drill, but you should be aware that it takes a lot longer to achieve the results you want that way.

Sealant

Some of the best auto headlight restoration kits on the market will include a UV sealant.

This is going to act as a barrier against the elements and damage from oxidation in the future. Otherwise, your hard work may need to be repeated sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

The best way to revive yellowed, aged, scratched, and/or sun-damaged headlight lenses is by using a top-notch headlight restoration kit – and you’ve got plenty of options to choose from nowadays, such as the ones we’ve gone over in this guide.

If we had to choose a favorite, we’d select the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit.

This kit has a great selection of sandpaper grits to tackle deep scratches and plastic damage. It’s also going to get rid of that bad discoloration that comes hand-in-hand with oxidation.

You won’t have to purchase a separate sealant either, because this is also provided in the kit for added protection.

Do you have a favorite from our list of recommendations? Comment below with your thoughts to let us know, and feel free to ask any questions you may have!