Headlight Restoration

Yellowed, hazy headlights are one of the most common and visible signs of vehicle aging. UV radiation breaks down the polycarbonate lens material over time, causing it to oxidize and cloud. This not only makes the vehicle look neglected but significantly reduces headlight output — diminished visibility at night is a genuine safety concern. Headlight restoration removes this oxidation and restores full clarity.

Our headlight restoration process uses a multi-stage wet sanding and polishing approach. We begin with a masking tape barrier to protect the surrounding painted panels, then wet sand the lens with progressively finer sandpaper grades to remove the oxidized outer layer. Each sanding step removes the scratches left by the previous step, gradually refining the surface until it's smooth enough for polishing. This progressive approach is critical to achieving a clear, haze-free result.

After sanding, the lens is machine-polished using a headlight-specific polishing compound and a foam pad to restore optical clarity. Multiple polishing passes are often needed to achieve complete clarity on severely oxidized lenses. Once polished, the lens should be visually indistinguishable from a new headlight — or better, since fresh factory headlights often develop oxidation surprisingly quickly without proper protection.

The final and most important step is applying a UV sealant or ceramic coating specifically designed for headlight lenses. This is what separates professional headlight restoration from a temporary DIY fix. Without proper sealing, the freshly polished lens will begin to re-oxidize within weeks. Our UV-resistant sealant protects the lens for twelve to twenty-four months, maintaining clarity and protecting your investment in the restoration. Book your headlight restoration with So Kleen Mobile Detailing anywhere in San Diego today.