Headlight Restoration
FAQs

Does headlight restoration really matter?

Yes! You will not believe how great your vehicle looks afterwards. But besides the obvious cosmetic benefit, headlight restoration greatly improves headlight performance. According to a 2018 AAA study, clouded or yellowed headlights generate only 20 percent of the amount of light that new headlights do, leading to dangerous nighttime driving conditions. Driving at night with headlights that produce only 20 percent of the light they did when new is a risk drivers shouldn’t take. Especially when there are convenient and affordable solutions that can dramatically improve lighting performance. You will be able to see better when driving at night, and other drivers will see your car better too. Headlight restoration will also ensure that foggy lenses do not prevent your vehicle from passing safety or sales inspections.

Why do headlights turn cloudy, foggy, yellow or white?

Headlight lenses are made of acrylic which oxidizes when exposed to UV light (sunlight). Headlight lenses are manufactured with a clear-coat outer layer, but over time the coating degrades, and sunlight turns the headlight lens yellow. Headlights bear the brunt of flying gravel, road salt, and other debris when you are driving. This wears down the clear-coat and degrades the actual surface of the headlights, making them even more foggy. Last, after several years, a thin layer of road dust bonds with chemical residues on the lenses, leaving an opaque layer that can reduce light output by up to 80%.

How much does headlight restoration cost?

We charge $79 per vehicle. There are no travel fees for jobs in Montgomery County. Travel fees range $15-$45 for jobs elsewhere in the DMV. Discounts are available on multiple vehicles in the same location. Contact us for a quote on fleets.

Can’t I buy a DIY kit and do this myself?

You certainly can…but be careful! Whatever methods you choose will involve scrubbing or sanding away the dirt and grime, and taking off the manufacturer’s clear-coat. Don’t scratch the acrylic lenses! When you are done, you must apply new clear-coat with no drips or smears. There is tremendous room for error if you are not experienced. Common mistakes include leaving behind surface debris and clear-coating over it, sanding past the manufacturer’s clear-coat and permanently scratching the lens, and applying the clear-coat unevenly or with drips. Any of these mistakes will make your headlights worse, potentially requiring very costly replacement.

I saw online that I can use Bug Spray to restore headlights. Why shouldn’t I just do that?

Whatever you do, never apply bug spray or gasoline to restore headlights, as you may see recommended on the Internet.  This may provide brief improvement, but the chemicals actually melt the acrylic lenses, and you will have to replace those headlights within a short time. Other home remedies like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are mostly a waste of time – they will not provide long-term noticeable improvement.

How do I make an appointment with Headlight Restoration Montgomery?

Text or call (240) 460-8218, or send an email to MoCoHeadRest@gmail.com. We serve Montgomery County, PG, DC and NoVA. Early morning, evening and weekend appointments are available.