Over time, your vehicle’s headlights can become cloudy, yellowed, and dull, reducing visibility and making nighttime driving more dangerous. At NOCO Chip Repair, our trained and certified technicians use a multi-step process to restore clarity and apply a protective UV coating to keep your headlights looking and performing like new.
Our goal is to enhance visibility, improve the appearance of your headlights, and protect against future oxidation. Here’s a closer look at how we restore your headlights to like-new condition.
Why Do Headlights Become Cloudy?
Modern headlights are made from polycarbonate plastic, which is durable but susceptible to oxidation caused by:
- UV exposure – Sunlight breaks down the outer protective layer over time.
- Road debris and dirt – Small particles wear down the lens surface.
- Chemical exposure – Car wash soaps, road salt, and pollution contribute to degradation.
- Moisture build-up – Internal condensation can create haziness from within the headlight housing.
Fortunately, professional headlight restoration can reverse most of this damage, improving both appearance and functionality.
Step-by-Step Headlight Restoration Process
Step 1: Inspection & Preparation
Before we begin, our technicians inspect the headlights to assess their condition. While our process restores the exterior surface, any moisture, dirt, or debris inside the headlight housing will remain. If internal damage is present, replacement may be recommended.
We then mask off surrounding areas to protect your vehicle’s paint and trim during the restoration process.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning the Surface
We thoroughly clean the headlight lenses to remove dirt, grime, and any hydrophobic coatings (such as RainX) that could prevent the restoration materials from bonding properly.
Step 3: Removing Oxidation & Surface Contaminants
Using progressively finer abrasives, we sand down the damaged outer layer of the headlight. This step:
✔️ Removes oxidation, yellowing, and cloudiness
✔️ Smooths out minor surface scratches and imperfections
✔️ Prepares the lens for a new protective coating
Step 4: Refining the Surface
After sanding, we further refine the surface to remove any remaining imperfections and enhance clarity. This step ensures a smooth finish before applying the protective coating.
Step 5: Applying a UV-Protective Coating
Once the headlights are fully restored, we apply a high-quality UV-resistant clear coat. This seals the surface and prevents future oxidation, ensuring your headlights stay clearer for years to come.
Step 6: Natural Curing Process
Instead of using a UV curing light, our protective coating cures naturally over time.
- Initial cure: The coating begins to harden within 30 minutes to 2 hours after application.
- Full cure: The protective layer reaches maximum durability after 7 days.
To protect your newly restored headlights, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions during the curing period.
The Benefits of Headlight Restoration
✔️ Improves Nighttime Visibility – Clear headlights allow more light to pass through, enhancing safety while driving at night.
✔️ Restores Vehicle Appearance – Yellowed headlights make a car look older; restoration brings back a like-new finish.
✔️ Extends the Life of Your Headlights – Avoid costly replacements by maintaining your existing headlights.
✔️ Protects Against Future Damage – Our UV coating prevents oxidation, keeping headlights clearer for longer.
✔️ Cost-Effective Solution – Professional restoration is a fraction of the cost of headlight replacement.
Aftercare: How to Maintain Your Restored Headlights
To ensure long-lasting results, follow these post-restoration care guidelines:
Wait Before Driving – Avoid driving for at least 30 minutes after restoration (preferably 2 hours).
Avoid Washing the Vehicle – No hand washing for 24 hours and no pressure washing or automatic car washes for 7 days.
Be Careful with Pressure Washers – Even after the curing period, avoid spraying the headlights directly with a pressure washer to preserve the protective coating.
By following these steps, your headlights will stay clear and bright for years to come!
Schedule Your Headlight Restoration Today!
If your headlights are looking dull, yellowed, or hazy, don’t wait until it affects your safety. Our professional restoration service will improve visibility, enhance your car’s appearance, and protect against future damage.
Book your headlight restoration today!