Turtle Wax headlight restorer kit is awesome

[RosieTR]

I was surprised at how well this worked! Cost $10 at a local auto parts store, took maybe 20 min to apply, result was very, very good. I only expected a mild improvement from the old crappy look, but this went from 17yo yellow, scratched-up lights to clear lights that look almost new. I had tried the toothpaste method a few years back and it was barely noticeable and took much longer. I wish I wouldn't have waited until I was ready to sell to try this! The kit is for one car, but if you had them parked together and were working efficiently, you could easily do the lights for two or three, I bet. The limiting factor are pads for sealant that can't be put back once opened.

[younggunner]

I have always been curious if these worked well or not.  I never knew they were that great, perhaps I will give it a shot!  I too tried the toothpaste method but didn't have much affect.

[aFrugalFather]

I also tried toothpaste to no avail...  Saw these kits recently online for $4 after rebate, but last time I did a rebate I forgot to mail it in.  Such is the problem with rebates!

[aFrugalFather]

Looks like they are still on sale at Amazon:
http://slickdeals.net/f/9092119-3m-headlight-products-headlight-lens-restoration-system-4-45-after-5-rebate-more-free-s-h?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1

Though even for $4 I don't know if its worth it to me.  I don't think I'd notice  difference in brightness, so it would only come down to visual looks, and I've never been one to spend money just to enhance look or outward cub appeal.  Also it seems that the yellow fading comes back quickly in any case, so probably was best you only do it before selling the car.  YMMV.

[Joggernot]

I polish them on my car and truck about once a year, because the lens do go cloudy again.

[FIRE me]

I was surprised at how well this worked! Cost $10 at a local auto parts store, took maybe 20 min to apply, result was very, very good. I only expected a mild improvement from the old crappy look, but this went from 17yo yellow, scratched-up lights to clear lights that look almost new. I had tried the toothpaste method a few years back and it was barely noticeable and took much longer. I wish I wouldn't have waited until I was ready to sell to try this! The kit is for one car, but if you had them parked together and were working efficiently, you could easily do the lights for two or three, I bet. The limiting factor are pads for sealant that can't be put back once opened.

If your lights are like mine, they will be yellow again in six months. After a couple of polishing cycles, I bought cheap ($80 for the pair) replacement lights off Amazon, and two years later they still look new.

[Optimiser]

I just use some mild polishing compound and a paper towel and a little elbow grease. Costs maybe $10 for a bottle and I could do a hundred headlights with that amount. Clears them up really well, but they always seem to yellow again fairly quickly. I've always been curious if those kits include some sort of sealant to prevent or at least delay the haziness from returning.

[Joggernot]

I just use some mild polishing compound and a paper towel and a little elbow grease. Costs maybe $10 for a bottle and I could do a hundred headlights with that amount. Clears them up really well, but they always seem to yellow again fairly quickly. I've always been curious if those kits include some sort of sealant to prevent or at least delay the haziness from returning.

If you'd like them to look nice for about one year, you can apply a coat of Minwax Clear Gloss Spar Varnish.  They will look great, but when you do another polish, you'll have to work to get the varnish off first.  I use the 3000 grit auto body wet/dry sandpaper for this.  Then some 5000 grit followed by the polish.  Because of the work, I no longer put the varnish on my lenses.   Maybe do this just before you sell the car... :)

[HipGnosis]

if you want them to stay clear; get:  https://www.amazon.com/303-Products-Inc-Protectant-Spray/dp/B000XBGQ0E

This is SPF 40 Sunscreen For Your Stuff!™
There are smaller bottles, but you can and should use it on gel-coat fiberglass, vinyl, vinyl awnings and graphics (stripes), tires, EPDM rubber roofs and seals.
Added bonus is that bugs wash off really easy.  I use it on my motorcycle windshield just for that.

[SomedayStache]

Is this a functional improvement that provides better visibility at night?  Or is it just for looks?

[ketchup]

I just bought a car and the headlights are a bit hazy so I'll have to try this out.  Thanks for the recommendation!

While we're recommending car products of this nature: Rain-X spray for the windshield/windows is the greatest thing ever.  It makes water bead and visibility is way way better.  One spray bottle of it is <$10 and lasts years.

[HipGnosis]

Is this a functional improvement that provides better visibility at night?  Or is it just for looks?

It provides more light out of the headlights and keeps the light aimed correctly, which is safer.
And it looks a whole lot better.

[Joggernot]

if you want them to stay clear; get:  https://www.amazon.com/303-Products-Inc-Protectant-Spray/dp/B000XBGQ0E

Well, duh.  I've used it for the inside of the car for a few years and never thought to use it on the outside where the UV is strongest.  Something new for me to try.

[HipGnosis]

if you want them to stay clear; get:  https://www.amazon.com/303-Products-Inc-Protectant-Spray/dp/B000XBGQ0E

Well, duh.  I've used it for the inside of the car for a few years and never thought to use it on the outside where the UV is strongest.  Something new for me to try.

And you just reminded me to re-spray my dashboard. Thanks!

I have proof it works for headlights.  My car is almost 10 yrs old.  I park it outside at home and at work.  I've been using 303 on the headlights (and other parts) for years.
Two years ago, a deer and I hit each other.  The grill, one fender and one headlight was replaced.  I checked the headlights after my previous post - they look the same!

[Metric Mouse]

if you want them to stay clear; get:  https://www.amazon.com/303-Products-Inc-Protectant-Spray/dp/B000XBGQ0E

Well, duh.  I've used it for the inside of the car for a few years and never thought to use it on the outside where the UV is strongest.  Something new for me to try.

And you just reminded me to re-spray my dashboard. Thanks!

I have proof it works for headlights.  My car is almost 10 yrs old.  I park it outside at home and at work.  I've been using 303 on the headlights (and other parts) for years.
Two years ago, a deer and I hit each other.  The grill, one fender and one headlight was replaced.  I checked the headlights after my previous post - they look the same!

How's the deer?

[Frankies Girl]

I make a paste with baking soda/water and a soft cloth, scrub a minute or so then rinse and wipe clean with a rag. It takes about 10 minutes and costs me practically nothing since I have baking soda all over the place.

[Paul der Krake]

Another endorsement for Turtle wax's headlight restoration kit. Follow instructions carefully and give it a good rubbin'.

Chemistry is dark magic.