Why headlights go cloudy
Modern headlights are plastic with a factory UV coating. New Zealand's strong sun breaks that coating down over time, the plastic oxidises, and the lens turns hazy and yellow. Less light gets through, and the car looks older than it is.
How DIY headlight restoration works
- Mask the paint around the headlight.
- Wet-sand the lens with progressively finer grits to remove the damaged layer.
- Polish the plastic until it's clear.
- Seal it with a UV-resistant coating.
A good kit and an hour or two of careful work can give a clear result. The step most people skip or rush is the sealing, and without it the haze comes back within months.
DIY vs professional
- DIY: cheapest, fine for light haze, but results depend on your patience and the kit's UV sealant.
- Professional: machine sanding and polishing, a proper UV clear coat, and usually done in under an hour. Results tend to last much longer.
When to go professional
If the lens is deeply yellowed or crazed, if a previous DIY job has gone cloudy again, or if your WOF is coming up, a professional restoration is usually the better choice. If the damage is inside the lens or the plastic is cracked, the headlight needs replacing instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can cloudy headlights fail a WOF?
They can if the light output or beam pattern is affected. Restoring the lenses often fixes this without buying new headlights.
How long does headlight restoration last?
A DIY polish without sealant can fade within months. A professional restoration with a UV-resistant coat usually lasts much longer.
Does toothpaste work on headlights?
It can remove a little light haze, but it doesn't seal the plastic, so the cloudiness returns quickly.
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