Are your headlights looking dull, cloudy, or yellowed? Over time, exposure to the sun, road debris, and harsh weather can cause oxidation that reduces the clarity of your headlights. Not only does this make your vehicle look older, but it also diminishes visibility, making it harder to see at night and increasing the risk of accidents.
Replacing your headlights can be costly depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. That’s why a lot of times, a headlight restoration is a much more affordable solution.
At Nearby Auto Detail, we offer professional headlight restoration that effectively removes oxidation, restore clarity, and improve your vehicle’s appearance while enhancing nighttime safety.
Want to take your car’s exterior to the next level? Pair this service with paint correction to remove swirls and scratches, followed by a ceramic coating for long-term shine and protection.
We use professional-grade tools and techniques for long-lasting clarity and protection. While the process may vary depending on the condition of your headlights, here is a general breakdown:
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparation
We start by cleaning the headlight lenses using a rinseless wash to remove dirt, dust, and contaminants. A clay bar treatment is then used to eliminate embedded debris. To protect surrounding paint, we carefully mask off the area around the headlights before proceeding.
Step 2: Wet Sanding for Maximum Clarity
Depending on the level of oxidation, we wet sand the headlights using multiple levels of grit (ranging from 800 to 3,000). This process removes the damaged outer layer and restores a smooth surface. You’ll visibly see the oxidation and yellowing being removed during this stage.
Step 3: Compounding and Polishing
After wet sanding, we use a machine polisher along with high-quality compounds and pads to refine the lens and remove fine scratches. This step brings out a crystal-clear finish, making your headlights look-new.
Step 4: Applying Protection
To ensure your headlights remain clear for the long-haul, we apply a premium sealant or ceramic coating. This protective layer blocks UV rays, prevents future oxidation, and shields against environmental contaminants.
Our headlight restoration process usually takes about an hour, but the duration may vary depending on the size and condition of the headlights. If you would like fog lights restored as well, additional time may be required.
And we make this hassle-free by our professional detailing directly to your home or office location! We serve Dorr, MI and nearby areas including Hamilton, Wayland, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Byron Center, and Zeeland.
Not sure if your headlights actually need restoration? Here are some common signs that it’s time to take care of them:
Cloudy or Yellowed Lenses
If your headlights look hazy or have a yellow tint, that’s oxidation forming on the surface. This not only affects your car’s appearance but also limits how much light makes it to the road.
Dim or Uneven Lighting at Night
Are your headlights not as bright as they used to be? If it feels harder to see clearly when driving at night, there’s a good chance the cloudy lenses are scattering the light beam and reducing visibility.
Dark Spots on the Road
When the lens is heavily oxidized or scratched, it can block or misdirect light. This creates shadowy patches in your driving path and reduces how far ahead you can see.
Visible Scratches or Pitting
Chips and scratches from road debris build up over time, especially on highways or gravel roads. These small imperfections can distort the lens and lower light output.
Your Vehicle Just Looks Older
Even if your paint is clean and shiny, faded headlights instantly age your vehicle’s look. Restoring them brings back a crisp, clear front end that adds a polished finish to your exterior.
If you’re noticing any of these issues, a professional headlight restoration is a fast and cost-effective way to make a big difference in both safety and style.
At Nearby Auto Detail, we are a fully mobile detailing service, which means we bring professional-grade detailing to your home or office. No need to wait at a shop or take time out of your day, we make it easy by bringing our services straight to you.
Here’s a list of the interior and exterior services we offer:
Paint Correction: Want to restore your car’s shine? Paint correction removes swirls, scratches, and oxidation, bringing back a deep, glossy finish. This service enhances your paint’s clarity, making your car look better than ever while improving its overall appearance and value.
Ceramic Coating: Protect your car from road grime, rain, and harsh weather with a ceramic coating. Unlike wax that fades fast, this long-lasting barrier shields your paint for years. It repels dirt, water, and UV rays, keeping your car glossy and easy to clean no matter the conditions.
Complete Interior Detail: Need a deep interior cleaning? We remove dirt, grime, stains, and buildup from carpets, seats, and plastic surfaces. While some stains may be permanent, your cabin will look and feel dramatically better, making every drive more enjoyable.
Express Interior Detail: If your car is already in great shape but needs a quick refresh, our mini-interior detail is perfect. We vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and clean light dust buildup to keep your interior neat and well-maintained.
Complete Exterior Detail: Want a glossy, protected finish in just a few hours? Our wash and wax service includes wheel cleaning, a full wash, clay bar treatment, iron decontamination and finished with a high-quality sealant to enhance shine and durability.
Express Exterior Detail: Keep your car looking fresh year-round with our swirl-free hand wash. This includes a wheel and tire cleaning, exterior wash, glass cleaning, and door jamb wipe-down for a clean and polished finish.
Engine Bay Cleaning: Have a dirty engine bay? We safely remove grease and grime to give your engine a clean, well-maintained look. Perfect for regular upkeep or prepping your car for sale.
We have services for all vehicles, no matter the condition. Let us know your needs, and we will recommend the best service to get your car looking its best.
Nearby Auto Detail is fully mobile, we come to your home, apartment, or office across Dorr and neighboring cities like Hamilton, Byron Center, and Zeeland.
Can you restore severely oxidized or yellowed headlights?
Yes! Our restoration process is highly effective at removing heavy oxidation. However, if your headlights have deep cracks or internal moisture buildup, replacement may be necessary.
Is restoration better than replacing my headlights?
In most cases, yes! Replacing headlights can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while restoration is a cost-effective solution that enhances both appearance and visibility at a fraction of the cost.
How long will my headlights stay clear?
This depends on how the vehicle is stored. If parked outdoors in direct sunlight, oxidation may return sooner. However, our ceramic coating helps extend the lifespan of the restoration, keeping your headlights clear for a longer period.
What products and tools do you use?
We use high-quality sandpaper, professional-grade compounds, machine polishers, and ceramic coatings to achieve long-lasting clarity and protection.
Don’t let cloudy headlights affect your visibility and safety (especially in inclement weather). Our professional headlight restoration service will restore clarity, improve brightness, and enhance the look of your vehicle. Give us a call or submit a form to schedule your appointment.
