Cloudy headlight covers

[Slothead56]

The lens covers on my 2011 Volvo are a bit cloudy and dull. I’ve seen some home remedy videos…any experience here? Any simple DIY solves?

[Jazz77]

Thanks Slothead,
I have the same problem so I am interested in any suggestions.
Cheers,
Greg

[Silly Moustache]

I think that would mean an "MOT" test failure in the UK.
Best get it cleaned and resealed or replaced.

[CarolD]

I think I remember reading somewhere that shops use toothpaste and it clears it right up.

[Bob Womack]

I used a Sylvania headlight clean and resurface kit and it lasted a year. As a result, I cashed in on the kit's lifetime replacement warranty and have a second kit waiting for when I get around to it again. The kit has two levels of polish and a surface sealer included. There are multiple brands of kits available at car parts shops.

Bob

[srick]

I have tried the home kits (from auto stores) and the Meguiers rejuvenating Polish with meh results. And I followed the directions meticulously. When my car (2006 Honda Accord) was in for major repairs at the dealer, I had them do it for about $150, and it came out well.

In retrospect, I think that my headlights were too scratched up, and needed the professionally graded abrasives. I think it was worth the $$, but still not close to new.

Rick

[ssjk]

Yep. They work, and it lasts about a year. Make sure you get a kit with some kind of sealer that blocks some of the UV that apparently does the damage.

Looks better but not new. Lasts about a year if you park outside, maybe longer in a garage.

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

I used a Sylvania headlight clean and resurface kit and it lasted a year. As a result, I cashed in on the kit's lifetime replacement warranty and have a second kit waiting for when I get around to it again. The kit has two levels of polish and a surface sealer included. There are multiple brands of kits available at car parts shops.

Bob

Those can help and what we did for a 2013 model car but a friend has pointed out some popular vehicles pretty decent third party replacements available such as what body shops use to satisfy what insurance will pay.

I'm on the fence to spend that time again or consider replacements now that we've put new tires, brake job, ball joint and a tuneup into the 2013 car. The less than ideal lights don't bother me in the metro area but can in rural and remote driving.

It will probably work like this. Doing the kit labor again will be great if I feel the time is there. Not so much if life has other goals and deadlines.

[MrDB]

Wal Mart does it in their auto service centers for $25 per vehicle IIRC.

[Craig Wilson]

NOVUS 2 Fine Scratch Remover. I used it on my wife's '03 Corolla and they look like new.
Bonus: It's great for buffing guitar finishes, too.

[Riverwolf]

I had a similar thread awhile back concerning my 1994 Ford F-150.
I am waiting on warmer weather to replace both headlight assemblies with aftermarket ones.
It requires removing the grill and other components.
Very good videos on youtube.
None of the cleaning kits looked good to me.

[Gee Man]

Cleaning kits work, as mentioned, lasts about a year. I have seen some older mechanics use used motor oil to surprisingly good effect. If it were a car I wanted to keep a while, I would probably look into new lights and have them clear for the rest of the car's life.

[jseth]

I use the Mother's product, and it is easy, quick and works well... seems to last about 4-6 months, but my car "lives" outside and gets the brunt of the Oregon weather. I imagine it would last far longer if your car is garaged as well as driven...

I have a 1999 Acura Integra that has fairly low mileage, but it IS a 23 year-old car... the headlamp lenses aren't in terrible shape to begin with, although I have some condensation on the inside of one of the units, and that lens polish doesn't address that.

It's easy and fairly inexpensive - just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.

[Chickee]

The kits they sell to revive headlight lenses are terrific. Take your time, read the directions carefully and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and the results will amaze you! I’ve had great success with multiple cars over the years. These were the cars I bought my kids when they got their licenses. All were beaters, but they had the clearest headlight lenses you could imagine!
1997 Volvo 850 R Estate
1994 Toyota Avalon
1990 Buick LeSabre

[emtsteve]

I used the $10 Turtle Wax kit on my son's 2005 Grand Prix and it worked great. Be sure to use the clear coat at the end and give it plenty of time to dry. You are using progressively finer abrasives to remove the oxidation and then sealing the lens when it is clean and clear.