Cleaning/Polishing Headlights

[RZ1]

I had someone hit my car a while back, it was repaired under insurance by a local body shop, collected the car today and happy with the job they have done.
One thing I noticed is that they decided to change both the passenger side headlight and fog light, even though neither seemed to be damaged.

I now think I should try to clean the driver side headlight and fog light, any ideas on how I go about this, I have attached some pics below

Passenger Side Headlight



Drivers Side Headlight



Oh and this was the damage

[parabolica]

They probably thought the condensation in the headlight was a result of the damage done, like a broken tab somewhere letting moisture in. Looks like you've lucked out getting replaced.

You can buy headlight refurb kits from all the usual auto shops and amazon for a few quid. It's a 30 min job if you're up to it; just need a power drill and some masking tape.

[designforlife]

The autoglym kit is pretty good... just get a drill and you're good to go.

[ElectricSoup]

parabolica said:

They probably thought the condensation in the headlight was a result of the damage done, like a broken tab somewhere letting moisture in. Looks like you've lucked out getting replaced.

You can buy headlight refurb kits from all the usual auto shops and amazon for a few quid. It's a 30 min job if you're up to it; just need a power drill and some masking tape.

I did one side of my car (two lights) because of a similar issue, with a Rain-X branded restoration kit which I bought for a tenner in Asda this weekend. Didn't need a drill, just a bit of elbow grease and I was done in half an hour. Results are pretty good. Not perfect, but you now have to really look closely to see any difference between the sides. Sadly I didn't take any before and after pics.

[Krikkit]

Since they're uneven I'd bite the bullet and buy a new headlight for the other side.

The plastic restoration kits are great, but they never look as good as a new light in my experience.

[RZ1]

Thanks might give the restoration kits a try first.

[Krikkit]

I use this one which is about the best for sensible money it seems: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/3M-39073-Restoration-Di...

[budgie smuggler]

Are those kits a permanent(ish) fix?

[designforlife]

budgie smuggler said:

Are those kits a permanent(ish) fix?

Ish... anything involving sanding will last a lot longer than just using a polish, as you are going deeper physicially removing the dulled layers rather than just polishing them up on the surface.

Once headlights do start to oxidise though, you do usually need to go back over them in say another 12 months.

[budgie smuggler]

designforlife said:

Ish... anything involving sanding will last a lot longer than just using a polish, as you are going deeper physicially removing the dulled layers rather than just polishing them up on the surface.

Once headlights do start to oxidise though, you do usually need to go back over them in say another 12 months.

Thanks

[parabolica]

designforlife said:

budgie smuggler said:

Are those kits a permanent(ish) fix?

Ish... anything involving sanding will last a lot longer than just using a polish, as you are going deeper physicially removing the dulled layers rather than just polishing them up on the surface.

Once headlights do start to oxidise though, you do usually need to go back over them in say another 12 months.

Also, you really do need to apply a sealant once you've finished the refurb. That will stave off any further deterioration for quite a while. I didn't apply any sealant the first time I did mine a year ago, and the lenses yellowed again very quickly during last year's hot summer.