Restore Old Car Headlights with Compound + UV Coating for a Like-New Look!
Car headlights play a role similar to human eyes. Over time, however, they often become yellowed or cloudy, especially in older vehicles.
Discolored headlights not only make the car look dull but also reduce light transmission and safety performance. Replacing the entire headlight assembly can be costly. Today, I’ll share my personal experience using compound to restore clarity, along with a simple UV coating method to keep the results lasting longer.
Step 1: Restore Headlights with Compound
This is the method I personally tried. All you need is automotive compound and a soft cloth.
Car headlight appearance before restoration (from a 12-year-old vehicle).
Apply Compound Squeeze a small amount of compound onto the discolored surface of the headlight.
Spread Evenly Use a cloth to spread it evenly. Leave it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to let the compound work.
Polish Rub the surface firmly in circular motions with the cloth. This removes dirt and oxidation.
Final Cleaning Wipe the surface clean with a fresh cloth to finish.
With this simple process, I was able to restore 70–80% of the original clarity. Even stubborn stains that regular cleaners couldn’t remove were polished away, leaving the headlights much clearer and brighter.
Before restoration
After restoration
Step 2: Protect with UV Coating
Restoration alone won’t last forever—headlights can yellow again over time. Applying a protective coating helps maintain clarity much longer.
UV Coating Application (Easy for DIY)
- Prepare Product: Use an automotive UV protection coating (spray or liquid type).
- Clean Surface: After restoration, wipe the headlight surface thoroughly to remove dust.
- Apply Coating: Spray or spread the coating evenly across the headlight.
- Drying: Follow product instructions—either air dry or lightly wipe with a clean cloth.
- Reapply: Repeat every 6–12 months to maintain protection.
👉 This method is simple, affordable, and effective for everyday car owners.
Other Options (For Reference)
- Protective Film: Transparent films can shield headlights from UV rays, dirt, and scratches. However, installation is tricky, so professional service is recommended.
- Regular Maintenance: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Use mild soap and wash regularly to prevent damage to the coating layer.
Conclusion
- Compound restoration brings back immediate clarity.
- UV coating keeps headlights clear for longer.
- Additional options like protective film or regular care can further enhance durability.
What started as a simple experiment turned out to be surprisingly effective. This method saves money compared to replacement, while improving both the car’s appearance and safety. I highly recommend it for anyone driving an older vehicle.
Read other car-related articles you can try yourself
How to Refill Your Car’s AC Refrigerant at Home (Example: Hyundai Avante MD) – viewrap.com
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