Restoration is a safety service as much as a cosmetic one. Clouded lenses noticeably reduce usable beam distance on unlit roads.
The restoration process
- Mask surrounding paint and trim to protect it
- Wet sand in progressive grits to remove the failed coating and yellowed plastic
- Machine polish the lens back to optical clarity
- Apply a UV-resistant protective coating — this step is what determines how long it lasts
- Inspect for even clarity across the entire lens, including the edges
Why the sealing step matters
Sanding and polishing alone will make a headlight look perfect for a couple of months. Then bare polycarbonate, freshly stripped of protection and sitting under valley sun, yellows again faster than it did originally. A proper UV coating is the entire difference between a job that lasts and a job that fails by the end of summer.
When restoration is not enough
If the lens is cracked, has internal moisture, or the haze is on the inside of the housing, external restoration will not fix it. We will identify that on inspection and tell you rather than sanding a lens that cannot be saved.
Frequently asked questions
How long does headlight restoration last?
With a proper UV coating, typically a year or more in Sacramento conditions. Parking in shade or a garage extends it considerably.
How long does the service take?
Usually about an hour to ninety minutes for a pair, and it pairs easily with any other detailing service.
Does it really improve visibility?
Yes. Clouded lenses scatter light instead of projecting it, and the difference on dark roads is immediately noticeable.
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