If you require a quick answer, the best headlight restoration kit is the Autoglym Complete Set, which includes a high quality compound and 12 sanding discs for the best possible finish to your headlights. However, if you would prefer to apply the product by hand and without the use of power tools, the affordable Turtle Wax 51768 kit is the best alternative.
To rate the headlight restorataion kits within this article, we based our recommendations upon thorough testing, research and multiple factors. The factors that we considered included the accessories supplied, ease of application, effectiveness and value for money. We also wrote a guide on how to use the kits during our testing of the below recommendations.
Table of Contents
Headlight Restoration Kit Comparison
| Headlight Restoration Kit | Pieces | Power Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Autoglym Set | 16 | Yes |
| Turtle Wax 51768 | 6 | No |
| Meguiar’s Two-Step | 4 | No |
| Armor All Wipes | 3 | No |
| Visbella DIY | 14 | Yes |
| 3M 39073 | 7 | Yes |
Cloudy or dull headlight lenses that reduce light output from your headlights bulbs can be a MOT failure. However, rather than replacing the entire unit, you can use a restoration kit that takes less than a hour to use to clear the product off the lens. Not only is it cheaper but it’s also much easier and less time consuming than replacing the headlight.
Below is a list of the best headlight restoration kits that clean and remove oxidation to reveal a crystal clear finish.
The Best Headlight Restoration Kit
1. Autoglym Headlight Restoration Complete Kit
Autoglym are a brand that need no introduction and their headlight restoration kit is one of the most rated in the UK. It’s designed to be used with any electric drill and it comes complete with everything you need within the kit. In terms of its contents, it includes 100 ml of compound, a drill backing plate, 12 sanding discs, a compound pad and a microfiber cloth.
Other features of the Autoglym Headlight Restoration Kit include:
- Suitable for all plastic headlight lenses
- Kit is suitable for restoring two headlights
- Removes cloudiness, dullness and light scratches
- Requires an electric drill for the best results
- Supplied with instructions
Although expensive, it’s the best headlight restoration kit on the market that’s easy to use and restores the headlights back to a “like-new” finish. The only drawback is that the kit doesn’t come with masking tape but this can be purchased separately at a small cost.
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2. Turtle Wax 51768 Headlight Restorer
One of the cheapest headlight restoration kits that’s actually worth buying is by the Turtle Wax brand. It’s designed to remove medium oxidation and seal the headlights to prevent further damage from UV rays and weathering.
In terms of using the headlight restorer, it doesn’t require any power tools as the sanding pads can be used by hand.
Other features of the Turtle Wax 51768 Kit include:
- Increases clarity and brightness
- Easy to use and doesn’t require any power tools
- Suitable for light or medium oxidation
- One step application
- 6 piece kit
Overall, the Turtle Wax 51768 is by far the best value headlight restoration kit on the market that actually works. The fact that it doesn’t require any power tools is another great bonus for those that aren’t confident using a drill or polisher.
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3. Meguiar’s Two-Step Headlight Restoration Kit
Meguiar’s offer a variety of kits but their Two Step kit is their new and improved option. Not only does it come with a highly effective cleaner but it now also includes a high quality coating, which protects the lens for up to 12 months.
As with the Turtle Wax kit, there is no power tools required because it comes with two pads that can be applied by hand.
Other features of the Meguiar’s Two Step Kit include:
- Cleans and protects
- Doesn’t require any power tools
- Coating provides up to 1 year of protection
- Crystal clear finish
- 4 piece kit
The Meguiar’s Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit is a premium option that cleans and protects the lens with ease. The main drawback is the expensive price tag but the high quality contents supplied with the kit is worth paying the extra for.
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4. Armor All Headlight Restorer Wipe Kit
An alternative from the standard headlight restoration kits is the Armor All Restorer Kit, which contains 2 cleaning wipes and 1 protectant wipe. It’s one of the easiest kits to use and requires no tools or sandpaper whatsoever.
In terms of using this headlight restoration kit, simply wipe the lens clean, remove any oxidation with the two wipes and then use the sealant wipe for further protection.
Other features of the Armor All Wipes Kit include:
- Simple to use
- No tools required
- Provides long lasting UV protection
- Pre-dosed wipes
- Made in the USA
The Armor All Kit is by far the easiest headlight restoration kit to use and it requires absolutely no tools. However, depending upon the severity of the cloudiness on the lens, this kit would only be suitable for medium to light dullness.
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5. Visbella DIY Headlight Restoration Kit
The Visbella brand offer two different headlight restoration kits and they include a standard and heavy duty option. Depending upon the severity of the cloudiness will determine which kit is best for your headlights. In terms of the contents of both kits, it’s a 14 piece set that includes everything you require for the restoration.
Other features of the Visbella DIY Restoration Kit include:
- 14 piece set
- 3 steps process (sand, polish and protect)
- Requires a car polishing machine
- Adhesive tape for masking up
- Supplied with instructions
Overall, the Visbella Headlight Restoration Kit offers great value for the money when you consider all of its contents. As long as you follow the instructions, you should be able to restore your headlights with ease.
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6. 3M 39073 Headlight Lens Restoration Kit
3M are a highly reputable brand and their headlight restoration kit is very popular on a global scale. It’s an easy 3 step kit that requires very little effort and completely transforms the headlights.
It comes as a complete kit that includes sanding discs, finishing discs, a compound, a pad holder, instructions and much more. According to the brand, you should be able to restore two headlight lenses using the kit.
Other features of the 3M 39073 Kit include:
- Easy 3 step process
- Restores cloudy or dull headlight lenses
- Removes scratches during the buffing stage
- Contains all the products for a complete repair
- Backed by a highly reputable brand
The 3M 39073 is a great bit of kit but the premium price tag makes it less attractive to buy when compared to the alternatives. However, with that being said, it’s a complete kit that will easily restore any headlight lens in just 3 steps.
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How We Tested & Rated The Headlight Restoration Kits
As well as testing multiple kits, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of factors. The factors that we considered included the accessories supplied, ease of application, effectiveness and value for money. In terms of the testing, we have a number of old cars with cloudy headlights and some were much worse than others. In this particular example, we cleaned the headlights of a Mercedes W210 E Class that’s over 20 years old.
Below are some before, during and after photos taken during our testing of the Autoglym kit.
Conclusion
When it comes to taking your car for a MOT, dull or cloudy headlights will be noted and can result in a MOT failure or advisory (section 4.1.4 (b)). Therefore, it’s worth your while investing into one of the recommendations above and avoiding the hassle of a MOT failure. All of the kits are relatively affordable and include contents that can be applied with or without the use of power tools.
