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How to Restore Your Cloudy Headlights The RIGHT WAY (Fully Explained)

Budget Mechanic

1,436,674 views

Foggy headlights? Don’t replace them. Learn how to restore them step by step with an affordable kit—plus a head-to-head test of two popular options. See real results, avoid the common mistake that causes fading, and get lasting clarity.
Plus, we cover the #1 mistake that causes headlights to turn cloudy again—and how to prevent it so your results actually last.

3M Headlight Restoration Kit: https://amzn.to/4urmrjd
3M Headlight Wipes (40 Pack): https://amzn.to/43yVPkU
CERAKOTE Headlight Restoration Kit: https://amzn.to/4w8D8BF
CERAKOTE Headlight Wipes (20 pack): https://amzn.to/49p91MC
Tools You Need: https://tinyurl.com/23ogwheq
Tools you Want: https://tinyurl.com/2cys5rp2

BM T-shirt: https://amzn.to/3y91QIZ

Instagram: budget.mechanic

00:00 Problem, Cost & What You’ll Learn
01:12 Prep & Kit Overview
02:06 Sanding Process (500 → 3000 Grit)
05:15 Clear Coat Application (Critical Step)
06:25 Final Results + Maintenance Tip
08:29 Cerakote Kit Test (Full Process)
13:46 Ceramic Coating & Results
15:06 Comparison: Effort, Finish & Durability
15:51 Final Verdict: Which Kit to Choose
17:01 Outro / Next Video Hook

20 Comments

@Thomasz-Tech-Innovations 4 months ago Pinned

So where can buy the wipes for both? It's not in the description.

@Dan-yq8lf 4 months ago

Quick tip: Pop your hood up, half your tape masking will not be needed.

@grantwilkinson2444 4 months ago

Having used the carakote, I can confirm it does not last the lifetime of the vehicle haha

@lanceh3237 1 month ago

The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is the winner. 🏆

@b.a.h.3772 4 months ago

Cerakote clearly instructs you to sand horizontally, not in circular motion like with the Oxidation Remover wipes. Prevents swirls and the product from dripping.

@myshots101 4 months ago

They just need to go back to glass. I hate these stupid plastic headlights. My old miata still has the old glass headlights and still look nice and clear after all these years. You don't need to do squat other than wash the car. But thanks for the info. I tried doing this on my own but I guess it didn't work since I never did the wet sanding and it looks like that's a critical step for plastic.

@BigSachsy1 4 months ago

Just used the 3m kit on my headlights. Definitely made a world of difference. Now i can see that my headlight beam pattern needs to be adjusted. Thank you for the clear concise video.

@wellstrung2 4 months ago

the industry sticking with glass headlights would have been better.

@shortypalmer2560 2 months ago

I use rubbing compound and it takes less than 10 minutes to do both headlights. No kit, a paper towel and rubbing compund. Works great

@sunnyseacat9232 4 days ago

Excellent to-the-point tutorial about both kits. Thank you.

@MoreCoffeePlease. 4 months ago

I hyped this video in hopes that your channel is seen by more people because you are so very helpful. Thank you.

@waynejones2299 4 months ago

After watching the video, I went out and bought 2 of the 3m kits. I used them on a 2009 GMC Sierra and a 2012 Mazda 2. It worked exactly the way you showed. My son did the Mazda I did the Sierra. The results were astonishing. I’d previously tried OFF! It was recommended by a detailed friend. It looked OK at first but faded quickly but it never brought out the sparkle the 3m kit did. $32 and some elbow grease and I am thrilled. Great video, even better way to spend the afternoon.

@distractedmonkeydesign 4 months ago

I used the 3M kit on my 2014 Rav4 and it worked really well. It's been about 2 years and continues to look good.

@americandoodle 4 months ago

Mr Clean Magic eraser and a tiny bit of Dawn dish soap works really well

@djsassafrass9126 4 months ago

When you are sanding by hand, if you go in straight lines instead of circles, it will be much easier on you and easier to remove the scratches from the previous step. Great video!

@cleanyota20 1 month ago

@BudgetMechanicHawaii I’m really surprised you didn’t include the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. Project Farm tested all the kits and found the Sylvania to perform better and last much longer than all the others!

SYLVANIA FOR THE WIN!