Headlight Restoration in Burlington, ON
Improve nighttime visibility, restore your vehicle’s appearance, and stay safe on the road with expert headlight restoration from CarZone Auto Detailing in Burlington.
Headlight restoration is a specialized detailing process that removes oxidation, scratches, cloudiness, and yellowing from your vehicle’s plastic headlight lenses — restoring both clarity and safety. Over time, constant exposure to UV rays, road salt, airborne contaminants, harsh Ontario weather, and even certain automatic car washes causes headlights to become dull, hazy, and discoloured. These issues don’t just age your vehicle’s appearance — they can reduce headlight performance by up to 80%, putting you and other drivers at risk during nighttime or low-visibility driving.
At CarZone Auto Detailing in Burlington, we offer expert headlight restoration services that dramatically improve visibility and enhance your vehicle’s overall look. Using a proven multi-step process that includes deep cleaning, wet sanding, high-speed polishing, and the application of a long-lasting UV protective sealant, we restore your headlights to like-new condition — without the expensive cost of full headlight replacement.
Whether you’re dealing with cloudy headlights, yellowed lenses, or simply want to improve road safety and night driving performance, our trained technicians are here to help. It’s one of the smartest and most affordable ways to protect your investment and boost your car’s curb appeal.
Headlights Restoration Process
Our 3-step headlight restoration process delivers crystal-clear results that improve visibility and safety on Burlington roads.
1. Prep & Deep Cleaning
- We begin by thoroughly washing and prepping the headlight lenses to remove surface dirt, road grime, and any existing residues. This ensures a clean slate for a proper restoration and helps us assess the extent of oxidation and wear.
2. Sanding & Polishing
- Using a combination of multi-grit wet sanding and professional-grade polishing compounds, we remove surface oxidation, yellowing, and scratches from the headlight lenses. This step restores clarity and brings back the smooth, glass-like finish your headlights once had.
3. UV Sealant Protection
- We apply a durable UV-resistant sealant to protect your restored headlights. This clear coating shields the lenses from sun exposure and environmental contaminants, helping to prevent re-oxidation and prolonging the restoration results for up to 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about headlight restoration in Burlington, cost, results, and long-term care.
How long does headlight restoration last?
When done professionally and sealed with a high-quality UV protectant, headlight restoration can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on your driving habits and exposure to sunlight, road salt, and environmental conditions. At CarZone, we use premium sealants designed to maximize longevity and reduce the risk of re-oxidation.
Is headlight restoration really worth it?
Absolutely. Headlight restoration is a cost-effective alternative to replacement, often saving you hundreds of dollars. Beyond restoring the appearance of your vehicle, it significantly enhances nighttime visibility and road safety. It’s an investment in both aesthetics and driver safety, especially in regions like Burlington where weather can affect visibility.
Can you restore headlights that are badly yellowed or oxidized?
Yes. Our professional process can effectively remove heavy yellowing, haziness, and surface oxidation. Even headlights that appear beyond saving can often be brought back to near-original clarity. While results vary based on severity, most customers are amazed at the transformation.
Do I need to replace my headlights, or can they be restored?
In most cases, if the issue is surface-level oxidation or yellowing, restoration is the ideal solution. However, if the damage is internal — such as moisture inside the housing or cracks in the lens — then replacement may be necessary. We inspect every vehicle beforehand and offer honest recommendations.
How much does professional headlight restoration cost?
At CarZone Auto Detailing, our headlight restoration service starts at $45 per headlight. This includes full sanding, polishing, and sealing. Compared to headlight replacements that can cost upwards of $300 per headlight, restoration offers excellent value.
How long does the headlight restoration process take?
The complete process typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition of the headlights. This includes all prep work, sanding, polishing, and applying the UV protective coating to ensure lasting results.
Do you offer mobile headlight restoration services?
At this time, all headlight restoration services are performed on-site at our Burlington location. This allows us to maintain full control over the process and use our specialized tools in a clean, well-lit environment for optimal results.
Will my headlights look brand new again after restoration?
In most cases, your headlights will be restored to 90–100% of their original clarity. While some deeply embedded damage may remain faintly visible, the overall appearance and performance will be dramatically improved, especially for night driving.
How can I keep my headlights from becoming cloudy again?
To keep your headlights from becoming cloudy, yellowed, or oxidized again, it’s important to protect them from UV rays, road salt, and environmental exposure. After your restoration service, avoid harsh automatic car washes and apply a UV protectant every few months. However, for long-term protection and showroom-level clarity, we highly recommend ClearFX Headlight Protection Coating — available exclusively through our partner business, RestorFX Burlington.
ClearFX forms a durable, transparent barrier that resists oxidation, fading, and surface damage for up to several years. It’s the same advanced coating technology trusted by professional auto detailers around the world, and at just around $200, it’s a smart investment to preserve the clarity and value of your headlights.
Ask us how you can bundle this protection upgrade with your headlight restoration appointment at CarZone or visit RestorFX Burlington for more details.
What causes headlights to turn yellow or cloudy?
The primary cause is oxidation due to UV exposure. Over time, the protective coating on plastic headlights breaks down, allowing oxygen and pollutants to degrade the surface. Additional factors include acid rain, road salt, debris, and improper car washing methods.
Is your headlight restoration process safe for my vehicle’s paint and trim?
Yes. We take great care to mask off surrounding paint, trim, and chrome surfaces to ensure they are fully protected throughout the sanding and polishing stages. Our trained technicians are experienced in working with all types of vehicles, ensuring a safe and professional finish.
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on headlight restoration?
We stand behind our workmanship with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the results, we’ll make it right. While longevity depends on environmental exposure, our professional UV sealants are formulated to last up to 2 years with proper care.
Will restored headlights help me pass a safety inspection in Ontario?
Yes. Cloudy or oxidized headlights can impair your visibility, which may result in a failed safety inspection. Professionally restored headlights offer enhanced brightness and clarity, improving both visibility and compliance with provincial safety standards.
Can I get headlight restoration done the same day I book?
In most cases, yes. We offer same-day appointments, and walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. For guaranteed service, we recommend booking online or giving us a call. Our quick turnaround means you’ll be back on the road with clearer headlights in no time.