Shoutout to the guy at Clements Auto Body who swore by rubbing compound on headlights

Back in 2018, this older tech told me to skip the headlight restoration kits and just use rubbing compound and a buffing wheel. I tried it on a 2005 Camry that was almost yellow and it turned them crystal clear in about 10 minutes. Has anyone else gotten better results from an old school trick than the fancy stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix3856d ago

Look at those headlights after six months and tell me that rubbing compound was a good idea. That old tech probably wasn't around to see what happens when you strip the factory UV coating off. I made that mistake on my 2010 Accord. Crystal clear for maybe three months, then they started fading worse than before, like a milky yellow fog that no amount of buffing could fix. Ended up having to buy new housings anyway because the plastic was permanently damaged. Those restoration kits with the sealant spray might cost more upfront, but at least they give you a fighting chance. You basically gave your car temporary cosmetic surgery without any long term protection.

lindaw295d ago

You know, I used to be one of those people who swore by rubbing compound... thought it was the cheap fix that actually worked. But reading about your Accord and that "milky yellow fog" hit home. My buddy did the same thing on his Camry and six months later I saw it in person, looked like someone poured milk over the lenses. It made me realize I was just being cheap instead of smart.