Instructions for the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer

by William Zane

Modern cars use complicated headlights. While generally performing better than the headlights on older cars, over time the clear plastic that modern headlights are made of can dull and turn yellow. Not only does this look terrible, but it can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the headlights when they are in use, which can become a safety problem. Buying new headlights can be an expensive proposition. Turtle Wax, however, makes a product that can rejuvenate a car's headlights.

Step 1

Wash the headlights with glass cleaner and a clean, dry cotton towel to remove dirt and oils from the surface.

Step 2

Tape off any nearby painted bodywork with masking tape if the headlight lens is directly adjoining the car's bodywork. This will prevent the bodywork from becoming damaged during the headlight restoration process.

Step 3

Place a small amount of the Lens Clarifying Compound that comes with the kit onto a clean, dry cotton towel. Apply the compound to the headlight with firm pressure. Cover the entire surface of the headlight. Buff the compound with a different, clean cotton cloth. Repeat for the other headlight.

Step 4

Use the Spray Lube included in the kit if Lens Clarifying Compound does not work. Apply the Spray Lube to the green pad (Level 1) included in the kit. Firmly rub in a back and forth motion to the areas of the headlight that are still yellow and oxidized. Rewet the pad with the lube as needed.

Step 5

Apply the Spray Lube to the brown (Level 2) pad in the kit. Rub with the same technique as the green pad, but rub in the opposite direction of the first pad. Rub the pad onto the oxidized area of the headlight for about a minute or until the oxidation is removed. Keep the pad wet at all times.

Step 6

Apply the Spray Lube to the purple pad and rub for about a minute. Apply the Spray Lube to the blue pad and rub for another minute. Be sure the pads are re-wetted regularly during this process.

Step 7

Thoroughly dry the headlight lens with a clean, dry cotton towel. Apply the Lens Clarifying compound with a clean cotton towel. Allow it to dry to a haze, and then buff it off with a clean cotton cloth.

Step 8

Apply a small amount of vehicle paint wax to a clean towel. Buff the wax onto the headlight and then polish it with a clean cotton towel to protect the headlight.