Headlight Restoration Specialists in Tempe, AZ
Restore your headlights for better visibility and overall appearance
Don’t Let Faded Headlights Affect Your Driving
If your headlights look cloudy, yellow, or hazy, you’re definitely not the only one. This is a common problem caused by years of sun exposure breaking down the protective coating on the lenses. While it might seem like a small cosmetic issue, it can seriously affect how well you see at night and in bad weather. Even in a sunny place like Tempe, evening driving can be dangerous with dull headlights.
Whether you want to improve your vehicle’s appearance or get it ready for sale, headlight restoration is an effective way to make a big difference. Instead of spending hundreds or even thousands replacing the headlights, restoring them is a smarter, budget-friendly option that delivers amazing results.
Professional Headlight Restoration Process
At Palace Auto Detail, we follow a proven process that removes oxidation, restores clarity, and protects your headlights so they stay looking new for longer. Every vehicle is different—some headlights need heavy sanding to remove years of damage, while others just need a lighter touch. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Cleaning and Prepping
We begin by cleaning the headlights with a rinseless wash, then use a clay bar to remove stuck-on contaminants. Once the surface is spotless, we tape off the surrounding paint and trim to prevent any damage during the restoration process.
Step 2: Sanding the Lenses
Depending on the level of wear, we use a variety of wet-sanding grits—starting at a coarser grit like 800 and gradually working up to 3,000 grit. This evens out the lens surface, removes the old damaged coating, and prepares it for polishing.
Step 3: Compounding and Polishing
Once the surface is smooth, we use a 3-inch polisher with a cutting compound to restore clarity and shine. This step brings back that like-new look, making your headlights appear fresh and clean.
Step 4: Ceramic Coating Protection
Finally, we apply a high-quality ceramic coating to seal in the results. This protective layer shields your headlights from UV damage, helps prevent future yellowing, and keeps them looking clear for as long as possible.
Most restorations take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the condition of your headlights.
Want to give the exterior of your vehicle a refresh? We also offer paint correction and ceramic coating services that bring your vehicle’s paint to a high-gloss finish and protect it for years.
Professional Headlight Restoration Process
At Palace Auto Detail, we follow a proven process that removes oxidation, restores clarity, and protects your headlights so they stay looking new for longer. Every vehicle is different—some headlights need heavy sanding to remove years of damage, while others just need a lighter touch. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: Cleaning and Prepping
We begin by cleaning the headlights with a rinseless wash, then use a clay bar to remove stuck-on contaminants. Once the surface is spotless, we tape off the surrounding paint and trim to prevent any damage during the restoration process.
Step 2: Sanding the Lenses
Depending on the level of wear, we use a variety of wet-sanding grits—starting at a coarser grit like 800 and gradually working up to 3,000 grit. This evens out the lens surface, removes the old damaged coating, and prepares it for polishing.
Step 3: Compounding and Polishing
Once the surface is smooth, we use a 3-inch polisher with a cutting compound to restore clarity and shine. This step brings back that like-new look, making your headlights appear fresh and clean.
Step 4: Ceramic Coating Protection
Finally, we apply a high-quality ceramic coating to seal in the results. This protective layer shields your headlights from UV damage, helps prevent future yellowing, and keeps them looking clear for as long as possible.
Most restorations take between 1 and 2 hours depending on the condition of your headlights.
Want to give the exterior of your vehicle a refresh? We also offer paint correction and ceramic coating services that bring your vehicle’s paint to a high-gloss finish and protect it for years.
Our Paint Correction Process
Step 1: Prepping the Vehicle
We start with a thorough decontamination to get the paint ready for polishing. This includes cleaning the wheels and tires, washing the exterior, and using clay bar and iron decontamination to remove stuck-on contaminants that washing alone can’t handle.
Step 2: Polishing the Paint
Once the surface is clean and smooth, we begin polishing. This stage is all about the results you’re looking for and the condition of your vehicle. Some cars only need a quick one-step polish that takes a few hours. Others require a more intensive multi-step process that can take a day or two.
Step 3: Protecting the Finish
After the imperfections are removed, we protect your newly restored paint. This could mean applying a sealant for a few months of protection or a ceramic coating for years of durability and shine.
Different Levels for Your Paint
Not everyone needs the same level of paint correction. If you’re getting ready to sell your vehicle and just want it to look good for photos and showings, we can do a quick refresh in a few hours.
If you’ve just purchased a pre-owned car that’s covered in heavy swirls or oxidation, we can perform a deeper correction to restore it. Here’s how we generally break it down:
Two-Step Correction: This removes around 80% or more of imperfections. Perfect for when you want maximum gloss and clarity.
One-Step Polish: Removes around 50% of imperfections. Ideal for a boost in shine without going over budget or spending too much time.
Sometimes, we can achieve impressive results even with a lighter service. Every car reacts differently to the process, so we’ll always aim for the best possible outcome without unnecessary risk to the paint.
Raving Reviews From Our Customers
We take car care seriously. Every vehicle is handled with the care and precision it deserves. We’re not just here to clean your car—we’re here to make sure you’re happy with the entire experience, from scheduling to final results. Our 5-star reviews from customers speak for themselves.
“Charlie was exceptional! He was very professional, efficient, and punctual. I highly recommend him for his services. We will be using him again.” -Kasandra Smith
“The guys at Palace Auto Detailing are all professionals in every sense of the word – you can really tell by their workmanship alone that these guys know what they’re doing when it comes down to car care. With such high-quality products used during each service provided, there’s no questioning why anyone should hesitate about giving their ride some well-deserved TLC from time to time.” -Adin
Your Go-To Mobile Detailer in Tempe
At Palace Auto Detail, we make it simple to keep your car in top shape. As a mobile detailing service, we bring professional results straight to your driveway or workplace. Whether you’re looking for a full transformation or a quick touch-up, our focus is on convenience and high-quality results. Here’s what else we offer:
Paint Correction: Dull paint, swirl marks, or water spots? Paint correction removes those flaws, evens out the surface, and restores a deep, mirror-like gloss.
Ceramic Coating: Get long-term protection for your paint. A ceramic coating defends against UV rays, dirt, and rain while adding a slick, glossy finish that lasts for years.
Wash and Wax: Refresh your paint with a wash and wax. This service clears away contaminants and leaves behind a protective, smooth shine.
Full Interior Detail: We go beyond the surface. From stains and dirt to pet hair and everyday mess, we’ll restore your interior to a clean, like-new condition.
Mini Interior Detail: A lighter interior service for regular upkeep. Quick, efficient, and perfect for keeping things tidy between deep cleans.
Premium Wash: A proper hand wash designed to protect your paint. Safe tools and techniques give you spotless results without the risks of a tunnel wash.
Engine Bay Cleaning: Grease and grime don’t stand a chance. We carefully clean your engine bay to improve appearance and make maintenance easier.
Odor Removal: Say goodbye to unwanted smells—whether from food, pets, or smoke. We neutralize odors to leave your car smelling fresh.
Paint Overspray Removal: Rough, gritty paint? That’s overspray. We remove it safely from paint, glass, and wheels for a smooth finish all around.
No matter if you drive an SUV, sedan, or truck, we have the skills and experience to deliver A1 results. We service Tempe and surrounding areas like Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Paradise Valley..
Headlight Restoration FAQs
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Yes, in most cases we can restore them. Minor surface scratches usually come out during sanding. However, deeper cracks, chips, or pitting may still be visible. We’ll always inspect your headlights first and explain what kind of results you can expect.
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For most drivers, absolutely. As long as the headlights aren’t damaged beyond repair, restoration is far more affordable and just as effective for improving clarity and appearance. Even brand-new headlights will eventually need restoration over time.
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Most headlight issues are on the outside. If you see moisture or fog inside, it usually means there’s a broken seal or a leak. In that case, the headlight housing may need to be replaced, as opening it up isn’t part of a standard restoration.
Ready To Restore Your Headlights?
If you’re ready to restore your headlights back to like-new, you can give us a call or submit an online form and we’ll reach out to you soon.
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