Don’t Let Cloudy Headlights Dull Your Drive
If your headlights are starting to look hazy, yellowed, or foggy, you’re not alone. This is a common issue caused by UV exposure breaking down the protective coating on your lenses. While it might seem like just a cosmetic problem, it can actually affect your nighttime visibility and reduce how far ahead you can see—especially in foggy or rainy conditions common in Galveston.
Whether you’re getting ready to sell your vehicle or just want to improve its appearance, headlight restoration is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to freshen up your ride. Instead of spending hundreds (or thousands) replacing the headlights entirely, restoring them is a smart and budget-friendly option that gets impressive results.
Our Proven Headlight Restoration Process
At VIP Mobile Detail, we follow a step-by-step approach that removes oxidation and restores a clean, clear finish to your lenses. Every vehicle is different—some headlights need more aggressive sanding to cut through years of damage, while others just need a lighter touch to get back to clear. Here’s the process:
Step 1: Clean and Prep
First, we start by cleaning the headlights using a rinseless wash, followed by claying the surface to remove bonded contaminants. Once the surface is clean, we carefully tape off the surrounding paint and trim to protect it from sanding or polishing.
Step 2: Sanding the Lenses
Depending on how worn down the lens is, we use a combination of wet-sanding grits—starting with more aggressive levels like 800 and working our way up to 3,000 grit. This step levels out the clear coat on the lens and creates a smooth surface for polishing.
Step 3: Compound and Polish
After sanding, we polish the headlights using a 3-inch machine polisher and a cutting compound. This step brings back the shine, restores clarity, and gives the lenses that “like-new” finish.
Step 4: Apply a Ceramic Coating
To lock in the results and protect against future fading or discoloration, we apply a high-quality ceramic coating. This layer shields the lenses from UV rays and extends the life of the restoration.
This service usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on how bad the damage is.
Want to give your entire car an upgrade? We also offer paint correction and ceramic coating services to get that deep gloss and long-term protection. It’ll look like a completely different car.
Headlight Restoration FAQs
Can scratched or cracked headlights be restored?
They can be restored but depending on the type of damage, some cracks, dents or pitting will still be visible. Minor surface-level scratches often come out during the sanding process. We’ll assess the lens and let you know what kind of results you can expect before we begin.
Is restoration better than replacement?
Absolutely. Unless your headlights are physically damaged beyond repair, restoration is much more affordable and often just as effective. Plus, even brand-new headlights will eventually wear down over time.
Do you clean the inside of the lens too?
Most of the damage is on the outside. If you’re seeing fog or moisture inside the lens, that usually means there is a leak or broken seal. In those cases, we cannot clean the inside since it would require opening or replacing the headlight unit.
You Go-To Detailer in Galveston
At VIP Mobile Detail, we make it easy to keep your vehicle looking sharp by bringing professional detailing directly to your driveway or workplace. Whether you’re looking for a full transformation or a quick refresh, our mobile services are designed for convenience without compromising quality. Here’s the other services we offer:
Paint Correction: Over time, paint can lose its gloss due to improper washing and drying, amongst other things. Our paint correction service safely removes those imperfections and restores a high-gloss finish to your vehicle.
Ceramic Coating: Want long-term protection and a deep, wet-looking shine? Ceramic coating forms a durable layer over your vehicle’s paint that repels dirt, water, and contaminants.
RV Detailing: We also service RVs for those weekend warriors and road trip lovers. Whether it is cleaning the exterior after a long trip or refreshing the interior before your next outing, we handle it all with mobile convenience.
Engine Bay Cleaning: We degrease, scrub, and dress your engine compartment for a fresh, well-maintained appearance.
Wash and Wax: A proper wash and wax removes surface grime, smooths out the paint with a clay bar, and seals it with a premium paint sealant. This adds shine while helping to protect against UV rays, rain, and dirt.
Window Tinting: Beat the Texas heat and protect your vehicle’s interior with ceramic window tint. It reduces cabin temperatures, blocks out UV rays, and gives your ride a sleek, finished appearance. It is also great for privacy.
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Maintenance Wash: Keep your vehicle glossy and clean with a routine, swirl-free hand wash. We clean the wheels and tires, wash and dry the vehicle, and dress the tires.
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Interior Detailing: Turn your car's interior from dirty to clean with our deep cleaning. We get to all the carpets, fabric, plastic, and leather surfaces so you have a clean and comfortable ride.
Maintenance Wash: Stay on top of your car’s cleanliness with routine maintenance washes. This service is designed to preserve the results from your last full detail and keep your car looking fresh all year long.
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Odor Removal: We eliminate odors at the source with deep cleaning and ozone treatment—no masking, just fresh, clean air.
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Full Detail: Want to take care of the interior and exterior of your vehicle? Our Full Detail gets your vehicle back up to standard. It combines the Wash and Wax and Interior Detail into one.
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Boat Detailing: Restore your boat inside and out—interior cleaned, paint polished, and ready for smooth sailing or safe storage.
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We tailor every service to your needs and vehicle condition. Whether you drive a family SUV, a luxury sedan, or a daily commuter, we have the experience to recommend the right service for the best results.
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As a fully mobile detailer in Galveston, we also serve League City, Dickinson, La Marque, Friendswood, Webster, NASA, Texas City, Kemah, Tiki Island, La Porte, and more.
