Headlight Restoration Questions
Everything San Diego & Temecula drivers ask before booking with us.
Why shouldn't I get a cheap 'basic' buff & seal?+
A $40–$60 basic mobile buff & seal is just a quick polish and a thin UV spray. It hides light haze for a few months at best — then the yellowing comes right back, often worse, because the damaged outer layer was never removed. We don't offer it because it isn't fair to the customer. Our $125 Full Professional Restoration includes deep multi-stage wet sanding, compounding, polishing and an industrial UV-protective ceramic topcoat that lasts 2–5 years. It's the only restoration worth paying for.
Why are my headlights yellow or foggy?+
Modern headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic with a thin protective UV coating. Years of UV rays, road heat, and chemical exposure break that coating down, oxidizing the plastic underneath. The result is the yellow, hazy, cloudy look that scatters your light output and cuts nighttime visibility by up to 70%.
How long does headlight restoration last?+
Our professional restoration includes an industrial UV-protective ceramic topcoat engineered to last years, not months. With normal use you can expect lasting clarity backed by our workmanship guarantee — far longer than any DIY kit, toothpaste hack or quick polish.
Is restoration better than replacement?+
For 95% of vehicles, yes. New OEM headlight assemblies often cost $600–$1,500+ each, plus installation and aiming. Our $125 restoration brings cloudy, yellow headlights back to like-new optical clarity in about an hour — without touching wiring, bumpers, or your warranty.
Can you restore severely oxidized headlights?+
Absolutely. Our multi-stage wet-sanding and polishing process is designed for the worst cases — heavy yellowing, deep oxidation, micro-cracking, and clouded interiors. If the lens is structurally intact, we can almost always bring it back.
How long does the service take?+
About one hour per vehicle. Most appointments are completed start-to-finish in 45–75 minutes depending on the level of oxidation.
Do you come to me?+
Yes. AP Headlight Restore is a fully mobile service. We come to your home, office, apartment complex or job site anywhere in North San Diego County and within 10 miles of Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe and the city of San Diego. All we need is a parking spot and access to your headlights.
How much does headlight restoration cost?+
Our flat price is $125 for both headlights, fully restored, sealed and UV-protected. No surprise fees, no upsells.
Do I need an appointment?+
We strongly recommend booking online — most days we offer same-day or next-day availability, but slots fill quickly, especially evenings and weekends.
What products do you use?+
We use professional-grade abrasives, automotive polishes and an industrial UV-protective ceramic clear coat — the same caliber of materials used by high-end detailers and body shops.
Will my headlights look new again?+
In most cases, yes — restored headlights look indistinguishable from new at a fraction of the cost. We'll show you before-and-after photos before you pay.