08.10.2025

Brilliant method! Lighten the darkened headlights! In just 5 minutes

By Vitia

Over time, car headlights tend to darken or lose their brightness, which can affect not only the aesthetics of the vehicle, but also visibility on the streets or on a route. Instead of replacing them, there is a cheaper and simpler way to restore them.

This informative article explains step by step how to bring back the shine to your headlights using materials that you probably already have at home. Even the popular soda can be a great ally in this task!

Materials Needed

  • Coke
  • Sandpaper of different thicknesses (coarse to fine)
  • Acetone
  • Protective adhesive tape
  • A clean cloth

Procedure

Step 1: Headlight Protection: Before starting the process, it is important to protect the areas around the headlight with tape to prevent damage to the vehicle’s paint. This will allow you to focus exclusively on restoring your headlights.

Step 2: Initial Cleaning with Coca-Cola: This nifty trick uses Coca-Cola to clean the headlights. The acids in the drink help remove the oxides that obscure the headlights. You just need to soak a clean cloth with Coca-Cola and rub the headlights. This step may seem simple, but it is very effective in getting rid of the first layer of dirt and oxidation.

Step 3: Gradual Sanding: The next step is deeper. We’ll use sandpaper of different thicknesses, starting with coarser sandpaper to remove deeper scratches and then moving on to finer sandpaper to smooth out the surface. It is essential to wet the headlights and sandpaper before each pass to avoid unnecessary scratches. The goal is to create a surface smooth enough for the headlight to regain its clarity.

Step 4: Final Polishing with Acetone Once the headlight is smooth to the touch, it’s time to polish it. Acetone becomes our best ally in this step. Apply some acetone on a clean cloth and rub the headlights. This will bring them back to their original brightness and transparency, making them look like new.

Step 5: Quality Check: At the end, verify the result by comparing the before and after. The headlight should have gone from dull and scratched to bright and clear. Not only does this method improve the appearance of your car, but it also increases safety on the road by improving visibility at night.

Also, you can view the procedure through the following link of the Quick Fix channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr2ExCQmB5M

Additional Tips:

  1. Use of UV Sealants: To keep your headlights bright longer, consider applying a UV sealant after polishing them. This will help prevent future damage from sun exposure.
  2. Repeat the Process Every 6 Months: Although the method is effective, over time the headlights can lose their brightness again. Repeat this process approximately every six months to keep them in optimal condition.
  3. Restoration Kit: If you prefer, you can purchase headlight restoration kits that include all the necessary materials and a special sealant. However, the homemade materials mentioned in this article are just as effective.
  4. Test in a Small Section: Before performing the entire procedure, test a small part of the headlight first to make sure the materials don’t cause additional damage.

Important: Don’t forget to repeat the process periodically and apply UV protection to prolong the results. Keep your car always looking spotless and safe on the streets!