3M
3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Reviewed by Brian Scott · Published
Revitalize your vehicle's headlights with the 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit. Restore clarity and save money with this effective solution.
The verdict
The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is a budget-friendly solution for restoring headlight clarity effectively.
Why we recommend it
KIT INCLUDES: 1 - Disc Pad Holder, 3.25 in (8,2 cm) 6 - 3M Gold Sanding Discs 500 Grit, 3 in (7,6 cm) each 4 - 3M White
KITS CONTAIN masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant and more
FOR USE ON plastic lenses – headlights, taillights, fog lights, directional lights and more
3M abrasive technology removes yellowing and buildup without damaging plastic lens surface
Easy to use – choose a kit with no tools required, or for use with a common household drill
Save hundreds vs. replacing headlight lenses
Pros
- Comprehensive kit with all necessary tools
- Easy to use for beginners and experienced users
- Cost-effective compared to replacing headlights
- Professional-grade results
- Includes clear instructions for effective use
Cons
- Some users report inconsistent results
- May require repeated applications for severe yellowing
Gallery
Full review
Overview
The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is a remarkable solution for those looking to restore clarity to their foggy or yellowed headlights. As a well-known name in automotive care, 3M has packaged a professional-grade system that simplifies the often tedious task of headlight restoration. Available at an affordable price of $14.49, this kit has gained immense popularity, securing its position as a bestseller in the Light & Lighting Accessories category on Amazon. With an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 16,000 reviews, it’s evident that many users have found substantial value in this product.
Key Features
The kit includes everything you need for a successful headlight restoration. It comes with a disc pad holder, six 3M Gold Sanding Discs with a 500 grit, four 3M White Finishing Discs with an 800 grit, and a 3M Trizact Refining Disc with a 3000 grit. Additionally, it features two packets of 3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat, which further enhances the clarity of your headlights after the sanding process. The inclusion of masking tape ensures that you can protect the surrounding areas of your headlights during the restoration process.
One of the standout features of this kit is its ease of use. You can choose to complete the restoration with or without a power drill, making it accessible for those who may not have extensive DIY skills. The professional-grade abrasives are designed to remove yellowing and buildup without damaging the plastic lens surface, a common issue with less effective products. The detailed instructions provided in the kit guide you through each step, ensuring that even beginners can achieve high-quality results.
Who Is It For
The 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is ideal for car owners who want to improve the appearance and functionality of their vehicle’s headlights without incurring the high costs associated with replacing entire headlight assemblies. Whether you drive an older model with significant headlight yellowing or a newer vehicle that may have developed hazy lenses over time, this kit is a practical solution. Furthermore, for anyone who enjoys DIY projects or wants to maintain their vehicle’s aesthetics, this kit offers a straightforward and effective way to do so. It’s also suitable for those who may be hesitant to tackle headlight restoration due to a lack of experience, as the kit’s user-friendly design and clear instructions make the process accessible to all.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is an effective and economical choice for restoring the clarity of your headlights. With its comprehensive contents and user-friendly instructions, it empowers car owners to take control of their vehicle’s maintenance and appearance. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your driving safety and vehicle aesthetics without breaking the bank, this restoration kit is well worth the investment.
Specifications
| Special Features | Easy to use |
|---|---|
| Product Benefits | Easy to use |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Size | 1 Kit |
| Brand Name | 3M |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00051131391956 |
| Manufacturer | 3M |
| UPC | 051131391956 |
| Included Components | masking tape, light sanding discs, wax protectant |
| Item Type Name | Headlight Restoration Kit |
| Model Number | 39195 |
| Part Number | 39195 |
| Warranty Description | Limitation of Liability: Except for the limited remedy stated above, and except to the extent prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from or related to the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential (including, but not limited to, lost profits or business opportunity), regardless of the legal or equitable theory asserted, including, but not limited to, warranty, contract, negligence, or strict liability., Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: Unless a different warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product literature (in which case such warranty governs), 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM, OR USAGE OF TRADE. If a 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #80 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)#2 in Automotive Headlight Restoration Kits |
| ASIN | B08745K56G |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (16,201) 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 3 x 9.25 inches; 4.97 ounces |
| Item model number | 39195 |
| Date First Available | April 14, 2020 |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“My 13 year old truck had terrible looking headlights. They were only slightly yellow, but were so cloudy that you could no longer see inside the headlight. I saw a review on the YouTube channel Project Farm rating this as a good buy and decided to give it a try. It was not difficult to work through the steps (especially after watching a tutorial video online) but it did take me a bit longer than the 40 minutes stated on the box. But, it did a great job and it looks great! The finish is almost like new and I didn't need to purchase new headlight fixtures! I'd recommend this to anyone and I'd happily purchase this again. I have a minivan that's not looking bad yet, but when needed, I'll use this 3M product to restore those headlights, too.”
“When checking the oil in my daughter’s, 06 trailblazer I noticed her headlights were so yellow. She probably was getting maybe a quarter of the light coming out of it. Bought this kit thought it’s gotta help.Damn is all I can say now no no they’re not new but Man so clean and clear. They are almost like new now. Vision is gonna be amazing at night. For $22 can’t beat the price. Amazing works good. Doesn’t take long to do either using my Makita.”
“I have not tried every restoration system out there, so I cannot state that this is the best system, but I can tell you that this is a solid solution that you will be happy with.To level set, no restoration kit will ever restore your headlight lenses to factory new condition. But this one gets them close. For the same reasons, I cannot state that this kit is the best value, but I can say that anything that works well at any price is a better value than something that does not work well at a lower price.One of the chief complaints of headlight restoration kits is that the restoration does not last. That's because most of the kits out there attempt to "fill in" the scratches, and eventually that filler washes out, disintegrates, or whatever. This kit actually polishes the plastic to *remove* the scratches. As such, the process takes longer and is more fiddly. The extra effort though results in a better looking and longer lasting result.I bought this kit 2 years ago, and my headlights look as good as the day I finished using the kit.The results you will get will depend on your patience and your willingness to understand and follow the instructions exactly. Read the directions carefully, do exactly what they say, for as long as they say. I spent - if I recall - about 45 minutes on each headlight.- Your headlights will look much worse initially, and you may think you are doing more harm than good. Don't be paranoid. Complete the course, finish all the steps. Once you get through the first two grits, each step after that will look better and better.- The instructions will warn you to avoid lingering in one spot with the power drill. That warning worried me, but it's really easy to avoid, and you can tell when you're doing it right. Be gentle, don't push too hard, and keep moving.- It may also look like they haven't given you enough of the different polishing pads, but my headlights are huge and I had extras.- Mask carefully, because you will run off the edge of the headlights and you don't want to scratch your paint. If you wear down the masking tape, stop and apply more.- When it comes time to wipe on the polymer, again, do it exactly as they tell you. Exactly. You only get just enough to get it done and you only get one shot to make it look right. Make sure you are fully prepped before tearing open the packet.- Do this in a garage or in the shade.Anyway, that's my advice. You won't be disappointed with this kit.”
“Overall I don't think you're going to beat this for the price so if you have a drill, you're willing to put in effort, and you don't want to spend money compared to other options then this is the best way to go. I would say if you're going to use this make sure you have a really good drill. My cordless drill ended up getting heat soaked in the sun so I got out the 50-ft extension cord and used my corded one and it made a world of difference, keep in mind my cordless is 15 years old and works well inside but that heat got to it. Be patient throughout the entire process and especially when applying the clear do not put pressure on those little applicator rags that they provide, and let it dry well before applying the second coat because applying the second coat messed me up it said wait 15 minutes I did it was a hot sunny day but I feel like I should have waited longer because it didn't glide as well as the first coat. If I were to do it again I would definitely follow these sanding steps but buy a can of 2K clear and mask everything well because I think that would give me the best results, but if you're looking to save money and get decent results you're not going to beat this. Do not rush the sanding process and you have an overall good result.”
“We cracked this kit open during a slow afternoon between sessions. Instructions are simple, the sanding discs bite fast, and when you follow all the steps the lenses come out clear and sharp. You do have to put in some elbow grease, this isn’t a two minute hack, but it’s straightforward. The tape sticks well so we didn’t chew up any paint. The wax at the end goes on smooth, no weird haze. One of my coaches drove off that night and texted me that his “new” headlights made the dark lot feel way safer adn brighter. I was glad i grabbed this for the break room.”
Frequently asked questions
Can this kit be used on all types of plastic lenses?+
Yes, the 3M Ultra Headlight Restoration Kit is suitable for use on various plastic lenses, including headlights, taillights, fog lights, and more.
How long does the restoration process take?+
The entire restoration process typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the lens yellowing.
Is it necessary to use a power drill?+
No, the kit can be used manually without a power drill, although using one can speed up the sanding process.
How often should I use this kit?+
It is recommended to use the kit as needed, typically once every year or two, depending on environmental conditions and vehicle usage.
What if my headlights are extremely yellowed?+
For severely yellowed headlights, you may need to use the kit multiple times or combine it with additional cleaning methods for best results.
About the reviewer
Brian Scott
Automotive Editor
Brian reviews car products and accessories with a focus on quality and value.
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