Foggy, hazy headlights are a common issue for vehicle owners—especially if you live in areas with salty air, high sun exposure, or simply have an older car. When headlights lose their clarity, visibility and safety can be compromised. Luckily, there are several ways to refresh their condition and help your headlights shine brighter. Here are a few reasons to bust out your trusty WD-40 Multi-Use formula for fixing up foggy headlights:

✅ Boosts nighttime visibility and road safety
✅ Enhances vehicle appearance
✅ Extends headlight life with simple maintenance
✅ Works on a wide range of headlight materials

Step 1: Try a Surface Prep & Wax

Start by wiping down your headlights to strip away surface grime. Apply automotive wax afterward—it might surprise you how much clarity this step can bring. If the haze persists, it’s time to dig deeper.

Step 2: Address UV Coating Wear

Over time, the UV-resistant layer applied by manufacturers can wear down, leaving headlights looking dull. Reapplying a UV-protective clear coat can help reduce discoloration. While this involves prepping the lens and carefully spraying a new layer, it’s a great way to defend against further damage from sun exposure.

Step 3: Work from the Outside In

If the haze is external, use a suitable headlight maintenance kit or a polishing agent to reduce surface oxidation. Acrylic lens deoxidizers are another option—especially if the headlights haven’t fully yellowed. These treatments help improve light transmission and remove the buildup from road debris and pollutants.

Step 4: Consider Deeper Refinishing

For more severe cases, sanding and buffing may be necessary. Use caution and proper safety gear—goggles and gloves are a must. This approach takes more time, but can dramatically enhance light clarity if done correctly.

Final Option: Replacement

If treatments don’t do the trick, replacement might be the safest option. Evaluate the effort and cost of refinishing vs. installing new lenses, and choose the best route for your situation.

Check out the before/after image from a happy customer (above) and a few words from personal experiences:

• "I can finally see out of my headlights! Thanks!
• "I used WD 40 in everything… rust/ clean foggy headlights/clean dirty hands from working cars..."
• "I have found that spraying wd40 on the front of my car and the headlights and leaving for 10 or 15 min before spraying off with water makes cleaning up the dead bugs wayyyy easier!"

TIP: While conducting routine auto maintenance, use WD-40_® Multi-Use Product for general automotive part care. It’s safe on most surfaces including plastic, metal, rubber, and glass. Protect your vehicle + tools & equipment with good habits and get the job done right.

Here's a popular video on YouTube that's helped over 20+ million people see how to tackle foggy headlights!