If your headlights have turned yellow or cloudy, you may be wondering whether it makes more sense to restore them or replace the assemblies. Cost is usually the first question, but the quality of the process matters just as much. A cheap polish can look good for a few weeks. A complete restoration addresses the damaged surface and adds fresh protection.
At Mid-TN Headlight Restoration, the price is $120 for both headlights. We bring the service to your home or workplace, and most appointments are completed in about one hour.
What is included in the $120 service?
Every vehicle is inspected before work begins. We want to confirm that the cloudiness is on the outside of the lens and that restoration is the right solution.
The service includes:
Careful masking around the headlights to protect nearby paint and trim
Professional multi-stage wet resurfacing to remove oxidation and damaged material
Machine polishing to refine the lens and restore clarity
A professional UV-protective finish selected for the condition of the headlights
A 1-year workmanship warranty covering premature hazing related to our work
The price covers both headlights. There is no lower package to compare and no product decision for the customer to make. We choose the professional finishing method that best fits the lenses in front of us.
Why do headlight restoration prices vary?
You may see prices that range from a quick add-on at a detail shop to a more involved professional service. The difference usually comes down to preparation, the condition of the lens, and whether the job includes lasting UV protection.
A basic polish may improve mild haze, but it does not always remove deeper oxidation. Some DIY kits include sanding materials and a protective step, although the final result depends heavily on preparation and technique. Professional restoration costs more because it includes controlled resurfacing, protection of the vehicle, machine work, and a finish designed to slow future oxidation.
Severely damaged lenses can also require more time. Old spray coatings, failed DIY repairs, deep scratches, and heavy oxidation may need extra correction before the lens can be refined.
Is restoration cheaper than replacement?
In many cases, yes. Replacement cost depends on the vehicle, the type of headlight assembly, parts availability, and the labor required to install it. Modern assemblies can include projectors, LED modules, adaptive lighting, and electronic controls, which can make replacement expensive.
Restoration keeps the original assembly in place and focuses on the exterior lens. That makes it a practical first option when the housing, internal components, and mounting points are still in good condition.
When is replacement the better choice?
Restoration cannot repair every problem. A new assembly or another type of repair may be necessary if the headlight has:
Moisture or standing water inside the housing
Deep internal cracking or widespread crazing
Broken mounting tabs
Electrical or bulb problems
Damage to the reflector or projector inside the assembly
We inspect the lights before starting and will tell you if exterior restoration is unlikely to solve the problem.
Mobile service saves more than a trip to the shop
The $120 price includes mobile service throughout our normal Middle Tennessee service area. Instead of leaving your vehicle at a shop, you can have the work completed at home or at your workplace. Most customers are back to their day in about an hour.
We are based in Tullahoma and serve surrounding communities including Manchester, Shelbyville, Winchester, Lynchburg, Estill Springs, Decherd, and other nearby areas. Check our service area page to see whether we come to your city.
If you want to understand why lenses turn yellow before deciding, read How to Fix Yellow Headlights and Keep Them Clear.
Ready for a quote? Text clear photos of both headlights, along with your vehicle year, make, model, and city, to 931-571-0344. You can also view pricing and request an appointment.
