Quite often I see a 4th gen with very good OEM - or at least OEM-looking,- headlights. So can't help but wonder if those are replacements or in certain conditions they can remain clear for 15+ years.

I had mine restored multiple times already and regardless of the methods/who does it, they never come back to 100% condition, and it doesn't last longer than a year.

I detail cars for a living and have restored many headlights, so I think I may be able to help you. The key to preventing headlights from oxidizing - both when new and after restoration - is protection. For new headlights, regular coating with wax (good), polymer sealant (better), or ceramic coating (best) is the way to fly. The OEM / original headlights on my 2006 Scion xB still look like brand new - other than a few stone chips - because they have been protected since new.

As for your headlights, how you restore them before you protect them has a lot to do with how "clear" they look. Really oxidized lenses require multiple wet sanding steps, followed by at least a 2-stage polish to look best. Then you need to clean the surface to remove all polish, then coat with something a bit more serious. I've had very good luck with this:

Amazon.com: Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating, 1 Pack : Automotive

Depending on how far gone your headlights are, you may be to the point where you simply need to replace them. If I could offer a few words of advice, be very careful with aftermarket headlight housings. Most of them look pretty good, but precious few of them actually perform or last as long as OEM.

Hope that helps.

I did this a few years ago. Sanded down my headlight lenses then used a 2k clearcoat (professional grade) to protect the lenses. Critical to use a high quality 2-part clear coat, not a cheap clear coat which will quickly begin to yellow.

Lenses still look as good as new.

Absolutely agree. The 2K clearcoat is a great product and lasts longer than the Meguiar's product. I forgot to mention it.

Lots of good info here.

High grit wet sand, polish, and protect.


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My headlights look great with just an occasional polish with Plast-X except for this spot at the upper curve of the right one. It's crazed/cloudy on the inside of the lens and I can't figure out 1) how that happens or 2) what to do about it. The left one is fine.

Same here. Pretty quick to do also so I'll just do it again when needed.

I simply replace the yellowed headlight with a new one from RockAuto. They are only 80 bucks (SR5/Limited) there. Exact same construction, tabs, materials, and patterns. I have had my yellowed ones restored professionally before but they don't last/come out perfect. For 80 bucks, it's a no-brainer! Aside from the 10 mm bolt, you have to pull back the fender liner to get at, it's easy.

The places that restore headlights "professionally" do so in such a way that it will need to be done again in a year or two tops, they are in the business and want you to come back for another "restore", hence why they usually only offer a 6 month warranty and some times a 12 month warranty.

It can be done to last for several years but you have to use the correct premium sealer, and sand/polish them properly before sealing them.

I recently replaced mine with a set of aftermarket headlights and had them covered with a uv film. Time will tell how the film holds up but they are warranted for about 8 years and at worst I just have them re-filmed rather than having to strip and reapply the clear coat on the lights.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but this is not a good idea.

OEM headlights are far superior to cheap aftermarket components off rock auto. The clear lens will yellow faster than OEM (ie in a couple years) and you'll need to replace again. Furthermore, if you have projectors headlights, the actual projector will be worse quality, meaning you'll have a harder time seeing at night.

Per service records, on my '06 the headlights have been first restored/polished @ 5 yrs, and it's not a Southern car, so not sure OEMs have that much of an advantage to justify 3-4x price premium.

As for "projector will be worse quality", is there any actual proof? Has anyone broke down and compared them?

I'm all for using OEM parts when needed, but in case of headlights I doubt a 15+ y.o. 4runner headlight design is that difficult to replicate and properly manufacture.

I also used Xpel film to protect mine, that's after having gotten brand new headlight assemblies. It's been nearly 2 years and they look as good as new. From my experience with other cars I've owned, you really need that film to prevent oxidation, and there's no better time to apply that protective film but right after you have new lights.

I was checking the online discount price for an OEM headlamp assembly ($258, ouch) when I ran across this "Headlight Restoration Kit" that looks to be some kind of small piece and a couple of fasteners. Looked around but couldn't find any description of what it does. Anybody know what this is for?

If the headlight bracket cracks, the part you reference is a repair kit.

Headlight Brackets Broken but Hidden by Cover