If you searched 'headlight restoration near me,' you probably got a mix of dealerships quoting $400, quick-lube chains quoting $40, mobile detailers quoting $90, and a handful of specialty headlight services. The prices differ 10x — but the actual work differs even more. Here's how to pick the right one in New Jersey.
The Four Types of Providers You'll Find
1. Dealerships
Most dealerships don't restore — they replace. Expect $400–$1,200 per side for OEM assemblies. Worth it only when the lens is genuinely cracked or the reflector inside has failed. See restoration vs replacement.
2. Quick-Lube Chains & Car Washes
Usually $30–$50. Almost always sanding + polish, no UV coating. It looks great when you drive off the lot and re-clouds within 3 months. Fine for a car you're about to sell, terrible value otherwise.
3. General Detail Shops
Hit or miss. A detail shop that offers headlight restoration as one of 30 services rarely uses professional 2K coatings — they usually use aerosol clear from an auto-parts store. Ask them what coating they finish with; if the answer is 'a clear coat' with no brand or spec, they're using cheap aerosol.
4. Specialty Mobile Headlight Restoration
The best value bracket in NJ — $75–$150 for both lenses, they come to your driveway, and this is the only service they do all day, every day. Look for someone who specifies their coating (2K urethane, ceramic, or PPF) and warranties the work.
10 Questions to Ask Before You Book
- What UV coating do you use? (Correct answers: 2K urethane, ceramic, or PPF. Wrong: 'a clear.')
- How long does your work last? (Realistic: 2–5 years with 2K.)
- Do you warranty it? (12 months is standard for pro work.)
- Do you sand wet or dry? (Wet only.)
- What grits do you finish at? (Should include 3000 or finer.)
- Do you mask the surrounding paint? (Should be yes.)
- Where do you cure the coating? (Should be a controlled environment, not open sun.)
- How many stages of polish do you use? (Two is standard, three is better.)
- Do you have before/after photos of local vehicles?
- Are you insured for on-site mobile work?
Red Flags
- Prices under $40 for the pair — the coating is being skipped
- Turnaround under 30 minutes total — real curing takes longer than that
- No warranty at all
- 'Restoration' offered as a $15 add-on to another service
- No mention of UV protection anywhere in the listing
Local Reviews Are Better Than Star Counts
A shop with 4.8 stars and 500 reviews of oil changes isn't necessarily good at headlight restoration. Read the actual reviews and look for the word 'headlight' — you want to see specific results people are happy with 6–12 months later, not just 'friendly staff.' Google's local reviews and the BBB are the two best sources.
What to Expect On the Day
A pro mobile job takes 60–90 minutes total. You don't need to move the car. Cure time for 2K urethane is another 4–8 hours before washing, but the car is drivable immediately. Full process breakdown in our how to restore foggy headlights guide.
Serving All 21 NJ Counties
We do mobile headlight restoration only — it's the only thing we do — with a 2K urethane UV coat and a 12-month warranty. Same-day service in most counties including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Union, Passaic, and Morris County. See the full county list or get a free quote in 30 seconds.