Quick Answer
For most vehicles, restoration is the right call. It costs $80–$240+ vs. $200–$1,600+ for replacement, takes 45–60 minutes, and delivers 90%+ optical clarity. Only replace if there's physical damage to the housing.
- ✓ Restoration: $80–$240+ · Replacement: $200–$1,600+
- ✓ Professional ceramic coating lasts 2–3 years in Alberta
- ✓ Replace only for cracked housing, internal moisture, or collision damage
- ✓ Mobile service — Dobson comes to your driveway in Lethbridge
If your headlights are yellowed, foggy, or dim, you've got two options: restore them or replace them. Most people assume replacement is the "proper" fix — but for the vast majority of vehicles, restoration is the smarter call. Here's the honest breakdown so you can make the right decision for your car and your wallet.
The Cost Difference Is Significant
Headlight restoration typically runs $80–$150 for a professional service in Lethbridge. A ceramic coat is included in that price when you go through Dobson Headlight Restoration, which extends the results significantly.
Replacement? That's a different story. OEM headlight assemblies for most vehicles run $200–$400 per side — and for newer trucks, SUVs, or European models, you're often looking at $500–$800+ per assembly before labour. A pair of headlights on a 2020 F-150 can easily run over $1,000 installed at a shop.
Restoration delivers 90%+ of the optical clarity at a fraction of the cost.
How Long Does Restoration Last?
This is the question that matters most — and the honest answer is: it depends on the process.
A basic sand-and-polish without UV protection will fade again within 6–12 months. That's the problem with most DIY kits and cheap services.
A professional restoration with ceramic coating lasts 2–3 years in Alberta conditions. The ceramic coat bonds to the polycarbonate lens and blocks the UV radiation that causes the oxidation in the first place. It's not a gimmick — it's the whole reason the result holds.
At Dobson Headlight Restoration, ceramic coating is part of every premium job. Not an upsell.
Why Alberta Chews Through Headlights Faster
Lethbridge and southern Alberta are harder on headlight lenses than most of Canada. A few reasons:
- High UV exposure — southern Alberta gets intense summer sun, and UV is the primary cause of lens oxidation
- Extreme temperature swings — going from -30°C winters to +35°C summers stresses the polycarbonate coating repeatedly
- Road grit and chinook winds — fine debris acts like sandpaper on lenses over time
If you moved here from BC or Ontario, you've probably noticed your lenses fogged up faster than expected. It's not bad luck — it's the climate.
When Replacement Actually Makes Sense
Restoration isn't always the right answer. Here's when you genuinely need a new assembly:
- Cracked housing — if the plastic shell is physically cracked, moisture gets in and no amount of polishing will fix that
- Moisture or condensation inside the lens — if you can see water droplets or fogging inside the assembly, the seal is broken
- Severely shattered or missing sections — restoration works on oxidation, not structural damage
- Major collision damage — bent mounting tabs, broken projector housings, etc.
If none of those apply and your headlights are just yellow or hazy, restoration is almost certainly the right move.
The Mobile Advantage
One more thing worth mentioning: restoration through Dobson is fully mobile. No drop-off, no waiting room, no shop markup. The service comes to your driveway or workplace in Lethbridge. Most jobs take 45–60 minutes on-site.
Compare that to booking a dealership appointment, dropping your vehicle for a day, and paying for parts + labour on a replacement you probably didn't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is headlight restoration worth it compared to replacement?
Yes — in the vast majority of cases. Restoration costs $80–$240+ and delivers 90%+ optical clarity for 2–3 years with ceramic coating. Replacement costs $200–$1,600+ per assembly plus labour. The only time replacement beats restoration is when there's physical damage to the housing.
How do I know if my headlights need restoration or replacement?
Check for these replacement indicators: cracked lens housing, visible moisture or condensation inside the assembly, shattered or missing lens sections, or collision damage to mounting hardware. If it's just yellow, hazy, or foggy on the outside — that's oxidation, and restoration fixes it completely.
How long does headlight restoration last in Alberta?
With ceramic coating: 2–3 years. Standard UV top coat: 1–2 years. Basic polish without UV protection: 6–12 months. Alberta's UV intensity and temperature swings make UV protection essential — not optional. Dobson's premium package includes ceramic coating with a 5-year warranty.
Can I send a photo to find out if my headlights need restoration or replacement?
Yes — text a photo to 587-402-4794 and we'll give you an honest assessment before you book anything. If replacement is genuinely what you need, we'll tell you.
Not Sure? Send a Photo — We'll Tell You Honestly.
Mobile restoration service in Lethbridge from $99
No results, no pay · 45–60 min on-site · Ceramic coating included
Serving Lethbridge, Taber, Cardston, Raymond, Coaldale, Fort Macleod & all of Southern Alberta
Want to know exact costs? See our full Alberta pricing guide →