Everything Orlando car owners ask about headlights — honest answers, no upsell.
Why do headlights turn yellow?
The factory UV coating on the polycarbonate fails under sun. Once it's gone, the plastic oxidizes — and that's what you see as yellow haze. Florida cars typically show it at 3–5 years.
How long does the restoration last?
With a quality UV sealant: 2+ years. Without the seal: a few months — the polishing alone doesn't restore UV protection.
Will it look like new?
Most of the way. A heavily oxidized lens recovers ~85–95% of original clarity. Brand-new optical performance requires new lenses, but the difference vs. yellow is dramatic.
Is this safer for night driving?
Measurably yes. Restored lenses recover most of the lumen output. The difference at night is immediate.
Will you do tail lights too?
Yes — same process, same pricing model. Often bundled with headlights.
How much does it cost?
From $129 per pair. Add-on tail lights and fogs are quoted separately.
How much does headlight restoration cost in Orlando?
Mobile headlight restoration starts at $129 per pair (both headlights). Tail lights $89 per pair. Fog lights add $59. Full set (headlights + tails + fogs) bundles around $199.
Why do my headlights turn yellow in Florida?
The factory UV coating on polycarbonate lenses fails after 3–5 years in Florida sun. Once it's gone, the plastic oxidizes — that yellow haze. Florida UV index (11+ summer) accelerates this faster than northern climates.
How long does headlight restoration last?
With proper UV sealing — 2+ years. Polishing alone (no UV seal) lasts a few months at best because the underlying oxidation continues. Our restoration includes a UV-resistant clear coat that protects the polycarbonate.
Will headlight restoration improve my night driving?
Measurably yes. Restored lenses recover most of the original lumen output. The light pattern returns to factory shape and the throw distance improves dramatically. Difference is immediate on the first night drive.
Can you restore yellow headlights or do they need to be replaced?
Most yellow headlights restore well — 85–95% of original clarity recovered. Headlights with internal damage (cracked reflectors, condensation inside) need replacement. We'll assess before quoting.
Is Drip Mobile Detailing insured?
Yes. Drip Mobile Detailing carries full general liability insurance and is bonded. We provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) on request — required by some gated communities, HOAs, marinas, and commercial fleet contracts in Orlando.
Do you bring your own water and power?
Yes. We are fully self-contained. We arrive with our own water tank, water-recovery system, generator, and all detailing products. You don't need to provide a hose, an outlet, or anything else — just a parking spot. We can detail in driveways, condos, parking garages, and gated communities.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and cash. Invoices are sent on completion. For commercial fleet contracts and ceramic coating jobs, we also accept ACH and bank wire.
How far in advance should I book?
Most Orlando appointments are booked 2–5 days out. We often have same-day or next-day availability for standard washes and exterior details. Ceramic coatings and multi-day paint correction jobs typically require 7–10 days lead time so we can schedule the right weather window.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. If you're not satisfied with any part of the detail, we'll come back and re-do it free of charge — typically within 24–48 hours. Ceramic coatings carry manufacturer warranties (5–10 years depending on product) tied to your VIN and registered to your name.
Do you detail in the rain or heat?
We work year-round in Orlando. Light rain doesn't stop us — we set up portable canopies. Heavy rain or thunderstorms get rescheduled at no charge. We schedule ceramic coatings and paint correction during low-humidity windows, often early morning, to maximize cure quality.
Can you detail my car at an apartment, condo, or office?
Yes. We routinely detail at apartment complexes, condos (with HOA permission), office parking lots, and parking garages across Orlando — Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, Maitland, Baldwin Park, downtown, and beyond. We bring our own water and operate quietly without runoff.
Do I need to be home during the detail?
No. Most clients leave us a key or garage code and head to work. We send before/after photos and a text when finished. For exotic vehicles or ceramic coating projects we recommend being available at the end for the walk-through.