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What is best way to protect new headlights and prevent haze and oxidation?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Flyinryank, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. Nov 17, 2019 at 5:35 PM
    #1
    Flyinryank

    Flyinryank [OP] New Member

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    I just got some brand new headlights(Factory 2019LED) and am looking to extended their clarity and life to the max. What product(s) have people used with success?
     
  2. Nov 17, 2019 at 5:39 PM
    #2
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

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    I use whatever wax or sealant I'm using on my paint. I also use aerospace 303 whenever I think of it. Anything with UV protection will work, just need to apply often.
     
    15whtrd and Flyinryank[OP] like this.
  3. Nov 17, 2019 at 5:47 PM
    #3
    danz75

    danz75 New Member

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    I had an installer put XPEL film on my previous 2 vehicles and the headlights remained clear with no damage. One is 6 years old and the other was 12 when i sold it. Made it a lot easier to wash the bug splatters off as well.
     
  4. Nov 17, 2019 at 5:51 PM
    #4
    Wynnded

    Wynnded What MPG...

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  5. Nov 17, 2019 at 6:03 PM
    #5
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

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    Great thought, I forgot I had laminex on my Tacoma lights for 8 years and they looked brand new. Well worth it. I think I did it myself now that I think about it. I should do my 2018 led lights. Thanks!!!
     
    GODZILLA and NUDRAT like this.
  6. Nov 17, 2019 at 6:13 PM
    #6
    danz75

    danz75 New Member

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    I think the film is worth the cost because of the the damage it prevents and most films today are also UV resistant so it does not yellow due to exposure. Not for everyone but I do like mine and had it put on my Tundra.
     
    Pudge[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Nov 18, 2019 at 10:53 PM
    #7
    Patriot

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    XPEL.com
     
  8. Nov 19, 2019 at 12:17 AM
    #8
    Flyinryank

    Flyinryank [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the suggestions so far!

    The film does not effect light output?

    Was looking at this since the headlights are brand new and don’t need to be “restored”.
    upload_2019-11-19_3-2-4.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2019
  9. Nov 19, 2019 at 3:14 AM
    #9
    Stumpjumper

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    I use Maguierers plastic polish about every 3 months and 303
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  10. Nov 19, 2019 at 4:55 AM
    #10
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    They should look new for many years if you park out of the sun, and never drive at night.
     
  11. Nov 19, 2019 at 6:06 AM
    #11
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    @briarpatch is the McKees expert.
     
  12. Nov 19, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #12
    Zebruaj

    Zebruaj New Member

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    I use the Meguairs version of their headlight spray on all the ones I've touched up. Seems to last work good and provides almost like new clarity. But I also use whatever wax I'm putting on the vehicle on the headlight plastic too as I do my seasonal detailing. Hard to tell what's really working, but they haven't hazed back up.
     
  13. Nov 19, 2019 at 7:12 AM
    #13
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    What does driving at night have to do with this?
     
  14. Nov 19, 2019 at 7:22 AM
    #14
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Heat from the bulbs, and driving in the wet when the vehicle ahead of you sprays road grime on your illuminated (hot) headlights makes matters worse.
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  15. Nov 19, 2019 at 8:23 AM
    #15
    RLHULK

    RLHULK Too many gamma rays in all that BBQ smoke.

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    Bring back actual glass headlamp assemblies.

    other than that I think no matter what we do it’s only prolonging the inevitable
     
  16. Nov 19, 2019 at 8:29 AM
    #16
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    I think sunlight is 1000x worse
     
  17. Dec 12, 2019 at 1:44 PM
    #17
    T-Guy69

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    What does Expel cost for headlights? Can you install it yourself or do they have to do it?
     
  18. Feb 4, 2020 at 5:13 AM
    #18
    T-Guy69

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    Also, on the site, they mention this is difficult to install. Anyone do it??
     
  19. Feb 5, 2020 at 5:50 PM
    #19
    BobaChris

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  20. Feb 5, 2020 at 6:16 PM
    #20
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    When the hazing is on the inside like I have seen, would think from the heat of the bulbs, especially halogens.
     
  21. Feb 5, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #21
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Never drive at night, or when it's raining/snowing, and never park in the sun.
     
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  22. Feb 6, 2020 at 2:42 AM
    #22
    T-Guy69

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    The problem with wax or other coatings is they do not protect against the sand and stones on the road. UV damage yes, but not haze caused by road debris. My Corolla is waxed frequently and the headlight covers still get sandblasted and get the haze. I would like to go to XPEL. But need to find a reasonable price to have them installed. $350 seems like a lot. XPEL has the Tundra listed as a difficultly of 5 on a scale of 1 to 5. The local body shop said it is due to the curve and shape of the new Tundra headlight covers.
     
  23. Feb 6, 2020 at 8:44 AM
    #23
    T-Guy69

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    Anyone know the difference between XPEL and Lamin-X?
     
  24. Feb 19, 2020 at 11:54 AM
    #24
    T-Guy69

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    I had XPEL installed today. $150 for headlights and fog lights.
     
  25. Feb 20, 2020 at 4:43 AM
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    Klowry97

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  26. Feb 20, 2020 at 4:46 AM
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    RitcheyRch

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    Ceramic coating or clear paint protection film.
     
  27. Feb 20, 2020 at 4:50 AM
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    ZPMAN

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  28. Feb 20, 2020 at 6:00 AM
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    Ericsopa

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  29. Jan 11, 2021 at 12:47 PM
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    34ford

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    Starbrite ultimate vinyl-guard. Used by Marine people and Jeep people to keep isenglass soft top windows clear. May have to get @ West Marine or some place like that. Sold my 2007 Tundra 2 yrs. ago head lights as new. Also treat tail light lenses , any exterior plastic trim . Works good on grills and front bumper to keep bugs from sticking. 34ford
     

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