Best method for protecting new headlights?

[nettech_gt]

After doing a search for "headlight protection", I found a lot of posts on headlight restoration and polishing. I would like to know what is this the best method for protecting headlights from UV damage? I read Plastix provides "protection", but does it specifically protect against UV damage? Is Plastix the best solution? How often should it be applied? (I'm in sunny San Diego) THANX!

[Murr1525]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

The best would be to wax them.

Dont want to use a strong cleaner, as there is a UV protective coating on them. The wax would be to protect the coating some.

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

I would recommend applying some PPF (Paint Protection Film) on the lights to protect them from the elements and from road debris...........I can't tell you how many lights I see that get peppered from gravel and fine sand while driving and the film will cover all of this and it's easy to maintain with a QD!

[Malo83]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

The best would be to wax them.

Dont want to use a strong cleaner, as there is a UV protective coating on them. The wax would be to protect the coating some.

X2, keep a good coat of wax on them and you won't have any fading

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

Here's a tip I have used for years.....always try to park so that your headlights are in the shade most of the time. Mine still look good as new! UV damage is a cumulative effect.

[bmrfan]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

+1 for gentle cleaning followed by wax - NXT or #21 (something with added UV protection).

IIRC - Plastic Headlights have a UV & Scratch resistant coating (from the factory). Once the protective coating "disappears", the plastic (polycarbonate typically) really begins to degrade.

See

The best would be to wax them.

Dont want to use a strong cleaner, as there is a UV protective coating on them. The wax would be to protect the coating some.

[cnfowler]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

I would recommend applying some PPF (Paint Protection Film) on the lights to protect them from the elements and from road debris...........I can't tell you how many lights I see that get peppered from gravel and fine sand while driving and the film will cover all of this and it's easy to maintain with a QD!

This coming from the 'Headlight Guru'.


I, too, would recommend the film. Over time, the factory coating will degrade from all the abuse it is subjected to being on the front of your vehicle. When you see the front of cars that are all torn up from rocks and sand, the same thing is happening to the headlights. The film is definitely the best way to go.


Colin

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

The best would be to wax them.

Dont want to use a strong cleaner, as there is a UV protective coating on them. The wax would be to protect the coating some.

+3. I follow this. Never had a issue with the headlights.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

The best would be to wax them.

Dont want to use a strong cleaner, as there is a UV protective coating on them. The wax would be to protect the coating some.

+4 on this. A good coat of wax and you're ready to go.

[TOGWT]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

Protect your expensive headlamps, before it's too late. LampGard™ uses a tough 40 mil thick, double-polished urethane material that is optically clear and applies (peel & stick) directly to the surface. This product has built-in ultraviolet inhibitors that help prevent the material from drying, hardening or discolouring. Custom die-cut to fit your specific vehicle for a precise, perfect fit, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions and applies to headlamps, fog lamps, turn indicators and parking lights (when applicable) to protect them from scratching, cracking and pitting. LampGard™

[nettech_gt]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

Thank you to all who have posted. How often should I apply wax to my head lights? THANX!

[TOGWT]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

Many natural and synthetic materials are attacked by ultra-violet radiation and products made using these materials may crack or disintegrate. This problem is known as ultra violet (UV-B) degradation, and is a common problem in products exposed to sunlight. Attack by UV radiation can be ameliorated or prevented by adding anti-UV chemicals to the polymer when mixing the clear coat ingredients. It should be noted that Carnauba wax does not contain a natural ultra violet (UV-B) radiation protection (it must be added)

[mis3]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

How about applying the 3M Clear Bra to the headlights?

Is there any heat generated from the headlight which may impact adhesion?

[TOGWT]

Re: Best method for protecting new headlights?

Protect your expensive headlamps, before it's too late. LampGard™ uses a tough 40 mil thick, double-polished urethane material that is optically clear and applies (peel & stick) directly to the surface. This product has built-in ultraviolet inhibitors that help prevent the material from drying, hardening or discolouring.

Custom die-cut to fit your specific vehicle for a precise, perfect fit, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions and applies to headlamps, fog lamps, turn indicators and parking lights (when applicable) to protect them from scratching, cracking and pitting. LampGard™