[guyslp]

My new-to-me 2004 Solara has headlight lenses in remarkably good condition for the age (and one of them is new, replaced after an accident).

It has been a while since I've owned any vehicle that has plastic lenses for the headlamps, and on all I have owned and observed, over time the lenses almost invariably yellow and/or "fog" (which is probably more the accrual of myriad scratches from encountering abrasive particles while driving, but possibly not). I'm not talking about fogging on the interior from a seal leak.

I am just curious if anyone has used any product, over the long term, that reduces or eliminates either one of these conditions from occurring on plastic headlamp lenses?

 

[Vangm25]

I've used a Turtle Wax cleaner/protector that seems to be no longer in production on my head lights. That seems to work decent though it may not compare to the other head light cleaners that utilizes more steps and tools. @SFCamry should have a decent threads on his head lights.

 

[SFCamry]

I put my headlight restoration into my 2009 Camry mod thread. Once the protection layer comes off the lens will yellow and oxidize pretty quickly. The over the counter stuff you buy at WalMart and the auto stores works OK if you really dig into it, but unless you cover that lens back up with a heavy protestant it will oxidize again. I spent time on mine with the over the counter stuff, it was just as bad about a year later. Took me going nuclear on them to get them back to looking new (hard core sanding from 400 grit up to 10,000 grit, polish compound, then clear coating the lenses).

 

[guyslp]

I've looked at @SFCamry's topics (or some of them) and thank him for the comment above.

What do you think about using Sumner 210 to prevent issues? Right now this car looks virtually like it's just come out of the showroom (which is unsurprising with 74K on a 16 year old car). I think it was just a "summer fun" car for its first owner, so the original lens is in excellent shape and the new one is, well, new.

 

[Vangm25]

I've looked at @SFCamry's topics (or some of them) and thank him for the comment above.

What do you think about using Sumner 210 to prevent issues? Right now this car looks virtually like it's just come out of the showroom (which is unsurprising with 74K on a 16 year old car). I think it was just a "summer fun" car for its first owner, so the original lens is in excellent shape and the new one is, well, new.

I'd say unless the headlights are yellowing and getting sun burnt, you can either leave them as they are or take possible preventive maintenance. The Turtle Wax I used seems to still be sold though I think it is in-store where they are hard to find.

I use this for my headlights and my aftermarket tail lights as a precaution and it seemingly works in preventing them from yellowing even though I want to say my Camry has spent a lot of days in a garage or in shade. I do know my headlights are very slowly starting to yellow but it has been very slow at it, like I said possibly due to the Turtle Wax. Compared to other Camry's where I live, my lights may will be brand new.

Amazon.com: Turtle Wax T-43 (2-in-1) Headlight Cleaner and Sealant - 9 oz.: Automotive

Buy Turtle Wax T-43 (2-in-1) Headlight Cleaner and Sealant - 9 oz.: Glass Care - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Maybe not a good example but looking at my headlights, they still look brand new compared to others that I have seen around the area. Pretty good for being 12 years old.

 

[SFCamry]

Where are you in the US? The higher elevation, the more UV. It's that UV that bakes those assemblies. If you keep coating them every season then you can get more life out of them.

 

[guyslp]

Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley.

 

[N3QE]

I first tried using Novus plastic polish on my headlights. I'm sure I removed some yellowing and scratches but I could not get a crystal-clear lens just using plastic polish.

Then I tried Turtle Wax headlight restorer. This is good stuff but it's all chemical, not mechanical polishing. It comes with a set of two chemical wipes. #1 removes oxidation and dries really fast (in fact if you get any on your fingers you will pretty much instantly dry out your skin). #2 is a chemical final polish that is REALLY GOOD and leaves a crystal-clear final surface, but takes at least 6 hours of dry weather to really cure and dry.

 

[Rivernut]

My new-to-me 2004 Solara has headlight lenses in remarkably good condition for the age (and one of them is new, replaced after an accident).

It has been a while since I've owned any vehicle that has plastic lenses for the headlamps, and on all I have owned and observed, over time the lenses almost invariably yellow and/or "fog" (which is probably more the accrual of myriad scratches from encountering abrasive particles while driving, but possibly not). I'm not talking about fogging on the interior from a seal leak.

I am just curious if anyone has used any product, over the long term, that reduces or eliminates either one of these conditions from occurring on plastic headlamp lenses?

Deep wood’s off mosquito repellent works great. Takes about 10 seconds per lens. Spray on paper towel and wipe. Repeat every few months or so.

 

[glenn14]

This is what @SFCamry did. This is a lot of work but the most permanent way. Chisfix video,

Glenn

 

[guyslp]

Ongoing thanks to all who've kept replying.

I just want to make clear that I do not need to do a "restoration" on my lenses, as they're in great shape, although the information about doing so is valuable and appropriate.

I'm really looking for preventive measures (probably in the form of some product or coating) to keep yellowing and scratching to a bare minimum.

 

[RT27]

Once cleaned the best way to protect is a good 2-3 coats of clear with UV protection. UV is what stains and yellows, once you have them looking good the long term protection is a UV clear coat.

 

[guyslp]

Any specific recommendations with regard to the UV clear coat? I've always been told that it was UV exposure that caused the yellowing.

 

[RT27]

Any specific recommendations with regard to the UV clear coat? I've always been told that it was UV exposure that caused the yellowing.

I used Rustoleum 2x clear about 5 bucks at walmart or home depot etc. Only been on car about 1 yr but so far it has done well here in alabama and it is hot and sunny in summers(8 months at least). We have little to no winter.from what I have read it holds up good, but even if you need to lightly sand every 2 yrs and recoat that is cheap and easy.

 

[69887]

Meguiar's used to make a headlight protectorant, but they discontinued the product due to lack of demand. I bought a bottle about 5 years ago and still have some left over. Their tech support said that Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax is just as good as their old headlight protectorant in terms of blocking UV rays.

Most synthetic polymer car waxes have similar performance characteristics, and the main difference is how well they apply, and can be buffed off when dry, from plastic parts (instead of just painted surfaces). Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax Ultimate Car Wax is specifically designed to work well on plastic parts, and will provide the needed UV protection, and also make it easier to keep them clean since bugs and other debris will not stick as easy and will more easily wash off a waxed surface.

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax cost about $20 at Walmart, and of course can be used to wax your entire car. As already mentioned, if you happen to get some wax on some plastic trim pieces, it is easy to remove it, unlike some other brands.

 

[Vangm25]

Like I said before, I use the Turtle Wax and it works good. I can tell my lights are very slowly starting to fog and get sun burnt but the Turtle Wax does seem to be doing its job. Compared to other Gen 6 Camry's, mine may well be brand new.
(It's been snowing so I have not had a chance for a car wash)

 

[SFCamry]

All the protectant coatings/waxes are a good idea and a great thing to do. But until a clear coat is reapplied you are just continuing to need to apply the protectant. It is not "easy" to clear coat it, but if you nail it, it sure does do the job. I had bought a few cans of a super spray on wax a place was selling because they applied it to my yellowed lenses and it made then clear again. Awesome. For a few weeks, then the yellowing was coming back. Where I am at (7,00+ feet elevation) the UV index is brutal and we have many, many, many sunny days so a nice harsh baking occurs daily.

 

[RT27]

I cleared then used mothers CMX ceramic coating as I did on the whole car, water has beaded on lights and car for a year with no reapplication.I love the CMX no wax ever needed again, stuff has been on paint for 1 yr and lights for 1 year and makes washing dead bug splats a breeze and is a good hydro barrier, water beads like fresh wax after 1 year, and is not to expensive and easy to apply read directions well and do as it says for best results.

 

[Mike Gerber]

I have been using the Meguiars PlastX followed by a couple of coats of their Gold Class Liquid Wax. Looks good as far as removing the yellow, but does little for the light scratches. Lasts a couple of months and then I have to redo it. Not a big deal as it takes only about 10-15 minutes.

Mike

 

[RT27]

The clear fills the small scratches and makes headlights look so clear. Also protects them longer term.