keeping headlights looking new

[Darth_Emma]

I have a 2SS/RS Camaro. Is the exterior of the headlights actually plastic or glass? I am considering getting some of this:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-360-a...ar-polish.aspx

to help protect the finish on the headlights. I was wondering if any of you detailing gurus can shed light on my dim brain (my headlights aren't dim yet though), Thanks!

[2010 2-Tone]

I was wondering about this myself. I look at it everytime I wash it.

[2LTRS]

I honestly don't think its nessasary because our headlight plastic is mostly covered by the front bumper itself. Most of the yellowing/oxidation of headlights comes from direct exposure to sun.

However it certainly can't hurt.

[Jim D.]

You should use at least a wax when you wax your vehicle -- better yet, a plastic polish that offers UV protection.

I like Mothers PowerPlastic, which has UV protection, and they recommend you use it routinely to protect plastic lenses. I apply it by hand, and it takes just a couple minutes.

Think about it... your paint has a warranty as well, but you still wax it, right?

[garcmol]

Originally Posted by Darth_Emma

I have a 2SS/RS Camaro. Is the exterior of the headlights actually plastic or glass? I am considering getting some of this:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-360-a...ar-polish.aspx

to help protect the finish on the headlights. I was wondering if any of you detailing gurus can shed light on my dim brain (my headlights aren't dim yet though), Thanks!

I've seen you on Adam's form.... That is good stuff for plastic and the exterior of your headlight is plastic. BUT, when you wash the car, dry, you can use the Brilliant Spray Glaze and get the same effect. My .02

[SomeGeoffGuy]

I wouldn't put that stuff anywhere near my headlights on a new car. The yellowing you see comes after years of exposure to the elements. From the factory, the headlamp lens has a "cured" coating that protects them from scratches, as well as protecting them from UV rays.

The factory stuff will last for years. I don't know anything about what is in the Adam's stuff, but I can tell you it is not as good as what is already on there based on how frequently they tell you to apply it. Plus, the aftermarket stuff could hurt the effectiveness of the factory stuff.

-Geoff

[BUMBLE B]

My 99 Z-28 had lense haze after 6 years. There was a hard protective layer of some plastic over the substrate polycarbonate plastic lens. polishing it removed this "protective" layer, leaving clear, BUT UNPROTECTED polycarbonate plastic. There is a strange spray coating that can be reapplied. It is some weird acrylic acid compound that I can't remember anymore. It did the trick for a few more years before it needed redoing. I suspect that they still use plastic, and it may be best to treat them like eye glasses....keep 'em clean and out of the sun. Car cataracts started showing up in the 1990's. just look at any old Dodge neon....they used the cheapest plastic lenses ever!!

[Angrybird 12]

Just need to remember two things, NEVER use anything abrasive on your headlights to clean or wax them. and ALWAYS wash the entire car with a mild soap approved for all car surfaces, plastic included. and rinse..rinse.. rinse, leave no residue... I have done this and I have never had one headlight to discolor.

[SomeGeoffGuy]

Originally Posted by BUMBLE B

My 99 Z-28 had lense haze after 6 years. There was a hard protective layer of some plastic over the substrate polycarbonate plastic lens. polishing it removed this "protective" layer, leaving clear, BUT UNPROTECTED polycarbonate plastic. There is a strange spray coating that can be reapplied. It is some weird acrylic acid compound that I can't remember anymore. It did the trick for a few more years before it needed redoing. I suspect that they still use plastic, and it may be best to treat them like eye glasses....keep 'em clean and out of the sun. Car cataracts started showing up in the 1990's. just look at any old Dodge neon....they used the cheapest plastic lenses ever!!

To save a couple bucks per car, Chrysler used to skip putting the protective coating on the PC lenses. They coat them now, but the old Dodges and Chryslers look horrible now after years with no UV coating.

-Geoff

[Michael_Js]

I have tint film on my front lens - all of them. I do wax that like I wax the rest of the car. I hope that would protect the lens - from scratches also...

[Chris@glimmerglass]

Originally Posted by SomeGeoffGuy

I wouldn't put that stuff anywhere near my headlights on a new car. The yellowing you see comes after years of exposure to the elements. From the factory, the headlamp lens has a "cured" coating that protects them from scratches, as well as protecting them from UV rays.

The factory stuff will last for years. I don't know anything about what is in the Adam's stuff, but I can tell you it is not as good as what is already on there based on how frequently they tell you to apply it. Plus, the aftermarket stuff could hurt the effectiveness of the factory stuff.

-Geoff

Can you point me to the information that states this for a fact? I have never heard of such a thing re headlights, especially for a domestic vehicle. If that is the case, kudos to GM!

For the record, a simple coat of wax will never hurt a headlight lens, ever. Now, an abrasive polish, that is another story.

[Chris@glimmerglass]

Originally Posted by 1 BAD RS 2 SS

im going to lowes and getting a roll of static cling tint and protect mine that way when thy look bad cut out new ones and all done . even trying it on the side markers and tail lites . hope it works and helps

Unless it is specifically formulated to protect against U.V. rays, it is not going to help as much and considering the loss of night driving clarity, not worth it.

[cschmidt1956]

Honestly, I use Rain-X on the headlight surfaces to help shed water off of them. Seems to work well and the dirt does not seem to stick as much. A quick blast while washing seems to wash away most of the grit before my wash mit even touches them.

[Darth_Emma]

Thanks to everyone for the info!