Care of plastic headlight covers.

[White 13]

On my 2013 the plastic headlight covers are still in very good condition. I am wondering what to do to keep them that way? I try to not scratch them when cleaning. Right now I don't use clay, polish or wax on the plastic when doing the rest of the car. I do use Plexus which is a product for aircraft plastic windows.

I have an Accord that is 12 years old and I noticed though still fairly clear there seems to be a clear coating that is wearing off the headlight covers. I have treated those the same as this one.

[Beemdog]

Sounds like you are doing the right things... the plastic headlight covers that I've seen get dull and oxidized have taken 8-12 years, depending on exposure. The UV from sunlight will eventually start breaking down the plastic. I've had good luck with Meguiars PlastX plastic polish on headlight covers, but it has to be re-done every month or so (a two minute job) once the headlight covers start oxidizing.

[JFB]

Mine had pretty bad road rash from the previous owner. I took it to a body shop to get some parts painted and asked them to fix the lights.

They polished them with 500 grit them 1000 grit then 1500 grit sandpaper and I tell you, they look brand new.

So although the keeping them looking new is the key, rest easy knowing if they look used over time, you can get them fixed up...

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by White 13

On my 2013 the plastic headlight covers are still in very good condition. I am wondering what to do to keep them that way? I try to not scratch them when cleaning. Right now I don't use clay, polish or wax on the plastic when doing the rest of the car. I do use Plexus which is a product for aircraft plastic windows.

I have an Accord that is 12 years old and I noticed though still fairly clear there seems to be a clear coating that is wearing off the headlight covers. I have treated those the same as this one.

Clear bra keeps then nice mate. Had mine done when wrapping the front and believe the area is small enought to redo myself. Suggest you give it a try to sparw your light plastic!

Cheers

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Beemdog

Sounds like you are doing the right things... the plastic headlight covers that I've seen get dull and oxidized have taken 8-12 years, depending on exposure. The UV from sunlight will eventually start breaking down the plastic. I've had good luck with Meguiars PlastX plastic polish on headlight covers, but it has to be re-done every month or so (a two minute job) once the headlight covers start oxidizing.

if you properly correct and protect the headlight there is no need for application until your lsp of choice gives up durability.

[White 13]

Originally Posted by rjd598

if you properly correct and protect the headlight there is no need for application until your lsp of choice gives up durability.

I would be interested in what you LSP choice would be.

Have you tried Plexus or the Meguiars Plastic products? If so what did you think of them to use on headlights still in good condition?

[White 13]

On the 12 yr old Accord what looks like a clear coating is wearing off. I have never heard of anything like this and it could be something else that looks like a coating to me. Anyone know if the plastic on the headlights gets coated when new. Seems like if there is a coating I should not be using anything that would tend to wear the coating off.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by White 13

I would be interested in what you LSP choice would be.

Have you tried Plexus or the Meguiars Plastic products? If so what did you think of them to use on headlights still in good condition?

whatever lsp that goes on my paint, goes on my headlights. currently it's sonax polymer netshield, but will be getting modesta bc-05 on there. i believe optimum has a headlight specific product if you really wanted to make sure you get maximum protection.

plexus is a great product. i have no idea how long the protection will be for, but i doubt it would protect longer than a sealant.

[dparm]

Almost any place that does window tinting will probably have the super-thick clear stuff they can apply right over the headlamps.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by dparm

Almost any place that does window tinting will probably have the super-thick clear stuff they can apply right over the headlamps.

lamin-x

[Amirsm3]

I polished my headlights then added opti gloss coat and I haven't had to do anything since then (few months ago now) and my car is a 2011 with 56k miles. The water beads off still and the texture is very smooth to the touch.

[White 13]

Thank you everyone for some good ideas. I will probably stick with the Plexus for right now, sounds like it can't hurt and is very quick and easy.

But, you know I do have a bunch of opti coat left from the wheels...

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by White 13

Thank you everyone for some good ideas. I will probably stick with the Plexus for right now, sounds like it can't hurt and is very quick and easy.

But, you know I do have a bunch of opti coat left from the wheels...

You're already doing the prep work, why not seal them off for a long time (relatively speaking) with opti coat?

[Hawk Lax]

I would continue with the plexus. Quick wipe down every time you wash ther car should keep them bright and clear.

[s85e90]

Eventually the coating will fail due to the sun. My 09 started to peel a little before I sold it and it was meticulously maintained.

Just keep them coated and when it happens, sand and reclear the lights

[mkPOTO]

Originally Posted by rjd598

lamin-x

have those on my car since the day I got it and they held up great