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  1. #1

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    let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    So far all I can find on the subject is the Xpel headlight film. Is this actually a 3M product, not that it matters but I found it surprising that there doesnt appear to be a 3M product marketed for this given their line of windows films.

    So, what exactly causes headlight yellowing/fading and therefore how can i prevent it? I have a 2010 Honda Insight as my wife`s DD and I would like to keep it looking as new and cared for as possible. Is Xpel the answer? Or are there other/better options?

  2. #2
    Moderator AutopiaTech's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Sounds like you`re a perfect candidate for Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating.

  3. #3
    tropicsteve's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    from what i`ve read, the uv light is breaking down the cheaper plastics they`re using these days. i`ve been using Meguiars Headlight Protectant 10 oz. lately and like it. the cost is reasonable compared to many others.

  4. #4

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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    It`s oxidation of the protective coating that is used on the head lamps. The optimum headlight coating will work once the oxidation is removed. Once the factory coating oxidizes it`s done. It needs to be removed. 3M makes a good kit. Basically it involves wet sanding, polishing and sealing. The only way to get rid of the oxidation is by abrasives (wet sanding and polishes). Be prepared to make sealing your headlights a part of your car care. When you wash and wax. Seal the headlights. You can use the optimum or Meg`s Plastix.

  5. #5
    mrclean81's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    +1 on Opti-Lens. Your not gonna find much on the market that is more resilient or last longer.

  6. #6
    XxBoostinxX's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AutopiaTech View Post
    Sounds like you`re a perfect candidate for Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating.
    What`s the difference in opti-lens and opti-coat?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2006 Saleen S281 Supercharged - Black


  7. #7

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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Okay, so the culprit is UV rays. This was what I suspected.

    With 3M films blocking 99.9% of UV radiation, why polish/seal periodically if a one time protective film is on the market? Or does Xpel not have this level of UV-rejection?

  8. #8

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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Quote Originally Posted by AutopiaTech View Post
    Sounds like you`re a perfect candidate for Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating.
    Preferable to Xpel film? Or in addition to Xpel film?

  9. #9

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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Quote Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX View Post
    What`s the difference in opti-lens and opti-coat?


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    Opti Lens has more UV protectant than OC and is made to protect plastic thus you can also use it to protect plastic trim.

  10. #10
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Quote Originally Posted by Rsurfer View Post
    Opti Lens has more UV protectant than OC and is made to protect plastic thus you can also use it to protect plastic trim.
    Exactly, Opti-Lens uses an acrylic resin designed to replenish the UV protection, vs. Opti-Coat which simply augments (compliments) the greater UV resistance of paint.

  11. #11
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Quote Originally Posted by Rsurfer View Post
    Opti Lens has more UV protectant than OC and is made to protect plastic thus you can also use it to protect plastic trim.
    Exactly, Opti-Lens uses an acrylic resin designed to replenish the UV protection, vs. Opti-Coat which simply augments (compliments) the greater UV resistance of paint.

  12. #12
    XxBoostinxX's Avatar
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    Oh ok, got ya. Thanks for the responses! I`ll have to buy some opti-lens for my car.


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  13. #13
    Just a regular guy Todd@RUPES's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Quote Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX View Post
    Oh ok, got ya. Thanks for the responses! I`ll have to buy some opti-lens for my car.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Take some pictures and share with the forum!

  14. #14
    XxBoostinxX's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Helme View Post
    Take some pictures and share with the forum!
    I will for sure Todd!


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    2006 Saleen S281 Supercharged - Black


  15. #15
    Darth Camaro 12/27/15 Don's Avatar
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    Re: let`s talk about PREVENTING headlight yellowing/fading

    Personally, I buff out and seal my headlight lenses every time I "wax" the car, so far in my last two cars (106,000 miles and 137,000 miles) I haven`t had ANY oxidation/clouding issues.
    Don M

    Proud owner of a 2017
    SUPERCHARGED
    Hyper-Blue Metallic 2LT 6/Manual
    Camaro


 

 
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