I want to prevent not fix yellow headlights and faded plastics

[chomorro]

I searched and found a lot of stuff on how to repair these parts but i want to prevent it from happening all together. I have a pristine exterior on my 07 MS3. The moldings are nice and black and not faded and the plastics look great. The head lights and tail lights are crystal clear. It was just clay bared and waxed a few weeks ago.

I have had lots of used cars with yellowed head lights and i had to polish them almost every other wash.


What do i use after every wash to keep these things near new? A spray on wax of some sort? Just wash a lot? Armor all on the black pieces??


Im a detailing newb and almost fell for an infomercial the other day because i badly want to keep these parts near new.....


Thanks!!

[dot584]

My headlights have gone to shit this past winter so I'm interested in peoples solutions. I always thought the best way was to polish then use a clear film like tint to prevent the yellowing, haven't done it yet but I need to. Has anyone used the films with success or do those fade too?

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[stockms3]

I would try tinting them just slightly it should help.

When you say you polish them, do you sand down a little bit, and use actual compound?

[chomorro]

Originally Posted by stockms3 I would try tinting them just slightly it should help. When you say you polish them, do you sand down a little bit, and use actual compound?

On Other Cars Yes. Haven't Done Anything But Wash The Ms3

[RLam]

I just wax them after every wash. Has turned out good on all of my cars.

[rfinkle2]

Like the guys said above, waxing will definitely help if you can get a coat on there every so often.

If you are interested in a more permanent solution:

Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating

[chomorro]

ok so i will go get a spray wax of some sort to just use every wash. What about the black plastics and moldings? wax on them as well?

[dot584]

Spray wax wont last very long, definitely try a synthetic sealant like mentioned. I used a Wolfgang synthetic sealant on my paint after claybaring last summer and I swear its still on the car. Dirt comes off easier and I haven't gotten those little yellow spots that have to be claybared out. I'm gunna start using it on the headlights once I figure out how to restore them.

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[joseph.p05]

+1 for what @rfinkle2 said. optimum actually just came out with a plastic lens specific "permanent" solution. little pricey but if you're serious about protecting your whip, go for it. Optimum Opti-Lens Permanent Headlight Coating, headlight coatings protectants

also, i wouldnt use armor all on your trim, its gonna run off with rain and smear all over your paint. again, spend the loot and get something that's gonna dry to the touch, look nice and black on your trim and most importantly keep it protected from fading. ie Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus, tire & trim protectant, tire dressing, rubber protectant.

[Mizzle]

Turtle Wax Platinum here...

[Breeze10]

Stay classy my friend!

For a cheaper alternative to the Opti Coat you could try Spar Urethane treatment.

[Limeybastard]

You need a decent UV protectant for the headlights and plastics. Product called Aerospace is what I use quarterly on my plastics and headlights.

[Travis]

22PLE lasts just as long but has a bit more depth in the finish and is easier to apply. They also have coatings for vinyl/plastics, and metals (high temp).

- Travis

[Design]

I am approaching 100K and the headlights are in pristine condition. XPEL clear film and occasional cleaner wax/sealant is all I use.

If already faded, get a headlight cleaner kit and apply the film immediately after cleaning. Can be done for around $50-60.

[Rallyer222]

Ive had great luck just regularly washing my car and using wax on the headlights when I wax the car

[RedMS3]

I have heard that clear bra vinal works I have no experience though.

[chomorro]

I have been just using synthetic wax on the head lights every wash and its been working great so far

[Icemn]

just use toothpaste