Headlight Lens Polish - What Lasts Longest?

[Skibane]

Have been using McGuire's Plastic-X Clear Plastic Polish on my Q's headlight lenses - It works great for a while. However, it only lasts for a few months - After that, the outside surface starts turning cloudy again.

Since a brand-new lens stays clear for a lot longer than several months, I assume that the polish isn't really doing anything beyond temporarily filling in the pits in the old, weathered plastic.

Anyone using something that lasts longer?

[Q451990]

Same result with Novus Plastic Polish on the G. The theory is that the factory UV protection is worn away, so it fogs more quickly after it wears away - even if you clean them up.

I have read that using a clear vinyl floor glaze will help maintain them longer. The floor polish is supposed to replenish the UV protection. I haven't tried this, so I can't vouch for it actually working.

Heath

[loystock]

The headlights on my 97Q are still like new. I've been using Zaino Car Polish (w/ UV Protectant) on them. The 03Q headlights have had cloudy appearance near the edge which I was able to remove with the Zaino Glass Polish followed by Car Polish . I didn't do that on the I30s headlights so they turned yellow. I used 3M sand paper (1000-1500-2000 grit), 3M rubbing compound then Zaino car polish to remove the cloudiness on the I30s. It's been a year and so far they are holding. And yes, now I use Zaino Car Polish and Gloss Enhancer on all the headlight lenses.

[NightRiderQ45]

Yeah I just had to use the Plast-X stuff yesterday after cleaning my car. I'm going to get them professionally cleaned in two weeks for free. Guess I will have to buy a wax that has UV protection in it and rub on the headlights to keep clear.

[qship96]

One would think by now the car manufacturers would recognise this is a major problem and would have solved it by now.....or go back to GLASS headlamps, at least on the expensive cars. I am shocked NHTSA has not jumped all over this, as it is a safety issue....ever seen those old Volvos with the HUGE headlamps, most are so cloudy and yellow that I bet they block over 1/2 the potential light output!!!!

[Skibane]

One would think by now the car manufacturers would recognise this is a major problem and would have solved it by now.....or go back to GLASS headlamps, at least on the expensive cars. I am shocked NHTSA has not jumped all over this, as it is a safety issue....ever seen those old Volvos with the HUGE headlamps, most are so cloudy and yellow that I bet they block over 1/2 the potential light output!!!!

Some vehicles use a lot better plastic than others - One of my relatives has a '95 Maxima with lenses that haven't seen any polish in at least 200K - and yet they still look nearly new. At the other extreme, there are plenty of 2-year-old Fords and Chryslers with lenses that already look like cr@p.

[mrpeeb240]

3m has a great kit for redoing your head lights,all you need is a drill