Prevent headlight yellowing?

What's the best way to prevent headlight yellowing/hazing? I heard terry towels are bad, and you supposed to only use microfiber on them. Wax them? RainX them?

 

so does it actually have like a clearcoat?

 

Yes it's a form of clear, and I presume the best (OEM) are UV-blocking.

When you wetsand and polish a really bad set of lenses, you'll find they yellow up again very quickly if they're not sealed (~3 months), whereas properly sealed lenses last years. It's the sunlight UV accelerating oxidation that causes the yellowing (which is why garage queens tend to have clear lights forever and the car in the yard seems to age so quick).

If the clear is polished off, wax will slow the yellowing again, but wax only lasts a couple weeks and POOF oxidation takes off again. That's why the better restoration kits include a sealant.

CR had a test of those a while back.

For good lights, I keep the wax/sealer off myself until it starts to develop microfractures in the sealing layer, but that's just my way. I don't want to chance a chemical catalyst.

 

I use Meguiars Plast X on my headlights with every wash, keeps 'em looking new.

 

Here's a review I did a few months ago on my wife's headlights with rainx restorer but if you don't have yellowing just make sure you seal on occasion. Plus 3m makes a clear film to put over the headlight but I've heard mixed reviews.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pr...t-restoring-kit-review-before-after-pics.html

 

Do not use the regular "yellow" Rain-X on any plastic or painted surfaces.

 

What do you mean?? It's a headlight restoration kit. And it worked pretty well.

 

The restoration kit is fine.

I was referring to the "plain yellow" or original Rain-X.
It's plastered all over the packaging to not use it on plastic, but it doesn't stop people from reading something and using it without reading the warning.


Like the moron with a Yamaha R1 who poured a bottle of NOS energy drink into his tank... bought it at the auto parts store, saw it on the endcap at the register.
Sometimes people don't pay attention when one name applies to 4 or 5 very different products.

 

Nos?!?! Really? Unbelievable!!! I was referring to the HL restoration kit I made the link too, but you're correct in reading labels before using

 

I didn't quote, but I was responding not to your post, but to the OP who commented on using Rain-X.

I saw your post, which is why I included "regular yellow"

I know there's a bunch of Rain-X products now, including some for plastics and paint.

 

In my experience, waxing a lot keeps them looking good (I wax my truck once a week, including the headlights ) When I'm in class the truck sits out in the direct sun and the headlights still look brand new. Make sure you use a high quality wax and NOT a polish for protecting the lenses.