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Meguiars headlight coating

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Rujack, Mar 18, 2019.

  1. Mar 18, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #1
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    Has anyone successfully used this on 3rd gen headlights? I ask because my suspicion is that the coating used by oem’s changes and varies. I had to warranty one of my headlamps last year because the coating began to peel, and I’d obviously like to preserve the original coating for as long as possible. The manual advises against coatings on the headlamps, likely for self-protection reasons on the part of Toyota.

    Meguiar's G17804 Keep Clear Headlight Coating, 4 oz. – Maintain the Clarity of Your Headlights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4RVVX6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V67JCbVGZN3SV
     
  2. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:01 AM
    #2
    HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Well-Known Member

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    I can't speak to this particular product but it seems like a good idea.

    Years ago, I bought a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid - new, as a work car. Over the years, the headlights turned yellow. So I took a headlight restoration kit and got them looking new again. Problem is once you sand off the yellow layer, unless protected, they will start to fade again as soon as 3-6 months. I used a product called Wipe New - at the time, it was highly rated from CR. I kept the car another three years before selling it and the headlights still looked new.
     
  3. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:12 AM
    #3
    STrooper

    STrooper For HIS glory!

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    Not sure about this Meguiar's spray coating but im glad there is a solution for it. The warranty for the truck is not forever so is good to know there is an option out there. I heard of people utilizing car clear spray paint, which makes the coating last longer as well.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2019
  4. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:20 AM
    #4
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    McKee's 37 seems to be working well on my '13
     
  5. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:34 AM
    #5
    DansSr5

    DansSr5 Well-Known Member

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    I just apply a coat of Meguiar's quick wax to the headlights. Been doing this for years. I have never seen the coat peel. I have seen it yellow. My brother in law used dishwash soap to wash his cars. In one year all of his headlights started to turn yellow.

    Always use soap made specifically for washing cars.
     
  6. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #6
    HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Well-Known Member

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    My preference since my headlights are relatively new is to use a film to cover the headlight for UV protection. Once you spray or wipe a protective covering on, you need to let it cure/harden at the recommended temps. Also don't test with your finger if it's done before hand, it'll leave your fingerprint and you won't be able to wipe it smooth unless you sand it off. Ask me how I know.....
     
  7. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #7
    valeyellow46

    valeyellow46 Well-Known Member

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    I'd rather go with a laminx like skin rather than a spray coating. Coatings tend to break down over time and you're just back at square 1. With laminx you can just get a new skin. I plan on getting a smoked film for mine.
     
  8. Mar 18, 2019 at 9:47 AM
    #8
    HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Well-Known Member

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    Agreed but without the smoke - no need to diminish the performance of the headlight.
     
  9. Mar 18, 2019 at 10:10 AM
    #9
    valeyellow46

    valeyellow46 Well-Known Member

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    False, scene points. :drunk:
     
  10. Mar 18, 2019 at 10:14 AM
    #10
    gurneyeagle

    gurneyeagle Well-Known Member

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    I've been using this from AutoGeek.net and no problems so far.
     
  11. Mar 18, 2019 at 10:24 AM
    #11
    HacksawMark

    HacksawMark Well-Known Member

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    Isn't that the same as saying smoke-tinted windows let in as much light as non-tinted windows?
     
  12. Mar 18, 2019 at 10:40 AM
    #12
    the_dau

    the_dau Well-Known Member

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    I put a coat of wax/sealant on the entire truck, including all the exterior lenses, twice a year. I've been doing this with all my vehicles and I've never had any clear coat fading, ever
     
    DansSr5 and HacksawMark like this.
  13. Mar 18, 2019 at 11:30 AM
    #13
    Ensemble88

    Ensemble88 Well-Known Member

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    Big ones are King suspension, SSO bumper w/winch, Pelfreybuilt sliders.
    I've used it. Seems to work fairly well. Only complaint though, it's a PITA to take off the painted areas around our lights. Stuff is not supposed to get on paint. Next time I'm going with a film. But this will get the job done.
     
  14. Mar 18, 2019 at 2:08 PM
    #14
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    How long have you been using it?
     
  15. Mar 18, 2019 at 2:10 PM
    #15
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    I would prefer this as well but I haven’t found a film that wraps the entire cover
     
  16. Mar 18, 2019 at 2:13 PM
    #16
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    Couldn’t find this application on their site
     
  17. Mar 18, 2019 at 2:13 PM
    #17
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    Same as post 15
     
  18. Mar 18, 2019 at 2:49 PM
    #18
    Rujack

    Rujack [OP] Stop Global Whining

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    No, I meant that my response would be the same as that in post 15 - I couldn’t find a wrap that covered all the exposed surfaces...
     
  19. Mar 18, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #19
    DansSr5

    DansSr5 Well-Known Member

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    This is true!

    And Really for me. about one -two mists of the sprayer onto the headlight and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth at least once a month. This takes one minute total.

    if not you will have to use some plastic rubbing compound to get the ugly yellow off and then put wax over it...it will be a sucky battle and you will be stuck doing it after every single wash from this point on.

    My truck was purchased the first month it was released as a 2016 model.

    My headlights look brand spanking new
     
  20. Mar 18, 2019 at 3:26 PM
    #20
    Kevin Jones

    Kevin Jones Well-Known Member

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    I've never used that particular product, however if it got the Meguiars name, it's a pretty safe bet that it works. They make great products.
     

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