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New Headlights - UV Protect - Wax or Ceramic Coat

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by APG85, Feb 26, 2025.

  1. Feb 26, 2025 at 4:20 AM
    #1
    APG85

    APG85 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I recently installed new OEM LED headlights on my 2016 Sport. My old headlights hazed over & started peeling. I would like to avoid that for as long as possible with the new set. I always waxed my old headlights (I've heard good & bad about doing that).
    What are people doing with their headlights - wax, ceramic coat, or do nothing?

    Truck 2.jpg
     
  2. Feb 26, 2025 at 4:37 AM
    #2
    pushgears

    pushgears Well-Known Member

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  3. Feb 26, 2025 at 4:39 AM
    #3
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    I wax my headlights just like I wax everything else, but despite the claims, I'm skeptical of any wax or ceramics claiming to provide any meaningful amount of even quasi long term UV protection.
    It's been a minute, but I've seen ceramic coating manufacturer's UV claims debunked in actual tests.
    There will be a plethora of products out there that make the claim, however.
     
    APG85[OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 26, 2025 at 6:40 AM
    #4
    t0p_d0g

    t0p_d0g 私はタコマが大好きです

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    OEM headlights as well as most aftermarket are coated with a UV and fog resistant coating when they are manufactured. I would be very careful what you put on them not to damage the factory coating. JMHO
     
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  5. Feb 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM
    #5
    Winch

    Winch Well-Known Member

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    I use Turtle Wax ceramic spray.
     
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  6. Feb 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
    #6
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    Gtechniq CSL topped with Exo V5 or just Exo V5. PPF paint protection film is an option too.
     
    APG85[OP], rtzx9r and SloTaco13 like this.
  7. Feb 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
    #7
    SloTaco13

    SloTaco13 Well-Known Member

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    I would just skip the coatings and apply clear-bra / PPF to your new headlights. That's what I did. PPF will also help protect against pitting, rock chips, and etching/staining.
     
    Admiral Snackbar likes this.
  8. Feb 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
    #8
    VaToy

    VaToy Life Long Member

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    Skip all that crap and have them re cleared when the time comes.
     
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  9. Feb 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
    #9
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    No money, all went to truck...
    I've used all kinds to treatments. Clay, wax, polish, compound, ceramics. all never last.

    Never tried re coating them in clear.

    Best results I had was clear vinyl. lasted as long as I had the car. Pretty easy to put on, just need to watch for wrinkles. Kind of a fun new skill to try.
     
    APG85[OP] likes this.
  10. Feb 26, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    #10
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    Yep.
    Or just replace when the time comes.
    I just replaced both headlights in our 2012 4Runner, The Originals weren't really that bad, but one was finally taking on moisture.

    Only had to keep an eye on the marketplace for a couple weeks before picking up a pair of 3-year-old OEMs for $150 bucks.

    $150 bucks and and a couple hours of my time beats 13 years of obsessing over two pieces of plastic..
     
  11. Feb 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
    #11
    Admiral Snackbar

    Admiral Snackbar Well-Known Member

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    this is the play. Do the fogs too
     
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  12. Feb 26, 2025 at 6:18 PM
    #12
    Methadras

    Methadras Well-Known Member

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    Just do it the right way and buff it out with Novus.
     
  13. Feb 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
    #13
    Rainoffire

    Rainoffire Well-Known Member

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    Are there any pre-cut ppf for the headlights?
    My OEM LED have also yellowed and peeled. I wax and ceramic maintain them monthly, and it still ended up fogged over.

    I was told not to PPF them by the pinned Lighting thread, cause they would alter the output of the headlights. Unsure if I regret listening to that advice, cause now I have far worst output and a compromised headlight because of the UV damage.
     
  14. Feb 26, 2025 at 6:53 PM
    #14
    MGMDesertTaco

    MGMDesertTaco Come on, live a little...

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    I think they're all cut to fit. Find a professional shop to do it.
     
  15. Feb 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
    #15
    SloTaco13

    SloTaco13 Well-Known Member

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    Maybe older products/versions of PPF had more issues (10+ years ago?)...However, I didn't notice any different in light output. I'm running PPF on both of my vehicles' headlights and fog lights with zero issues.

    Several online companies offer pre-cut PPF for the headlights and fog lights, but if you don't have experience applying PPF, I would have a professional shop do it.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2025
  16. Feb 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
    #16
    toyotahenry

    toyotahenry N/A

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    either or is good
     
    APG85[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  17. Feb 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
    #17
    forana

    forana Well-Known Member

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    No money, all went to truck...
    It's pretty clear, so I'm not sure how much it would alter output compared to yellowed, hazed headlights. You can still do it, just give it a good polish and then apply vinyl. I didn't use precut, it's so stretchy that I can't imagine getting a precut film on with correct alignment.

    I just applied and then cut edges. I didn't try it but there's a string that you can use to cut the film. It was kind of fun to try something new.
     
  18. Feb 27, 2025 at 10:32 PM
    #18
    rtzx9r

    rtzx9r Well-Known Member

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    This is what I have done on my 2016 and things still look great.
     
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  19. Feb 28, 2025 at 5:06 AM
    #19
    Old goat1914

    Old goat1914 Well-Known Member

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    I realize this is not possible for you, but I have a 2016 that is out of direct sunlight 98% of time and the headlights look almost new. I park with the headlights in the shade outside at home and with the headlights away from the sun when in direct sunlight. My 2009 Nissan Murano (my beater with a heater) gets no such treatment and the headlights look like they have been sandblasted. Just saying...
     
  20. Feb 28, 2025 at 5:22 AM
    #20
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    Just the occasional walmart wax job with the rest of the truck.

    20250228_081953.jpg
     
    APG85[OP] likes this.

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