Headlights...to wax or not to wax?

Yeah I know what you meant.

 

Haha okay

 

This.

 

Try some F11 by a company called Topcoat.......wow! I put some on my taco 5 weeks ago and it's still glistening. When it rains it rinses off what little dust has accumulated on the paint. It's awesome stuff!

 

Maybe one day I'll wash and wax my truck. Probably something I should get around to.

 

Yes I'd say wax it. Extends the UV coating of your headlights a long way. Mines wore off (2nd gen) a long time ago, so I have to polish and was once or twice a year. Just remember a little goes a long way. No more than three coats, and keep them light. You just want a slight haze as you apply it, not a big ol' glob.

Chemical Guys makes good stuff, but I'm more of a Meguires person. Either brand will get the job done.

 

I vote wax.

 

Exactly. It's UV that causes the oxidation (yellowing). Use a product that blocks UV and they should stay clear a good long time. 303 keeps the polymers on boats from oxidizing in the sun. Uncovered boats get more UV than outside trucks.

If you don't have a garage, try to park in the shade.

 

Yup, I work 4 miles from their Gardena Headquarters store. Picked up a new Torq polisher and some extra stuff for my older cars. Talk about hook up on stuff.... lots of extra waxes and polishes along with pads to try! They make some amazing stuff and have small trial bottles to try instead of committing to full size $$$ bottles.

 

2nd Gen here - but I do a quick spray wax on the headlights after each wash.

 

The discoloration is caused by microscratches that get dirty over time causing the haze/yellowing

 

Yes, I work for an auto manufacturer. This issue is brought up in headlight discussions.

The actual UV coating is applied at the factory and not a wax or liquid paste that's applied. It's the rainbow-like glaze look all plastic headlight lenses have when new. As it ages from washing, pitting from road debris, and things rubbing on the lens, the micro scratches break the UV barrier over time and with sun, cold, expansion/contraction of the plastic, and other environmental factors, this UV coat barrier gets compromised. One micro scratch gradually gets worse over time like dry cracked skin. If not treated and taken care of, more micro contaminates eventually completely compromise the UV skin and the underlying lens substrate is exposed. All bare clear plastic will yellow when exposed to ultraviolet radiation... Overpolishing new lenses with machines are also bad as it wears and thins the original coating. Hand application is probably best on clean lenses.

Highly recommended thing to do is not rub the lens when they're really dirty or keep up with the externally applied coatings with a UV protectant to coat/ temporarily seal the microscratches, but that's not easy if you actually play with the vehicle in the dirt or use it. Best thing to do ( when the coating has failed and lenses lose their optical clarity for proper light transmission ) is to sand off the affected areas and polish the lens, then apply a two part automotive clear coat for a more permanent solution if new headlight replacement is not feasible. Automotive clears have UV protection. It's not too hard to do... then just polish and apply wax/ sealers like the rest of the vehicle's paint.

 

Chemical Guys is top notch stuff. Definitely not cheap, definitely does not disappoint.

 

Yeah, tried the Chemical guys V36 polish last night with an orange medium pad. It was able to massage out age imperfections on clear coat that the Meguiar's two step paint correction could not. I'm definitely sold on some of their products.

 

but have you tried Zaino? I did a quick Google, most people who have tried both say Zaino is more durable and give away their CG stuff.

 

Always finish up with a white or black pad and V8 final polish for best results. If you have a black or dark paint, their Glossworkz Glaze works really well to get that super deep wet shine. Can you sue it before and after sealant.

 

Not yet but im always looking to try new stuff. Dr. Beasley has some pretty impressive stuff, not cheap though. I usually get that stuff for my exotic car customers. I have a Black Mercedes 1/4 panel in my backyard that I let sit out in the weather to test out waxes and sealants. Maybe ill try this Zaino stuff out

 

It's amazing stuff. A bit complicated to use (you have to mix an additive into the wax before you use it, sorta like an epoxy), but the results are amazing, and it will bead water for a ridiculously long time. Been using for a very long time, I detail customer cars with it and my own personal one (well before I plastidipped it).

Here's the last two I did with zaino. I did windows, trim, plastic, weatherstripping, and paint with both. The red truck was in ROUGH shape. I had to hit with Meguiars ultimate compound first.

 

Yeah, I have to apply the jet sealer and glaze tonight. Polisher and both the black and white pads ready to go. Thanks for the tips! My taco doesn't get this kind of love though.. not yet. I've washed it about 8 times in 10 months. LOL

You run a detail shop?

 

I saw a 2013 Tacoma at Walmart that had yellow tint on his headlights. Bet they don't have the tint to fit our 3rd gens out yet.