Protecting headlights

I just got a new set of retrofitted headlights, and i want to protect the lenses from oxidation. Is there a wax or coating i can apply? can i use any old wax or polish?

 

Here are a couple to check out: (I'd imagine the Wolfgang is similar to the less expensive Meguiars that I use)

This is the only one I've used, and I like it, but it needs to be reapplied every month or so. The above are all wipe on wipe off.

This is going to be the most durable (a "coating"). Optimum is good stuff. I'd love to try it, as I'm sure it works as advertised, but I'm hesitant to throw down 60 bucks.

I've also read of people having good luck with Xpel film, but application can be tricky. You can also use Aerospace 303, but it's going to be the least durable of all these products. Good stuff but requires frequent application on exterior plastics. Available on Amazon.

People also often use whatever wax or sealer they use on their paint (Meguires Ultimate Liquid is an option- or Menzerna Powerlock). Not gonna hurt anything. I'm sure it works fine (sealer would be better than wax), but I just feel like I get better protection with a product actually marketed for the purpose of plastic UV protection. For the price of the Meguires, why not. It's like $7 and a bottle and it will easily get you through 2-3 years.

 

Awesome exactly what I'm looking for thank you

 

Just keep them clean. If you wash them off often then it will keep the oxidation from occurring as quickly.
Eventually it's going to happen no matter what, but this will help slow the process

 

Once a month I was told.
http://www.mothers.com/02_products/06208.html#&slider1=19

 

http://www.weathertech.com/lampgard

 

@tomwil has another idea i forgot about
My headlights actually have the 3M brand clear cover on them, the person i bought the truck from had it professionally installed, and its awesome!

 

I've been researching and shopping around for some window tint. When I made a decision and set up an appointment I asked the installer the same question as the OP. He told me that the oxidation starts due to all the micro scratches the lenses will get over time. Since mine are pretty much new looking and I want to keep them that way, he recommended that he first polish them up and then would install LLumar self-healing paint protection film over them. Only a 5 yr warranty on film as opposed to lifetime on tint, but should be easily replaceable when needed. I guess only time will tell if I made the right choice.

 

I had Xpel paint protection film installed on my lights right after I bought the truck in '14. Almost 2 years and 40K miles later and they still look like the day I drove it off the lot.

 

FYI- this looks to be an abrasive product. Just a hunch. I'm not saying that's bad. But I wouldn't use it on lenses that are already in tip top shape. For that I'd want non abrasive protection.

 

http://www.mothers.com/02_products/06208.html#&slider1=19

Don't know. Here is the desciption on there web site.

 

Don't waste your money. That is actually going to cause damage as it will remove UV coating on the headlights. Either need to use clear film or a coating.

 

I agree with Ace.

 

O.K.

 

I have always used whatever wax i am using on the paint.

I have done just one headlight and left it like that for a week or so just to see. It does make a little difference

 

A friend of mine has a ranger i forget the year. head light covers look brand new.He says he has always waxed them with regular paste wax. I don't know how often but he is a little ocd.

 

Wax will work but will have to be applied often. There are more permanent solutions out there.

 

I ordered some xpel headlight protection film. Gonna use that and apply wax over the film regularly

 

So the wax won't mess up the film? I've had xpel ppf on my lights for almost two years and have only washed them with soap and water. As I mentioned in another post they still look new.

 

I don't think it will but I don't know for sure. I just don't want them to haze up at all, that's why I'm taking these precautions.

Did you do the xpel install yourself? How was it?