What do you use on headlights?

A

andysat

Lifer
Hi all,washed the zed yesterday and noticed when wet the headlights are lovely and clear,but when dried off they seem to dull up,any tips on products to keep them clear?-thanks
 
Sounds like you've got a protective film stuck over them. I had the same on my Elise. If so nothing to be done apart from removing the film.
 
Try metal polish, Solvol Autosol works well. I used it on mine to remove some yellowing and dullness. Try to keep it off the paint though.
 
My headlights were dull when I got the Zed. I used Megs PlastX on them and they are crystal clear now. Good stuff :thumbsup:
 
Stick to proper products. Metal polish is for metal - suprisingly.

You can get special plastic cleaner and polish. Ideally use it on a rotary or random polisher at low speeds (to avoid heat build up) and they will come up like new.

I use Meguairs Cleaner and polish (numbers 17 & 10)
 
Yep, metal polish is for metal, but some of the plastic polishes use very similar ingredients. I've even seen Solvol sold on the internet as plastic polish. Anyways it works well, it's cheap and some people will already have some in the garage. Just trying to help!
 
There's a thread on Detailingworld I think about using toothpaste. Only the ones with abrasives work apparently. I have tried this and it requires lots of paste and lots of elbow grease for not a lot of result. However, ever since led watches came into fashion in the 70's people have used metal polish to get fine scratches out of plastic. Duraglit wadding was the favourite for watch faces and can be effective on CD/DVD's.
 
grayboots said:
Yep, metal polish is for metal, but some of the plastic polishes use very similar ingredients. I've even seen Solvol sold on the internet as plastic polish. Anyways it works well, it's cheap and some people will already have some in the garage. Just trying to help!
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Sure - almost all polishes just contain and abrasive of some degree and various solvents. The problem is how aggressive they are and if the solvent does other damage.

The main problem with headlights is the plastic is quite soft and easy to damage. I'm fortunate to have half a dozen Z4 headlights in the garage and even tested one by using fine grade wet and dry to remove a scratch and then polish it to a finish and it works. Trouble is for most people they tend to be too rough and the end result can be £700 per light to get them replaced :thumbsdown: Better safe than sorry
 
Use Chemical Guys Jet Seal. Amazing product so easy to use and your headlights stay fresh forever. Can be use on the whole car, glass and wheels. Get it in your life .
 
gannet said:
sure I read somewhere that toothpaste is pretty good on headlights :?
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Only a mild abrasive but works well. Used by many detailers to erradicate minor light issues.
 
I used auto glym paint renovator the other day - it's not plastic polish but it made my lights look better then they ever have before. Plus it's safe to get on your paint :thumbsup:
 
Lime prime / lite version, need for speed, AG srp should all work well in livening them up.
 
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