LS430Lexus

A relative has an '03 LS with crystal clear headlights. He has never had them buffed, polished or cleaned in any way. The headlights in my '02 LS get foggy and my body shop buffs them out every year. Not a big deal but curious as to why some have the issue and others don't.

LS430inDE.

Could be any number of factors. However, if all factors were the same, I'd bet that most, if not nearly all, would be identical through their aging characteristics.

So, for starters, the 1st thing that comes to my mind is, does the relative garage his 430? Do you?

Has he ever had his headlights "buffed, polished, or cleaned in any way"? You have. The 1st time you had it done, depending on the quality of the sealant, their buff job could last months to maybe even a couple years? There are dozens of chemicals & companies that claim to have the best headlight polishing/cleaning/buffing formula.

How often does he wash the LS and what does he use (ie Dawn dishwashing soap <--horrible for cars, Turtle Wax All-in-1, Mothers, local gas station drive-thru carwash, etc?) How often do you, and what do you use?

In my experience on 'cleaning' headlights, I've had EXCELLENT experience with WIPE NEW. However, I didn't use it on my LS (yet). I used it on my gf's 2006 Honda Accord about 3 months ago. Still looks 'wet' to this day. She parks it in her garage and I wash about 1x month. Took about 1 hour of labor per each headlight and WOW what a difference. It went from a typical semi-cloudy lens to literally crystal clear plastic that looks 'wet'. The stuff is incredible. I'll most definitely use it on the LS when it's due. I got it for $18 on Amazon I believe. Again, I will use again without hesitation. Wipe New did an amazing job. I'd suggest you use it, but don't let anyone 'BUFF' your headlights from that point forward! Just normal washing!

Jabberwock

Exposure to UV rays damages the plastic and makes it cloudy. To keep clear avoid exposure to UV rays by 1) garaging the car as much as possible 2) keep the lens clean and coated with UV protectant (can be waxed or use something like 303 Aerospace Protectant Spray).

When buying a used car if the headlight lens are cloudy you can almost be certain the car spent very little time being garaged.

Tom57

Headlights get damaged by the high winds and dirt particles that hit the plastic lens as you drive. Highway miles (high speed) is more abrasive on your headlight lens. (The rear tail light lens don't get yellow foggy since they are not exposed to the harsh winds as the front end is.) The plastic lens gets scratched and dirt gets into the plastic. The thin protective layer on the plastic lens is scrubbed away allowing sunlight (UV rays) to do its damage as well. Use 2500 grit wet sandpaper and water spray to wet sand clean your headlight lens yourself. Then use a product like Wipe New (or similar lens sealers).

volson

I like the sylvania kit on amazon. It has a great uv sealer. It is all done by hand too. I use it now and it makes the headlights look clear and new once you get a good feel for the wet sanding. apply the uv coat like paint do not wipe it in circles.

aypues

it's all UV damage. not so much rock chipping or whatever. once you get them sanded down and clear again you HAVE to put a UV protectant on it or else it will be back that way within a few months. I had a company install Xpel film over my headlights and PCS sensor....they are still totally clear 8 months later and it has a 10 year warranty.

lextout

could be a tiny pin hole in one of the gaskets around the lens allowing moisture in, or its just that the thin uv protector coat over lens has worn out due to inproper upkeep (monthly wax on lens)

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

This is what use. Put a coat on every 3 months or so.