I just installed new headlights on my 1999 ES300. They are crystal clear and I want to keep them that way. What should I use to keep them clean? Windex? Water? Metal polish?

 

Three common ways people tackle that problem. It's not cleaning them that matters over the long run, it's protecting them. The lens material is cheap plastic that does not stand up to environmental damage (UV).

1) Wax it periodically to get some UV protection on it. Have to keep up with it, just like paint.

2) Spray them periodically with Aeorspace 303. People in the sunbelt swear by this stuff for their boats, car dashes, etc. Supposed to work great; I have no experience.

3) Apply a clear plastic film which will give the added bonus of rock chip protection. Get brand name stuff; the cheap stuff on Amazon and ebay is worthless (ask me how I know). Replace it when it wears out/clouds, etc.

 

If the headlights are new, we highly recommend installing a protective film on it. We done tried them all, and they're all smoke and mirrors. By far the only true permanent solution to maintaining clean headlights. Usually it comes with a 5 year warranty, so even if you don't take care of the film, you can easily take it off and install a new one.

We install it on every headlight we service.

 

+ 1 for protective film. I have them on my ES since its new and it hasn't faded, chipped yet. I believe it is 3M but can't remember that 18 years later!.

Did the same on LS, went with Xpel. One can't go wrong with 3M, Xpel or other branded ones.

 

I installed PPF on my headlights when I picked up my Tacoma in 2007. At the time, the only pre-cut kits available did not cover the entire light (it was also a two piece kit - films and kits were different 10 years ago). This film is 10+ years old and you can see where the light is covered and where it isn't. I could peel the film off the covered portion and it would be as good as new. 100% worth getting your lights done.

 

I had mine wrapped in a light blue vinyl film. It makes it look clear and stays that way:

 

Ouch, did you get heat stress on the lenses? Not sure if you're a pro, but we never, ever, ever, ever point the heat gun directly on the lens as it causes heat stress on the plastic and is pretty much irreversible.

 

We are actually the California Training Center for 3M PPF. Unfortunately, that little blister happened during a training session/open house while that side of the car was unsupervised.