I have a 2020 GX460 was thinking about putting film on the headlights to ward off future discoloration due to UV, scratches, etc. (I miss glass headlamps). Does anyone have long-term experience with Lamin-X (or other brands) for this purpose? I know several people recommend this film, but I'm wondering how well it actually helps 5 or 10 years later, and what are the real pros and cons. We also have a Cayenne, and Porsche recommends to NOT put protective film on headlights, apparently they feel if the film is removed it can also remove the factory UV coating (not sure if this is really an issue or not). I'm a fan of preventative measures, if they work. I would appreciate anyone's long term experience on this. Thanks.

Lee
2020 GX460

 

Keep it clean. Wipe off the dead bugs every now and then. You will be fine.

 

If you want to actually protect them, yes put the film on. If you want to just believe they are protected then do nothing.

I've had Xpel on a Porsche for years after the make-believe do nothing approach pitted them from rocks and UV turned them yellow. I refinished them and now they've been in the sun for years and look new. Same with the GX I have - headlights and fog lights are done.

 

This can happen, sounds like the Porsche lights have a clear coat.

Are you taking your car to a pro detailer? They do headlights all the time they'll know exactly what to do for a particular vehicle.

 

I just did ppf on the front of 2 cars. It’s true for Porsche they will not do the headlights due to this UV protection. Lexus no problem for the headlights. Stek and suntek are preferred around me. They both give excellent shine just like a fresh paint correction. Both are hydrophobic as well. The stek apparently has a bit stronger adhesive making easier install. I cannot tell the difference on either car by looking at it. These films are far superior then 10 years ago when my last car was done with xpel. That one yellowed significantly and you could see the texture. Not so anymore. PPF also has the advantage of basically hiding swirls and quite a bit of paint issues. It actually does self heal as well.

 

It makes no sense to not do the headlights on a Porsche or any other vehicle because of OEM UV protection. The PPF provides the UV protection AND the impact protection. Porsche wants to sell more headlights down the road.

 

Porsche must have some coating that’s a problem because my installer specifically mentioned they won’t do the headlight. The film will cause damage if it needs to be removed and he has had the coating separate underneath the film even without damage. Strange situation for Porsche. No such issue with Lexus

 

I read that somewhere else too about Porsche. If protection is what one wants it's better to forget the warranty for UV and sand the protection layer off and apply the PPF. I assume most headlights have a UV protection layer because it takes years before headlights yellow normally. I sanded down my 2023 GX headlights shortly after getting it and applied the PPF.

 

Im just glad I dont have to deal with this on the GX, PPF goes on the headlights no issue.

 

the approach depends on the current condition of the assembly. one thing to know is that with HID there is uv hitting the inside. more so with some cheap bulbs.
if the insides are toast then you can bake the assembly and swap the lens itself.

 

Maybe Porsche should use a better clear coat so it doesn't peel off.

 

whenever you wash your car after drying them wipe on some aero303 and wipe off any residual with a microfiber to ward of uv concerns.

 

I wouldn't bother. I have a 2014 that's only just now starting to show the slightest yellowing on some small sections after 10 years of parking outside. Doing a quick polish in 10 years will be easier than applying any kind of PPF.

 

Polishing headlights is not easier than applying PPF. It's about $100-$150 to get both headlights done with 10yr warranty film. Peel and apply new when the time comes. and you will have original headlights without having to polish.

 

Once the acrylic starts to break down it accelerates you'll be polishing all the time.