ajay60610

Noticed that on my 2009 RX-350 AWD [119,500 miles] that the two[2] front headlight plastic lenses seems to be getting so dirty that i'm wondering if other drivers will be able to see my car head on.....is there any way to clean the plastic lenses...headlights work fine...not really dirt that i'm seeing but looks rather like a fog of some type....thanks for helping.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

What you are seeing is the effects of sun on plastic over the years, hazing and in some cases crazing. You really can't clean it (if so, you would have already done it) and really need to sand, buff, then clear coat it. 3M sells a "headlight restoration kit" at Walmart for $20 without the clear coat. You can get the Dupi-color kit with the clear online. But you must clear coat it or it was haze/craze again and fast. I've done it to many Toyota's and they last for years. My new RX isn't due yet but when it is, i'll be ready.

ajay60610

Thanks for helping.

ajay60610

Lexus dealer wants to charge me $129 plus tax to do the front headlight restoration...didn't know it was that involved a process....did it take you long to do your cars?

cdnewton

I used the WipeNew Headlight restore product @ Wal-Mart ... it was about $10 ... not sure how long it will last, but for 30 mins work, it was worth it to try it out.

After




Before

takeshi74

To properly correct this the area around the headlights has to be masked to protect the paint and the headlight has to be sanded, polished & re-sealed. It is time consuming depending on the care taken, shape of the headlights, amount of yellowing, number of passes, etc. Your dealership probably also charges a premium as many tend to do for various services. You may want to shop around. Check for reviews for companies that offer this service, ask for recommendations, etc.

've done this myself on one of our cars using what I think was the kit in the second video on this page (2 dry sanding passes, 1 wet & sealer):
http://3mauto.com/products/headlight...d-sanding.html
but I'd consider using a reputable company especially if it was the middle of summer here in Houston. It's not difficult IMO, just tedious even with a power tool. I didn't have the car long enough to vouch for the sealer that comes with the 3M kit but I suspect it's not quite as durable as an actual clear coat with UV protection.

With our RX our headlights were replaced under the condensation warranty program so both are still fairly new.

RX469

iTrader: (1)

So you like the outcome with using the Dupli-color Clear?

numbafree

I bought my 2005 RX330 with 164k miles on it, and the thing I disliked the most was the hazed over headlight lenses. My RX has HID which means you need the servo motors (the headlights move when you corner), which is only on the OEM headlight housings. Ebay used. I am very happy with both of the used OEM replacement lenses. IMO, even if you do try the plastic cleaner stuff, it won't ever look as good as if you had replaced the housing.

good luck.

nwfsnake

If the headlights are just starting to haze, Meguire's Plastic-X works well and is fast. I redo mine about every 3 months. Only takes about 1 minute per headlight and they look like new when I am finished. The others are correct though, if the headlights have not been polished regularly then the sand/polish/clear method will need to be accomplished.

mylexbaby

I used the same a few months back and it's still holding up well despite being parked out in the sun most days. This kit is easy, the sanding block is a good one, and it comes with sealant, which is the equivalent of the 'clearcoat' that others mention here. The sealant is enough for more than the headlights, so I thoroughly washed off the taillights and used the sealant on them too.
I suspect that the protective final coat is key, and it's important not to wait too long because of the risk that the haze is on the inside surface and so essentially unreachable.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Yes but in conjunction with the 3M restoration kit. The Dupi says "no power tools needed" which is BS to me. But the 3M doesn't come with the clear coat so the dupi excelled at that.