My experience with the 3M headlight cleaning kit

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by donibm

How to keep it from coming back? Simple answer is to clean them everytime you wash. Most ppl don't bother with thier glass (headlights, windows, mirrors) but I do and none of my cars have that issue.

What do you mean by cleaning? I clean them often on my e53 and e36 and both have had issues. Cleaning alone will not prevent the issue.

[duboy]

Originally Posted by FSETH

What do you mean by cleaning? I clean them often on my e53 and e36 and both have had issues. Cleaning alone will not prevent the issue.

Yeah I am pretty anal about my cleaning also fseth. I run over everything when it comes to washing/cleaning. I never forget my glass or headlights.

We have a 2002 ranger that stays outside all the time, and is lucky to get washed once every 2 years. The plastic housings are still crystal clear. I think a huge part of it is materials.

Well I have a full array of weapons to fight the haze, I think I will be in good shape for the future.

[donibm]

Originally Posted by FSETH

What do you mean by cleaning? I clean them often on my e53 and e36 and both have had issues. Cleaning alone will not prevent the issue.

The haze builds up ont eh OUTSIDE of the vehicle. So, I'd imagine that the haze is due to a lack of OR improper care. Sometimes, using dissolved vinegar helps keep the gunk away.

I guess the most important thing to do is find otu WHAT CAUSES THE HAZE. Once you find that out, you can take measures to prevent it.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I've been meaning to do my almost-100,000 mile worn headlights. Thanks for the inspiration to finally do it. I think I'm going to try the CV Chemicals kit. It seems easier and has some good endorsements here.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by donibm

The haze builds up ont eh OUTSIDE of the vehicle. So, I'd imagine that the haze is due to a lack of OR improper care. Sometimes, using dissolved vinegar helps keep the gunk away.

I guess the most important thing to do is find otu WHAT CAUSES THE HAZE. Once you find that out, you can take measures to prevent it.

Sunlight (UV rays) debris hitting the lens (causing pitting) acid rain, dirt, etc. is what I have read causes the hazing. Proper maintenance probably does make them last longer, but it is hard to really protect from UV rays and debris unless you use some type of film protector.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

I've been meaning to do my almost-100,000 mile worn headlights. Thanks for the inspiration to finally do it. I think I'm going to try the CV Chemicals kit. It seems easier and has some good endorsements here.

I used the CV product about two years ago and I am now beginning to see some hazing again. I will probably use it again though as $20 and 30 minutes to 1 hour every 2 years doesn't seem too bad.

[rooroo]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Sunlight (UV rays) debris hitting the lens (casing pitting) acid rain, dirt, etc. is what I have read causes the hazing. Property maintenance probably does make them last longer, but it is hard to really protect from UV rays and debris unless you use some type of film protector.

Lack of cleaning is not the cause of the haze. I also tend to put the blame on UV exposer and the "sandblasting" that the headlights endure on the roads at high speeds. Having a garage does wonders to keep the lenses from hazing. My neighbor just traded in her X, (garage kept and city driving only) same year as my X but the lens looked brand new!
I think the vinyl lens covers that are sold out there would help keep the hazing from occurring as they are filter out the UV rays and protect from debris.

[jst2878]

Get a pair of headlight film Protestant and they will stay that clean forever. Xpel.com

[X5Dawg]

My headlights look identical to your "before" pics - I have go to do this.

Good job!!

[PersonaNonGrata]

I finally decided to do my now 104,000 mile 2002 headlights with the 3M kit. They have never been polished nor replaced. (Well, one was replaced very early on under warranty.) I opted for the 3M kit since I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway. The 3M kit (without tape) was $15 from Amazon.

I think the results are good. There is a dramatic difference between the before and after. I am happy with the results. I got better photos of the passenger side so here are some from that light. (They are iPhone 4 photos. Sorry but that's what was handy.)

Before:





After:





To be honest, the after photos look a bit better than the reality. They are definitely better and much more clear but they are not as clear as they were when new. I sort of expected better results but I might have been a bit unrealistic. I think the results are great for lenses that are over 9 years old, with 104,000 miles behind them, and live in constant sunlight and heat.

I was concerned with burning the plastic with too much pressure or speed from sanding but I think that I could have used a little more pressure and a little faster rotation. The 3M polishing compound is decent but I wound up using some Menzerna polish and that worked better.