I've been really happy with my '08 TL-S, under 100k miles and I plan to keep it a few more years since it's had so few issues. When I take it to the touchless car wash I can get it looking nearly brand new except for the headlights. I've been using the Sylvania restoration kit every year since it doesn't require power tools, but the inside edges still always show a bit of yellowing and the headlights tend to get yellow and foggy again before the year's up.

Any much longer lasting kits or methods? I've considered replacing the headlights' housing depending on the cost. Ballpark maybe $750 for OEM housing replacement and installation? Might seem like a bit much to spend on an already 10+ year old car, but I can't see myself being any happier, and certainly not saving more money, buying a newer car. This car has been wonderful otherwise.

Any help appreciated!

 

UV Ray's are super harmful for everything...

To keep your head light housing from yellowing, keep it out of the sun.

 

Or put in some new aftermarket units:

• https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...ics%5D-974372/

 

I used turtle wax rubbing compound, then turtle wax polishing compound, then put a coat of wax over it. its been about 8 months since doing it and they still look fine. Total cost was about $15 and the containers last a long time. i have done my friends 03 civic but they were so far gone that it didn't really work as well. the amount of time in between sessions could be different depending on where you live, park your car, or how much you wash it. If you are lucky and have a scrap yard near you with a TL that was in a rear end accident and the headlights are sill okay, that might be a good option.

 

Don't park your car in the sun and it helps a lot.

 

I've had the same question as you, I know how to fix it, how do I keep it looking new?

I'm glad to see everyone has such useful information for you.... I really like the part where one person echos another.

Those are always helpful welcoming comments.





if your like me, I use my cars, but I also do my best to preserve it, so i'm constantly looking for the best ways to protect it, not shelter it.

The two things I've thought about doing, but haven't

I would look for a plastic ceramic coat, maybe reach out to ceramic pro and or ck-quarts?
as I've had good very good results using the body applications. I have not tried this on my headlights though.
https://ceramic-pro.com/en/shop/prod...oduct/plastic/


or I remember seeing a fix from the infamous chris fix it, by using a clear coat after sanding, available at a local store.


hope that helps!

 

Lamin-X or some other sort of headlight film is likely the best way to keep it new looking.

 

this is the answer. i bought these off amazon in 2015 https://www.carid.com/xpel/clear-hea...mpn-h1220.html. put them on after i used a headlight restoration kit. haven't touched it since and it looks awesome still. and i park it in the sun all the time

 

2K automotive clear coat after wet-sanding and polishing is the only real permanent solution.

 

It's the sand on the roads, it wears off the factory UV protection. Ever notice the tail lights are never affected from the sun, just the headlights? I polished mine, then applied a 3m clear bra material 2 years ago. Still looks like new. Do not ever try spraying clear coat, I tried the UV resistant kind. It yellowed and started flaking, then had to spend a lot of time removing it. Never tried 2k clear coat, but the 3m film has worked and should never need replacement.

 

Weathertech sells a headlight film/protector, has anyone tried theirs?

 

Either over lay or use good sealant like opti lens and keep up with the maint that sealant coating. clear coat is all good until its flake and you will be swearing trying to remove the clear coat.

 

I think people are mixing up junk Walmart 2X Rustoleum $3/can clear coats with the 2-part catalyst-hardening automotive clear coats. A quality 2K clear coat is the same stuff used on your vehicle's paint and that lasts many years if not longer.

I used on my headlights 18 months ago and my headlights look absolutely new. Preparation before applying the clear coat is crucial and I removed both headlights and wet sanded them before applying a clear coat.