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Hi, I have noticed that there is a change in my headlights that's been getting worse. I thought it was something behind the covers, but now that I look at it more closely, it may be the clouding that comes from age or sun exposure. This is a 2012 model. It's parked in a garage on weekdays during working hours, so sun exposure is relatively minimal. I had heard that this might be a warranty issue, and I think I still have a bit of time left on my warranty (the car was purchased CPO). Or, is this just something I need to take care of with one of those kits? Most examples I've seen of this type of wear are more of a consistent cloudiness, while this is seems to be only partial, so I'm not sure what I'm seeing.
Yup, looks like run of the mill UV damage. My 2012's headlights are showing some beginning signs of this too, but they're not this bad...yet.
If you use one of those restoration kits you will have to keep buying them, probably every few months, since the headlights will likely haze over again. Those kits remove the hazed over plastic, but they also remove whatever UV protectant is left on the lights, thus accelerating the hazing process.
Thanks, that's good to know. it sounds like the best route would be replacement, but I imagine that's not cheap.
I wonder if there is a way to repair the damage and then apply a UV coating of some kind?
If anyone recommends a specific kit or method for the restoration, I would love to hear that too.
I think I found an answer in this video. The process this guy uses is professional and more time consuming, but he recommends what to do to protect the results:
Otherwise, you have no UV coating and it will cloud over again quickly.
** The link I provided was supposed to start at 10:52 into the video, but it didn't work on this platform, so you can skip ahead to there to see the part about the coatings. **
I bought the "Wipe New" headlight restoration kit and it worked very well. I used it on my current TSX and also on a previous car that I owned. Used the kit once on each car and has looked good as new since. Shouldn't need to re-do the kit for at least a couple years. I recommend this especially because it is relatively cheap and easy, and the difference was night and day.
This was using a 3M kit that had an attachment to use on a drill. 2010 TSX that unfortunately lives on the street. I'm happy with the results. Been about a year and a half and still looks the same.
Hey briq456, Nice work! I've been restoring headlights, for years, and am also a fan of 3M products, especially the Trizak disc. . Did you (Clear-Coat) the lens? If so, which clear did you use?
Once restored, you should consider headlight protection film. I think 3M is sold under several brand names. I installed pre-cut Lamin-X and have had no crazing or yellowing for seven years. Also installed over the fog lights to prevent cracking.
Once restored, you should consider headlight protection film. I think 3M is sold under several brand names. I installed pre-cut Lamin-X and have had no crazing or yellowing for seven years. Also installed over the fog lights to prevent cracking.
Lamin-X reportedly crazes headlights, so I'd stay away from that. Your local tint/PPF shop should be able to cut you a piece of PPF to fit - and install it.
Wet sand with 800, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 sandpaper (you can skip grits) and fallow with compound then polish. Apply a sealant or ceramic after wiping with IPA. Will take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.
I used the 3 M kit before, but haze kept coming back every 6-8 months
sanded, meguiars polish compound, IPA wipe, and then sealed it. It should hopefully last a year and half to 2, as I used this method kn a e39, and its been almost a year and has stayed perfect
I just did mine last weekend. Used 2000 grit, polish, and Rust Oleum Universal High Gloss clear.
Here is the before:
And a comparison:
And after:
I did three coats of clear for each and the second one (right side) turned out better, but that's just due to my poor spray painting abilities. I'll keep an eye on how they hold up, but they look pretty good for now
So, is this cloudiness/haze normal for TSX's? Do we have to constantly be doing this or once in a while and if so how often would you recommend? Which is your preference? My car is sometimes in the heat and humidity here in Texas and other times in a carport.
06-21-2018, 04:44 PM
