So far, the headlights on my 1992 have not gone yellow and opaque. But sooner or later, UV is going to kill the plastic.

Does anyone know of a UV protection spray or sheet that can be applied to the headlight lenses?

Just like a sunscreen for your car.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Doug Harvey

Doug,

all headlight plastic lenses don't turn yellow or hazy.

I begin to suspect that any chemical, carwash soap, wax or cleaner is doing harm. I do not beleive UV has anything to do with yellowing lenses either; as long as original protection is there.

Here is my experience:

- My 240-1991 has been under the sun since it is new, no garage or carport or tree shade.

- I always wash the car myself using a brush hooked to the garden hose.

- I never used any wax, nor soap or cleaner on the lenses ever.


Yes I think you brought a good point here...

Anybody noticed the same experience?

I have always used a UV protectant wax (carnauba based if possible) to keep the headlights in check.

They can be brought back around if they start to yellow, but the best protection is to keep them waxed frequently, and keep the UV rays reflecting as long as possible. The factory lights came prepped with a UV coating, but like a lot of other automakers, time and elements ruined it.
--
Chris Herbst
1992 745, 68k

And others:
93 944, 150k
90 245, 110k
88 744, 160k
87 245, 185k

Have you got any suggestions for waxes? That sounds like a good idea. Do all the waxes give UV protection?

Greg

You and I are at the mercy of the wax companies!

Personally, I think any non-silicone wax is better than nothing. I usually use Meguiars Gold Class (paste version) which seems to work pretty well. I've noticed that some waxes say that they are "UV protectant". Usually the clearcoat-safe waxes.
--
Chris Herbst
1992 745, 68k

And others:
93 944, 150k
90 245, 110k
88 744, 160k
87 245, 185k

Just a quick question:

In Europe we use ordinary glass lenses. They never fade or go Yellow.

What is the idea behind the plastic stuff? Can you not get some plane glass ones and fit those? I am planning on bringing a set over to Houston for a friend of mine. Assuming they fit, there should not be a problem right?

Reg,

Jorn

The plastic lenses are cheaper and meet our idiotic DOT standards for "illumination", an oxymoron. For protection, you can't beat www.stongard.com: expensive but worth it.