New Headlight UV Protectant

I'm swapping out to the OEM LEDs from halogens and figured i should put some sort of protectant on them before installation to prevent hazing in the future...I searched but couldn't really find anything recent on the subject. What's the best out there now? Meguiar's Headlight Coating? 303 Aerospace? Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit (the headlights will be brand new, so maybe just use the final step wipe)?

 

I've seen a lot of positive feedback on the Cerakote. I've bought the kit, but it got too cold before I could give it a try.

 

Do it right....have PPF installed and you wont have to worry about it. Mine has a 10 yr warranty on it.

 

PPF is what, polyurethane? I have it on all my vehicles.

- Volvo has got Weathertech. Extremely thick, extremely painful to apply, because of curvature of the lens. Few years forward, sun did it job: the film is not as transparent as it used to be. Upper edge of the film started to oxidize glue, which appears similarly to clear coat separating from the paint. Looks crappy, reduces light transmission, really serves no purpose
- Tundra got 3M. Thinner, easier to install. It is all scratched, because I put it for pushing through the bushes Will be easier to peel than Weathertech and install a new one
- Sequoia got 3M as well, but I cut it, so it covers only the flat portion of the headlights. You can't tell if it has anything applied. Works well protecting from debris and bugs

Before COVID Tundra's LED headlight was like $200+. Compare to $1200/piece for old Volvo... I wouldn't do anything if not offroading and just replace them when time comes. Keep in mind, LED degrades over time as well, so they'll be dimmer and dimmer.

Also all films reduce light transmission. Be prepared there will be less light down the road, and it will be less white (PU takes some of bluish hue out).

 

yeah, it's cold here and they're off the truck, so I figure let me figure out what I'm doing and do it right while it's off the truck and i can just put it in the house

 

seems like you'd be a good person to listen to considering you're on your second set of morimotos, haha... what brand PPF did you go with and any particular reason for deciding that brand? what can i expect to pay? does the company or installer warranty the product of there's a claim?

I don't know anything about PPF, i just googled it real quick when I read your post, so anything you want to add would be great... thanks

 

good point about cost for replacement, that's why i asked George what to expect to pay so i can weigh that out vs oem cost... what does the warranty cover? would 3M warranty the scratches or is only for hazing? you did the tundra lights yourself or took it somewhere?

thanks for taking the time with your lengthy response, i appreciate it

 

Did it myself.

Can advise to use a thinner film, like 3M, and cover only a front flat part of the lens. Much easier and gives the most needed protection. Going around the edges and curves is 90% of pain.