Has anyone tried or is it even advisable to put Rain-X (or equivalent) on the headlight lense of their F-150?

S.E. Michigan loves it's roads salted to the extreme and the crap builds up on the headlight lense. I'm hoping to minimize, erradicate or just plain slow that build up.

 

Moved to General Care...

 

I think there was a thread somewhere at one time that discussed this...

As I recall, folks recommended to NOT do it because of the chemical characteristics of the Rain-X product being, somewhat, not chemically compatible with the plastic headlight material.

RP

 

Rain-X will destroy the antiscratch coating and should be avoided, same goes /w polish and any harsh cleaners like windex ba ba ba
You can put a UV transparent car sealer on lens

Talk about headlight lens here is a links for headlight lens protection/cleaning

StonGard Light Kits
http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/sg...ls.asp?id=4689

Automotive lighting FAQ - Headlamp Front Lenses
http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/hl-front-lenses.htm

 

That's correct RockPick. I used to put it on my mustang headlights. they turned hazy and yellow after a few months.

 

Try using Plexus plastic polish. My .02

 

I really need to do some cosmetic work to my stang in the spring. I can buy the 6 piece light set for about $120. but the paint is pretty sad, I might just get it repainted.

 

Plexus is darn good stuff and I keep it in my kit but, I never really found it to remove many scratches or swirls. I, however, love it as a pure plastic polish.

If you have scratches and such in the plastic, I'd highly recommend a product from Meguiar's called PLASTX. It's very cheap (only like $4) and works VERY well (better than their plastic polishes/cleaners from the professional line in my opinion). Also, as an alternative, I've read that Mother's makes a plastic polish that is pretty good stuff although, I've never tried it.

RP

 

This may be a bit more involved than this thread - but if you've got UV damage to your lenses (looks milky/opaque) or yellow tinge, I strongly recommend this product:

http://www.lensrenew.com/headlight_lens_polish.htm

I did my wife's minivan lights yesterday, and it made them crystal clear! They started out looking like they had overspray on them - and were severely impaired. The end result was far better than anything I could have expected.

Much cheaper than new lenses.

 

I dont think that would work because it is not meant to keep salt or crap off. It makes it beed up not keep it away. Plus the chemicals will probablly eat away the chemicals.

 

earlier i meant the chemicals will probablly eat away the plastic.

 

I just put RainX on my headlamp and turn lenses. No damage yet.

What do you suppose I should do? Try to remove the RainX (good luck)?

Got any thoughts?

Tom

 

I, personally, don't think that there's any reason to fret. I just wouldn't make a habit out of putting it on the lenses.

RP

 

Although it was originally designed for metal polishing, Simichrome polish works wonders on headlight lenses. We have Rangers for our fleet trucks, and after 4 or 5 years, they haze over so badly, they could be confused with lenses covered with salt spray. Eastwood sells a kit for revamping lenses, and the compound in the kit is Simichrome. Works great for buffing plastic mugs too, like the calender girl mugs the tool dealers hand out .

SL

 

Rain-X is a waste of money. All in the name of anti-fogging and water repelling. Here's the cheaper way to do it:

1. Anti-fogging: keep the windows on the inside of your car clean. If they do start to fog up do not wipe it away! Use the defroster to dehumidify the interior and you will be just fine.

2. Water repelling: wax your windows and headlight lenses. When you wax your truck (or car) put a coat on the windshield too. After the first few times you won't need to do it for a while. When you drive water will bead up and roll right off. I hardly use my wipers unless I'm following an 18-wheeler or it's pouring.

As for the yellowing lenses, you're never going to get them back. I ended up picking up a set of lenses at a junkyard for about 30% of what a dealer wanted. Also, I've switched to Sylvania Superstars and now my headlights have new life and I can actually see the road at night now.