4 Best Ways to Protect Headlights From UV Damage

Key Takeaways:

• Headlights, primarily made of plastic, are vulnerable to UV damage, leading to reduced efficiency and a cloudy appearance.
• The best protection methods include ceramic coatings, headlight protection films, UV clear coats, and shaded parking.
• Using sunscreen on headlights is discouraged due to its ineffectiveness and its tendency to attract dirt.

Most headlight lenses, according to AAA, are made of plastic. Although this material offers numerous benefits, it's still vulnerable to sunlight. When plastic is exposed to UV rays, it deteriorates layer by layer.

The UV damage penetrates deeper and deeper, making the lenses less effective. Damaged lenses begin to absorb the blue light from your headlights, causing them to appear dimmer and more yellow.

You can identify sunlight damage on a headlight by its cloudiness and yellowing. These effects can reduce your headlight’s efficiency by almost 80%.

Thankfully, there are methods to protect your headlights from sun exposure and damage.

Here are the TOP-4 measures to shield your headlights from the sun:

#1 Ceramic Coating

One of the most renowned products for UV protection is the ceramic coating. Essentially, it's a liquid polymer that you can apply to the lens. This coating chemically bonds with the surface, forming a protective shield.

This layer safeguards the headlights not only from UV light but also from other harsh elements. It stands as a formidable alternative to car wax and various sealants.

Owing to its molecular structure, the ceramic coating provides a flawlessly smooth surface. Dirt and snow merely slide off it, ensuring your headlights remain clean.

Another significant advantage of this product over car waxes is its ability to prevent headlight yellowing. The ceramic coating acts as the outer barrier that faces the external aggressors, preserving the clarity of your plastic lenses.

It's also more long-lasting than wax. A quality coating, depending on conditions, can endure between 1-3 years. This duration is influenced by how frequently you use your car and the level of your headlights' exposure to external elements. Parking in an enclosed garage can extend its lifespan.

#2 Headlight Protection Film

This protective film can be either transparent or tinted. Ensure your state permits tinted films on headlights before purchasing.

These films are typically composed of a urethane-based material. Despite its thinness, the film is incredibly durable. Many drivers utilize it not only for UV protection or aesthetic customization but also to shield their headlights from debris and minor impacts.

The film doesn't need to be tinted to offer UV protection to your headlights. It doesn’t function like sunglasses for humans. So, there's no concern in opting for a completely transparent film.

It's an economical choice. Investing in this film ensures protection from yellowing, UV rays, and physical harm. Additionally, these films possess excellent water-repelling properties, causing water droplets to bead and roll off effortlessly.

Headlight Protection Film Brands

Brand	Description
XPEL	High-quality with clarity and durability.
3M Scotchgard	Well-respected with reliable protection.
Lamin-X	Tinted options for customization and protection.

#3 UV Clear Coat for Headlights

Of course, special clear coats are formulated primarily for UV protection. But in addition to the harmful UV rays, they also shield headlight lenses from oxidation and environmental damage. Typically, this type of protection lasts for a year or so.

It's much easier to apply than most other options. It often comes with a restoration and protection kit.

#4 Indoor Parking

If you want to ensure that your stock headlight coating, or whatever you apply to the headlights, lasts, there are ways to do that. Whenever your headlights are exposed to the sun, their plastic lenses slowly deteriorate. Thus, you need to minimize both the exposure time and intensity.

You'd be surprised how much careful parking can help. Ensure you park your car in shaded areas or in a closed garage. This not only prevents potential damage but also offers additional benefits.

When you park your car away from direct sunlight, it also benefits from better temperature regulation because the surface doesn't overheat. Additionally, it's less likely to get bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental deposits.

How to Prevent Sun Damage to My Headlights?

Stock headlights often come with a special UV-protection coating. The UV rays must penetrate this coating before they can reach the lens and cause damage.

This coating can last for some time, but prolonged exposure to sunlight, maintenance errors, and other factors can accelerate its deterioration. That's why I recommend using UV protection, even with a new car. It will prevent your lenses from becoming cloudy and dull.

To prevent sun damage to your headlights, remember these three things. First, whenever possible, park away from direct sunlight. This not only shields your headlights from UV rays but also helps maintain your car's overall condition.

Second, never overlook UV protection products. Ceramic coatings, special films, waxes, etc., can make a significant difference. Most are easy to apply and don't require special tools. They'll ensure your headlights stay clear and shiny for years.

Last but not least, regular maintenance is crucial. Keeping your headlights clean and free of physical damage is essential. Any breach in the protective layer allows UV rays to penetrate and degrade the plastic.

Best Products Against UV Damage to Headlights

We've combed through shops and forums to bring you top product recommendations to protect your headlights from harmful UV rays. This list is just a starting point, but these brands have solid reputations. The products highlighted here are all worth considering.

If you're unsure where to begin, start with one of these.

UV Protection Product Overview

Product Name	Description	Price Range
Transparent Vinyl Film	A thick film placed on the lens for moderate protection against UV damage.	$60- $70
Eagle One's "Nevr-Dull"	Keeps headlights shiny and clean.	$8-12
Zaino Z-2 Pro	Seals plastic pores; provides equivalent SPF 50 protection against sun damage.	$20-30
Meguiar's Step 3 Yellow Carnauba Wax	Recommended by professionals for UV protection.	$15-20
Ventureshield Paint Protection Film	Acts as a protective layer between the lens and atmosphere, guarding against UV and other damage.	N/A
General Car Wax	Regular wax that can be applied to lenses to prevent UV damage.	$15
Aerospace303	It is known for its high SPF rating, providing effective UV protection.	$20-24

7 Steps to Restore UV-Damaged Headlight Lenses

When the damage has already been done, you can always try to fix things yourself. Here's how you can restore your headlights after UV damage.

1. Clean the headlight to remove dirt and product buildup.
2. Mask off the area around the headlight with masking tape. This will prevent scratches.
3. Use 400 grit sandpaper dipped in water to sand the headlight surface in a back-and-forth motion. Then, switch to 1000 grit while the lenses are still wet. And finally, polish with a 2000 grit sandpaper for a finer finish.
4. After you're done with sandpaper, take a microfiber cloth, apply a polishing paste or toothpaste and polish the headlight vigorously in a circular motion until the lenses become clear. Rinse it off.
5. Wipe the headlights with rubbing alcohol or a plastic surface preparer for better adherence.
6. And apply a UV-resistant clear coating according to instructions.
7. Now you can finally unmask and clean any remaining materials.

Can Sunscreen Protect Headlights From Sun Damage?

I would not recommend using sunscreen on headlights instead of on your face. This product is formulated for human skin only. It will not help plastic lenses whatsoever.

On the contrary, it is too runny and greasy. If you cover your headlights with sunscreen, they will accumulate a lot of dirt. It's just too messy and not worth it.