What is out there to protect the headlights to prevent them from becoming hazy and cloudy over the life of the truck? I have read some threads that use clear bra on their headlights while getting the hood done. Are there any other options if you just want to do the headlights? Would like to keep the headlights nice and clear for the life of the truck as best as I can.

 

I used LaminX on my old truck for the fogs. It was ok. Other options are XPel/3M. For this one I just wax the headlights when I wax the truck, used the polish that comes in the orange bottle (drawing a blank on the name) it even got rid of some of the haze on my dads truck

 

I had a clear bra installed on the front. Added the headlights for $50.

 

I've gone with the headlight protection from WeatherTech. Protects from UV and also abrasive wear from driving. I found it make it easier to clean bugs off and easy to install, IF you follow the directions.

 

Which product did you use? The carnauba gel wax?

 

I put LaminX on the headlights and fogs. Been on about a year now and still looks like new. I went with light smoke on the heads and yellow on the fogs.

 

I used their Lampgard Headlight Protection. You do need to follow the instructions which says to an alcohol/water mix and keep your hands wet.

While they take a bit of care to install, I've been happy with them. I'm on a 5K vacation trip and they have been easy to clean bugs, dust, etc off when I fuel up. The kit includes both headlights and fog light protection, plastic squeegee, and instructions. I installed in hot, humid southern Georgia and they installed easily when I read the instructions twice, installed once.

 

A few years ago, I read a CR test report about applications that supposedly protected external plastic parts from UV deterioration. They found that the cheapest product out there worked the best. It's called Wipe New and can be had at the local dept store. I tried it on an old 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid I had (my commuter car) after I restored the headlights and they never faded again. Still looked like new when I sold it last year. One word of caution though; apply it in a covered area like a garage and let it dry completely before driving. A buddy of mine applied to his SUV and started driving it too soon. Ended getting bugs splattered on the lens which would not come off. Said he had a hell of time sanding it back down to reapply.

 

^^^^
This. Have seen it applied to hazy light covers and works wonders.

Also : most modern plastics have already built in UV protecting chemicals and unless you park your truck for years in the sun it's unlikely you will see hazy headlights anytime soon. Probably more an issue for folks who plan on driving their 2015/2016 F150 until 2026 and beyond...

 

The problem is that dirt/sand on the road act like sandpaper on the lens. It doesn't take long for it to eat away the factory protective coating and thats when you start getting the hazing and yellowing. If the protective coating never wore away they would look like new indefinitely.