ssbowtie1

Hi all, I just finished swapping new headlight lenses due to cracking/crazing and I want to avoid having to do it again at all cost. Is there anything that can be done to increase longevity of the new headlight lenses?

Has anyone installed Xpel clear bra film on the headlights? I have a set but I've read conflicting information regarding installing them.

Is it possible to change out the bulbs/ballasts for something that puts out less heat which may help in decreasing the likelihood of damaging the lenses?

extrapilot

I've read here that some have installed the clear protection without issue.
May want to do some research about replacing the bulbs with LEDS, but to get high light output, heat will still be a factor, IMO.

GL

Coyote Dave

I've had Paint Protection Film on my lenses for over 2 years now, still look crystal clear. I believe my installer used a 3M product.

HammerheadTed

Did you find lenses recently, or have you been sitting on them a while? I am hoping to get some ASAP.

jimmie jam

I have had 3M on mine. Installed new will be 10 years ago in January. Have had Expel on my CTS now for 4.5 years with no issues. I could go on with my other vehicles that have 3M on them - including headlights with no issues.

Turbo6TA

Just Replaced Headlight Lenses...how to make them last ?

Keep them out of the sun as much as possible

RicardoFors68

This plus:

This...

4SUMERZ

I've replaced one set, now have one set in reserve for the next time, if I keep my car that long.
I replaced the original after 5 years and 60K miles of road trips.
I now have 25K on the newer lenses and they still look good.
I have nothing for protection on the lenses, but my first set had the sandblasted look after so many highway miles.

CadVette

I had 3M film put on mine, but it was after the car was eight years old on the original lenses. They crazed shortly afterwards. I'm not sure if it has to do with the added affects of the summer heat here in Texas or my original lenses were already old. I know what you mean about wanting to protect them as they are a pain to replace. I'm on the fence about a protection film now. It sucks that GM won't support some replacement parts on cars about four years old now. Hope a solution comes for new lenses for others out there without getting ripped off for a new light assemblies.

psheldon

I put Weathertech lampguards on the headlights and fog lights years ago when I purchased my 2012 GS. No problems with crazing of or discoloring and the stuff is thick enough to protect the units from flying debris.

buckmeister2

I've got the Lampguards on my Lexus, and they are great. I think the ones for the Corvette C6 are $55

http://www.weathertech.com/chevrolet...lg-trim/coupe/

07MontyRed

I guess I am not sure what really causes the issues so many seem to be having. My '07 is a daily driver and sits in the Florida sun 8-10 hours per day 5-6 days per week. Other than a couple of stone chips, the lenses are fine (not cloudy, no crazing, etc.). I wax them (decent carnauba applied by hand) every time I wax the car (3-4 times per year) but otherwise have done nothing to them. So, not sure what I am doing right or others are doing wrong ....

ssbowtie1

Thanks all for your feedback. It sounds like there is no current solution for lower temperature headlights but I will install the Xpel paint protection film and hope for the best.

choppychop

There's always this...

Seadawg

I'm an hour north of you, I do the same things, and the driver's lens is crazing and other one is not. I'm gonna sand the film off off this winter, and put a new aftermarket film on them.

extrapilot

Sounds like there maybe a quality issues or a change in the vendors with later model years, as I keep reading about more problems with the later models.
I DD mine, a 2006 and have not a issue, and park it outside in the direct sunlight while at work also.

449er

That mod would surely get the local heat's attention in most places, does that film/tint/paint cut down on the light output?

choppychop

Yes, drastically.
But it's legal in Texas
A friend of mine bought two sets, One for him and one for his wife...she didn't want it so he gave them to me.
I figured what the hell I put them on for a little while

Gearhead Jim

Hard to know.
I saw a low miles 2005 back in about 2011 (6 years old), both sides were horribly crazed, owner said he garaged it and didn't use Windex or other lens killers.


In our club, the deterioration seems to be more with the older cars, which kinda makes sense. Our 2009 got new units this summer at 8 yrs/93k miles, weren't really all that bad.

windyC6

Sounds to me like you are just darn lucky....but good for you.