Detailing & Automotive Care Use this forum to discuss detailing, cleaning and automotive care to maintain the beauty in your Mercedes-Benz.

Best way to keep new headlights clean and clear?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:22 PM
  #1  
lowpost's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 31
From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
Best way to keep new headlights clean and clear?

I just replaced both headlights a year ago and am now trying to figure out the best way to keep them looking new - for a long time. Seems like the best way is to apply a protectant film over the new headlights and then apply UV protectant over the film. That way you can renew the uv protectant and film as often as you want. I guess you could just polish and apply uv protectant frequently but that wont stop more signifcant scratches and pits that will eventually affect the appearance. Any feedback, comments, better ideas would be helpful. Thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2013 | 06:38 AM
  #2  
TOGWT's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Optimum Opti-Lens Headlight Coating - an advanced, resin-based coating Opti-Lens is a hybrid coating based on Opti Coat. OPT added acrylic for flexibility due to the constant expanding and contracting and increased the UV absorbers content to accommodate the absence of protection inherit to polycarbonate. This product is specifically designed to provide protection for headlights, taillights and other poly-carbonate surfaces

For use on new or renovated headlight lenses; bonds directly to the polycarbonate finish due to its acrylic co-polymer resin content designed to bind with plastic and polycarbonate. Once applied to the headlight or other hard surfaces, the resin will form covalent bonds with the substrate and crosslink to form a permanent film. Opti-Lens coating contains high levels of UV blockers to prevent headlights from fading over time.

Apply directly to the headlight using a poly foam applicator or Optimum Dual Pro Applicator. Work a small amount of product over the lens using overlapping passes until it appears to melt into the lens and disappear.

Remove any streaks or high spots with a soft microfiber towel. It takes approximately 30 minutes to cure before it can be exposed to water. Allow 24 hours to pass before washing or cleaning with pressure.

This product can only be removed via mechanical means (abrasive polishing) it does not wear off.


TOGWT® Autopia Detailing Wiki Article “Headlight Restoration” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ml#post1506615
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2013 | 02:42 PM
  #3  
Rascally Wabbit's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
I have utilised the 3M Clear Bra on the headlamps & the front fascia on several vehicles with very good results.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:14 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE