Cleaning headlights of a Civic

[maverickfhs]

I have a question, so I have read at a few places using gasoline in a very small amount as a cleaner on the lens and then applying some sort of wax or polish on it.

Since I am cheap so I used gasoline and cleaned one side(passenger), then used turtle wax rubbing compound with hand and used Meguiars Gold class wax, again with hands.

Planning to do similar on driver side too, but using baking soda/paste/vinegar and maybe Nufinish or Rain-X xtreme clean or something else?

Any input what should I choose from the listed pictures for polishing or waxing so that it can last for a bit?

upload a gif

upload pic

Thanks for all the help.

 

[BigCahuna]

I've had some limited luck using scratch out or polishing compound. It worked better on my Exployer's lights then on my wife's Kia's lights. I used Harley's gloss polish on them afterwards, and it's helped keep them clear. It has UV protectent in it to help keep the sun from clouding them up.Regular polish or wax doesn't do much as far as keeping them clear, if you can get them clear.,,,

 

[krismoriah72]

Bug spray with DEET works..really well. may last a year or less but if u have some already in the cabinet its the best stuff i have found for older yellowing and hazing.. use the scratch stuff after then the nu finish.

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
I've had some limited luck using scratch out or polishing compound. It worked better on my Exployer's lights then on my wife's Kia's lights. I used Harley's gloss polish on them afterwards, and it's helped keep them clear. It has UV protectent in it to help keep the sun from clouding them up.Regular polish or wax doesn't do much as far as keeping them clear, if you can get them clear.,,,


Has anyone tried any metal polish? Like TarnX or any other ones?

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
Bug spray with DEET works..really well. may last a year or less but if u have some already in the cabinet its the best stuff i have found for older yellowing and hazing.. use the scratch stuff after then the nu finish.



Thanks, but based on all of my research, I don't want to use Deet(bug spray).

 

[Leo99]

I used the 3M kit for yellow/hazed headlights and it worked very well.

About every six months I clean with windex or whatever
Polish with Scratch Out

Repeat as necessary. Takes about 4 minutes to do so I'm not seeing the need to use harsh chemicals or worry about how long before the haze returns if you're maintaining headlights.

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted By: Leo99
I used the 3M kit for yellow/hazed headlights and it worked very well.

About every six months I clean with windex or whatever
Polish with Scratch Out

Repeat as necessary. Takes about 4 minutes to do so I'm not seeing the need to use harsh chemicals or worry about how long before the haze returns if you're maintaining headlights.



Very helpful input, thanks. I'll follow the tip and input.

BTW, can little bit of gas cause any problem on the plastic itself?

 

[Mr Nice]

I would not use gas to clean plastic.

I use PlasticX and it works very well.

 

[maverickfhs]

Gotcha, thank you.

 

[carloz]

Deet is a solvent so it can dissolve the protective coating of your headlights. After using it and polishing your headlights, I suggest putting some sort of clear coat.