Why headlights discolour?
Modern headlights are made from poly carbonate, a plastic 200 times stronger than glass. Unfortunately, poly carbonate discolours extremely fast in UV conditions, eventually through the thickness of the lens. Poly carbonate without a UV protective hard coat eventually becomes porous and develops cracks or ‘crazing’ similar to UV damaged Perspex.
To combat this issue, headlight manufacturers apply a UV protective clear hard coat to the outside of the lens to prevent damage. Unfortunately over time, UV rays degrade the factory UV protective hard coat and the lens appears discoloured
You get what you pay for!
Other operators including detailers and mechanics who offer headlamp restoration, remove the degraded factory UV protective coat by buffing and polishing the lens clear, only removing the once important UV protective hard coat. This may look good initially but it will leave the unprotected polycarbonate lens susceptible to permanent UV damage.
Some operators may offer ceramic paint protection as UV protection. This is obviously a thin ‘wiped on’ coat that does not last and will eventually permanently damage the polycarbonate lens.
Want headlights that last many years?
Perth Headlight Restoration professionally spray onto the lens a cured UV protective clear hard coat which is chemical-resistant, non-yellowing, and scratch resistant. Our coating restores headlights back to lasting factory condition, protecting the headlamp for around (5-7 years) with our 3 year warranty.
Replacement headlights are expensive!
Genuine headlights are expensive and a pair can cost up to 10% of the value of your vehicle plus fitting costs. Pre-2010 genuine replacement headlights can be rare as many are discontinued. This is prevalent in Australian made late model Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore today.