Tail light & Headlight Scratches

[borka105]

Ive recently noticed a bunch of scratches on both the headlights and tail lights of my car. I don’t ever remember seeing anything like this on any vehicles that I’ve owned. None of these were due to any direct collisions, but almost seem to be caused by day to day driving. I guess it’s probably road debris or rocks, but still somewhat unexpected for me.

Anyone else experiencing this? I don’t think you can buff these things out so I guess I’ll just need to live with them.

 

[03DSG]

All plastic headlight lenses get sandblasted/weathered over time. Just look at any older car.You can cover your front HL's with PPF. Works great and is replacable. Here is one source of a pre-cut one:

Model 3 Headlight Protection Film (Clear or Smoked) Set of 4

Watch the install video under the Installation tab. Not very difficult.

 

[bnsfengineer]

I have lightly buffed them out before with a mild polish and the come out like new.

 

[03DSG]

I have lightly buffed them out before with a mild polish and the come out like new.

I agree. That works. I have a HL renew kit with a buffing ball, 4 levels of wet sandpaper and paste I used on our old Honda winter beater. It worked pretty well but I found it only lasted about 6 months or so parked outside before I had to redo it. Most body shops offer HL polishing as a service as well. Personally I like the PPF solution best as a preventative. You can buy a kit and use it as template prior to installation to make additional pieces yourself for later replacement.

 

[super20g]

Sanding and polishing them out doesn't last very long unless you clear coat them.

 

[Glamisduner]

Sanding and polishing them out doesn't last very long unless you clear coat them.

And then the paint suggested to do it right requires a respirator like a paint shop would have. $$
When you polish them your remove the UV protective coating.