Headlamp Lenses

[Twig62]

Is there anything you can put on plastic headlamp lenses to prevent them going cloudy ? I'm not talking about ones that have been refurbished but on new cars before they discolour.

[kambites]

I think it's UV which causes acrylic headlight covers to go cloudy. They usually come with an anti-UV coating on them but it wears off over time; I guess you could apply a "better" anti-UV coating somehow?

[swampy442]

Nothing you can do to stop it unfortunately, as above it's UV radiation breaking down the plastic.

[Krikkit]

Something like Gtechniq C4 would be a good bet. The 3M and Meguiars kits come with a protectant as well, but I can't find what it is.

[Bobton125]

A UV resistant ceramic coating like Gtechniq or Cquartz should protect it for a while.
Or a good sealant such as fusso protects from UV too I think.
I wouldn’t be using meguiars 2 stage headlight clearcoat. Haven’t had good experiences with that. It kind of distorts the clearness and makes it a bit rippley I’ve found

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

It's the plastic oxidising that causes the yellowing, so you have to protect it a bit like you would protect bare metal against rusting.
Clear vinyl is probably the best bet. It'll protect against UV and stop the air getting to the plastic.