I'm trying to keep my headlights in new condition for years to come. Has anyone used protective films on headlights? Seems like a good way to prevent the OEM UV coatings from wearing off over the miles. I've found Xpel, 3M, and Lamin-X. Anyone have any experience with these, or should I just get the cheapest of the three?
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Recommendation for headlight protection
- Thread starter Vmax911
- Start date
I recommend Expel. Have it on my headlights for over two years. The film is very thick and will protect your headlights from all sorts of rocks and debris that gets thrown on them.
Did you happen to install yourself? I wonder if the thicker film is difficult to work with...
Definitely difficult to work with. A heatgun is highly recommended. I did it myself and it took quite a while to get perfect results. Save yourself the frustration and have a professional do the installation for you. I think it is around $150 vs. $70 if you do it yourself.
hooville
Go Kart Newbie
- Location
- Marietta GA
I put the 3M film on my car 3 years ago and they still look great, install was pretty easy for a first timer. It's a thin, stretchy film and bubbles rub out easily.
I got the 3M film at InvisibleMask.com, was around $35 IIRC.
I got the 3M film at InvisibleMask.com, was around $35 IIRC.
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anotero
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Hither and thither
- Car(s)
- Mk7 GTI
Lamin-x is thick, but the install is easy. Take your time with it and you'll be good to go.
IceBerg4k1
Ready to race!
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Car(s)
- 2015 GTI
Doesn't sound like it has much if anything to do with the film itself. Installing a film isn't going to break your headlight lenses.
Guess it could be a coincidence. Six months of pristine headlights and then they both develop cracks within a week of installing the Lamin-X?
It seems there are a few cases across the internet. The theory seems to be that the Lamin-X film somehow impedes the heating/cooling and thus the expansion/ contraction of the headlights which leads to cracking.
I don't know exactly what occurred, but the results suck.
It seems there are a few cases across the internet. The theory seems to be that the Lamin-X film somehow impedes the heating/cooling and thus the expansion/ contraction of the headlights which leads to cracking.
I don't know exactly what occurred, but the results suck.
imthanick_a
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Ohio
OP and others, don't use Lamin-x. Vmax and I both found out the hard way.
Your are 100% wrong. It absolutely does cause the lenses to crack. Very well documented on car forums all over the internet. Not specific to GTI's
Having a car with 29k miles on it, I'm considering doing Expel. However, I've noticed my headlights are already lightly peppered with rock knicks which are really only noticeable when the headlights are on. As far as the UV protection, I would think any coating would help.
SonicBloom
Go Kart Newbie
- Location
- Bay Area, CA
- Car(s)
- 2017 GTI S
Oh no I recently installed Lamin x on my Osrams. I better take them off this weekend.
imthanick_a
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Ohio
Not sure if it depends on manufacturer of the lights, but with Osrams I wouldn't risk it. Those things are pricey.