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Fading/fogging headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by yamisoshi, Dec 5, 2013.

  1. yamisoshi

    yamisoshi Junior Member

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    This isn't about the condensation build up due to faulty headlights, but the plastic on the headlights seems to be "fogging" white quicker than any other car I've owned. Anyone else have this issue on their 2010 Prius? I've only had the car since February of 2010 and already in less than 4 years, the plastic housing is starting to fade white. I see other people's 2010 in this forum and see no problems.
     
    #1 yamisoshi, Dec 5, 2013
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I have just begun to notice the tops of mine closest to the engine have begun to discolor.

    I just completed the restoration of my wife's 2007 Honda Accord headlights. So yes the Prius headlights are fading at a quicker rate than my other cars.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Dec 5, 2013
  3. TsKarma

    TsKarma Junior Member

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    Do you park in the garage/car port away from direct sunlight? Just wondering if that has to do with it.
     
    #3 TsKarma, Dec 5, 2013
  4. Jose456891

    Jose456891 Junior Member

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    Sounds like element damage from UV and other abrasives.

    I would just polish the plastic and apply a wax or other clear substance over them.
     
    #4 Jose456891, Dec 5, 2013
  5. yamisoshi

    yamisoshi Junior Member

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    I park in the garage during fall, winter and spring months; but during the summer it's outside. Plus I park my car outside at work and is in direct sunlight for greater part of the morning and early afternoon.


    I did some research and it appears toothpaste with whitening formula works best. No reason to spend $10-$25 on products you won't know how it will turn out.

     
    #5 yamisoshi, Dec 5, 2013
  6. Jose456891

    Jose456891 Junior Member

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    I believe that's an urban legend . If you want to spend money there are kits that they sell in Autozone that have 3m dry/wet sanding materials and a finishing polisher. They even sell power drill attachments.

    I suggest that if you are going to spend money, spend it wisely and buy a polishing kit.

    Then I would buy a spray-on clear coat w/ UV protection; it sounds adventurous but this will give you a long-lasting clear shine.
     
    #6 Jose456891, Dec 5, 2013
  7. yamisoshi

    yamisoshi Junior Member

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    I'll try it and see how it fairs. :)
     
    #7 yamisoshi, Dec 5, 2013
  8. Jose456891

    Jose456891 Junior Member

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    If you could post the results here that would be awesome
     
    #8 Jose456891, Dec 6, 2013
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