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The cheap/easy way to fix fogged headlights

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BigFatGuy, Jun 21, 2015.

  1. BigFatGuy

    BigFatGuy Member

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    So the headlights on my 2007 Prius were turning white and ugly. I researched online and found several cheap/free "solutions" like toothpaste and bug repellant to be worth what you paid for them. Yeah, it kinda worked, but the fade would come back quickly, like in a week or so, and then be worse than before. What to do?
    I tried one of the very cheapest headlight restoration kits, the one from 3M for all of $15. I detailed how to use it here: How To Fix Your Fogged Headlights - Zero To 60 Times and I've been very happy with the results. It's abut 2 months later, and they are still crystal clear. The increase in visibility distance at night was very impressive.
    Too long, didn't read: get the 3M kit and take a half hour and your problem is fixed. :)
     
    #1 BigFatGuy, Jun 21, 2015
    nerfer likes this.
  2. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    I'll have to try that, my headlight lenses are foggy. A friend tried one of those cheap solutions last year and it worked for maybe a month.
     
    #2 nerfer, Jun 22, 2015
  3. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Fogged or sunlight damaged?
     
    #3 SageBrush, Jun 22, 2015
  4. a_triant

    a_triant Member

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    #4 a_triant, Jun 22, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2017
  5. BigFatGuy

    BigFatGuy Member

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    Ah, yes, sorry. UV damage to the outside of the headlight, not moisture inside.

    A_triant, yup. Even 3M recommends buying a separate wax for headlights, which I bought, in order to keep them nice forever. I view the plastics like the paint, where it needs some protectant every now and then to stay nice. I'd love a forever solution, but like paint, I think they're just going to need occasional work. I'll check out that product tho...
     
    #5 BigFatGuy, Jun 23, 2015
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