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IIHS Rates 2016 Prius Headlights as "Poor"

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by That_Prius_Car, Dec 14, 2016.

  1. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Some of that is in the Milestone link I posted For example.

    2012 - HLDI analysis of insurance claims data shows that forward collision warning and adaptive headlights are reducing crashes.

    There are other data points there too, although they are US-centric.
     
  2. Scuderia Priusi

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    Well, they (headlights restored using the restoration kits) don't last/stay clear very long, if you fail to apply the UV-blocking coating or fail to apply it correctly, to the now-clear lens after polishing. That's the main reason the lens covers turn foggy/yellow over time; the UV protectant applied to them at the factory wears away in the robo-car washes, and/or just fades away with time. That's why a car that is hand-washed only will usually have their clear headlight covers stay clear much longer, and if the car is also parked inside garages or under cover - out of direct sunlight whenever possible - that will further extend the 'clear' life of the cover.
    Of course, pitting and scratches from rock chips and road debris will take their toll over time, but I got >15 years of clear-ness from the stock lens covers on my '97 M3 by following those guidelines. Whereas OTOH, a friend living nearby with a 328 of the same year got less that 7 years out of his, before they needed replacing or restoration. He just regularly washed the car in a automated car wash, and parked it on the street in direct sun. Alas, the same happened to my wife's '04 Matrix, a steady diet of automated washes and direct-sun parking ate the coating in 7 years. So there is no doubt it does make a difference, I've seen the results first-hand.

    FWIW, I also used a folding windshield sun-screen from day-1 whenever parking in the sun, and my dash was good-as-new, pristine and crack-free when I sold the car nearly 20 years later!
     
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  3. Got2bHam

    Got2bHam Member

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    I've used them and followed the steps, I think the result is better than before but not as good as new. The headlights ended up looking blotchy and only marginally better in vision. Now granted the headlights I used the kit on were about 10 years old and had seen some Florida sun. I ended up replacing both with new ones. Vision was way better.

    I imagine window sun-screen is probably a solid investment with any padded dash material.
     
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  4. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    So, your saying their analysis of statistics is proof! You have a strange perception of verification in my humble opinion, as is your quoting a review that has no obvious authoritative corroberation. But apart from that, it will have to do in the absence of anything else. :unsure: It could rightly be said that CW and adaptive headlights are linked to reduced crashes, but not proof.
     
  5. priusgto

    priusgto Active Member

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    I restored the lenses on my 05 Prius and 01 Tacoma using the only method that lasts, catalyzed urethane clear. I'll do the same to my new Prius when the time comes. See this thread for the results.
    Hazy Headlight Lens Fix | PriusChat

    As for the headlights on my 16, I had to adjust them to keep from blinding oncoming drivers but I prefer them to the HIDs the 05 had.
     
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  6. MagyarPrius

    MagyarPrius Member

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    I don't know why they say the lights aren't up to par. I feel mine work great at night, with no complaints. I only got flashed once, and that was while walking into a public men's restroom.
     
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  7. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    It appears some lights were likely aimed too high from factory, I assume. Some people have had them adjusted and the flashing disappeared. As stated previously in this thread, Toyota made some changes in headlight performance for 2017.