Fine Scratches In Headlight Lenses

[iono11200]

So yesterday I pick up my brand new 2016 Toyota Tacoma. As I am leaving work last night, I note an array of fine scratches across the headlight lens, they are unable to be seen in daylight unless the headlights are turned on. I'm told this type of plastic is very soft and thus scratches easily. Any recommendations on what to use to remove them?

[mc2hill]

You could try polishing them out with PCP and an orange pad (foam or MF).  But I would be wary of doing that to a brand new car, as you would be removing some of the factory coating.    

[redneck08sierra]

 brand new; take it back and have toyota fix it

[ccommodari]

Since its brand new, a light polish could work, but I would definitely say something to the Toyota dealership next time you take the vehicle in for maintenance. I would recommend doing that's instead of doing the polish so that way the coating on the lens can stay in tact for as long as possible!

[Bill-V8V]

Back to the dealer and compare it to others on the lot, then tell them to fix it

[Chris@Adams]

They should polish out fairly easy. Do you have the 4" Focus pads & backing plate for your drill?

They work great on head lights. Orange pad & PCP will do the trick then I would apply some LPS.

BTW in my experience taking it back to the dealership you may end up with more damage, do it yourself.

 

 

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/accessories/buffing-pads-applicators/adam-s-4-cordless-drill-backing-plate.html

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/accessories/buffing-pads-applicators/adam-s-4-orange-gen5-foam-pad-2-pack.html

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/polishing/adam-s-paint-correcting-polish.html

[iono11200]

They should polish out fairly easy. Do you have the 4" Focus pads & backing plate for your drill?

They work great on head lights. Orange pad & PCP will do the trick then I would apply some LPS.

BTW in my experience taking it back to the dealership you may end up with more damage, do it yourself.

 

 

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/accessories/buffing-pads-applicators/adam-s-4-cordless-drill-backing-plate.html

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/accessories/buffing-pads-applicators/adam-s-4-orange-gen5-foam-pad-2-pack.html

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exterior/polishing/adam-s-paint-correcting-polish.html

 Thank You everyone your advice. It is most appreciated. Chris I do not have any of the equipment that you spoke of and even if I did, I'm not sure that I would know how to use it. But you are exactly right. The dealership will ONLY F*cK it up even more. I REFUSE to take it back where it will probably end up in the hands of some miscreant who works in their detail shop who probably screwed it up in the first place. I will thank that dealer with a detailed letter, filled with photos to Toyota Corporate as well as a scathing review on my delivery experience.

[flyboy9994]

Can the UV protective coating be re-applied? Google search comes up with several options.

[flyboy9994]

OK, Why are there lines thru my last post???

[Weber Dude]

You could cover the headlights in a protective film like XPEL ultimate. It will hide the scratches and protect the headlights from rock damage. I have XPEL on the entire front end of my 16 Yukon XL.

[Kingsford]

My understanding if you polish them it can remove the headlight's UV coating which is different than paint sealant since it lasts much much longer than sealants used on paint. I would take it to the dealer if it bothers you that much. If you polish it and remove the factory UV coating protection and the problem continues, you could possibly be on the line for the lights then. Go talk to the dealer before doing anything.

 

If this is the case and the factory UV coating is removed, you may experience yellowing of the headlights at a much faster rate.

 

Do you have pictures, Ed?

Edited February 24, 2016 by Kingsford

[iono11200]

[iono11200]

The. First two pictures are of the passengers side headlight the last five I believe are of the drivers side headlight which I believe is worse than the other one

[Kingsford]

It almost looks like a haze its so scratched up. I'd make the dealer take care of this. 

[Bill-V8V]

Can the UV protective coating be re-applied? Google search comes up with several options.

 

 

There will be if you accidentally click strikethrough while typing ?