Problem with Hazing of Clear Plastic Headlight Covers - Nissan Murano

HwnMurano · 07-05-2004, 03:15 PM

This doesn't apply to a new MO, but it's something I was curious about...

Have you noticed that the clear plastic headlight covers (the ones that go over the actual headlight lenses and assemblies) get hazy on some of the older cars? Some of them almost look like they're translucent as opposed to transparent after they've gotten hazed. This must reduce the efficiency of the headlight's illumination of the road at night.

We have these clear headlight covers on our MOs. I'm guessing that a combination of old age and sun exposure might cause the problem. Thus, some of us may be faced with this problem in a few years if we park our MO in the sun often.

Anyone know of a detailing method that would fix the problem?

dklanecky1 · 07-05-2004, 05:06 PM

Nissan produced a TSB for this exact issue on my 00 Maxima SE and their solution for the dealerships was to use 3M's Plastic Cleaner (#39017) followed with 3M Plastic Polish (#39010).

I bought a bottle of each (8oz size) a couple of years ago and still have 3/4's of each still un-used. I use it probably twice a year on each vehicle.

You can also use any light cut cleaner (I really like Hi-Temp Light Power Cut Leveler #HT-61) and a buffer if you have it available
which is a lot faster but will cost you significantly more.

I used the ht-61 and my Porter Cable buffer on a really hazed up 98 Honda Accords headlights and they look brand new again.

HwnMurano · 07-05-2004, 05:08 PM

Thanks dklanecky1!

Do you attribute the hazing to sun exposure?

dklanecky1 · 07-05-2004, 07:48 PM

I can't imagine what else it could be other than sun.

I suppose there's some kind of chemical reaction that causes the plastic fogging or deteriorating because of the UV rays.

The plastic cleaner and polish also work wonders on plastic eyeglasses (which is what I use the stuff on most of the time).

EdMPT · 07-05-2004, 08:04 PM

I always figured road debris was the problem. I thought rocks, bugs, and dust must sandblast the plastic at hightway speeds. I never thought about the sun...hmmm

**Gonzo** · 07-06-2004, 03:20 PM

Might also be related to poltants in the atmosphere.

Mike Brown · 07-12-2004, 12:14 AM

Any kind of plastic polish is good. Do not use any products designed to clean glass! If there is a General Aviation airport close by, try a pilot supply store. There are a large number of products designed for cleaning and polishing aircraft plastic windshields and windows.

**Gonzo** · 07-12-2004, 12:12 PM

Hmmmm I didn't even think of that and I'm a pilot that uses stuff like that. Thanks for the suggestion... no idea why I didn't think of it.

You can also order aviation items like that from Sporty's Pilot Shop.

GripperDon · 02-10-2005, 02:57 AM

Even, Good Old Collinites Insulator wax works. Grip

UncaDanno · 02-11-2005, 12:15 PM

Back in the day, there was a "polish" that riders used on their motorcycle helmet faceshields.....

Toothpaste.

Not gel, but paste.

Ohio Murano · 02-12-2005, 12:01 AM

The toothpaste should make them whiter and brighter!!! At least that is what it says on the tube.

njmo · 02-12-2005, 10:54 AM

I have used this stuff to take the cloudiness away and restore shine to chrome and mag wheels. I experimented with it on old clear parking lights on a 85 Chevy van and it cleared up the yellowing. Now I use it confidentally on all clear plastic car lenses when they appear faded. Use a small dab on a soft cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. You will see the cloth discolor as it removes the dirt. It works! Good Luck!

GripperDon · 02-12-2005, 12:10 PM

I have been looking everywhere to try and fine the cause. I used to think it was sunlight, and it may be I want to talk to some one who has stored a car inside with a full cover and ask if it still happens. I can't seem to fine the answer on the web and I have looked hard.

GRIP

hfelknor · 02-12-2005, 12:18 PM

Just shotgunning here....I don't know what causes the problem.

But, if it is the sun, and if by "the Sun", we mean UV rays, then Zaino may help.

Zaino provides UV protection. UV 40.

I have always "done" my headlights (Tailights too!) with Zaino while putting a coat on the paint.
Never had hazing, but that doesn't mean too much I would guess.

Just a thought.

Homer

GripperDon · 02-12-2005, 12:26 PM

I don't know but I sure would love to get a set of headlight cover and do a little experiment, One in the sun. One inside., One inside and covered, One in the sun but sealed in a large glass vacuum bell jar.

Bet the answer would pop up quickly. Better experimental approach is, I am sure possible, but this is a spur of the moment quickie. GRIP

07-05-2004, 03:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
HwnMurano Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 170	Problem with Hazing of Clear Plastic Headlight Covers This doesn't apply to a new MO, but it's something I was curious about... Have you noticed that the clear plastic headlight covers (the ones that go over the actual headlight lenses and assemblies) get hazy on some of the older cars? Some of them almost look like they're translucent as opposed to transparent after they've gotten hazed. This must reduce the efficiency of the headlight's illumination of the road at night. We have these clear headlight covers on our MOs. I'm guessing that a combination of old age and sun exposure might cause the problem. Thus, some of us may be faced with this problem in a few years if we park our MO in the sun often. Anyone know of a detailing method that would fix the problem? __________________ a Hawaiian Murano

07-05-2004, 05:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
HwnMurano Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 170	Thanks dklanecky1! Do you attribute the hazing to sun exposure? __________________ a Hawaiian Murano

07-05-2004, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
EdMPT Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 161	I always figured road debris was the problem. I thought rocks, bugs, and dust must sandblast the plastic at hightway speeds. I never thought about the sun...hmmm __________________ 2003 SE AWD

07-12-2004, 12:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mike Brown Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: California Foothills Posts: 7	Hazing headlight covers Any kind of plastic polish is good. Do not use any products designed to clean glass! If there is a General Aviation airport close by, try a pilot supply store. There are a large number of products designed for cleaning and polishing aircraft plastic windshields and windows. __________________ M. Brown

02-10-2005, 02:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
GripperDon Mr. 3 K, 3/3/5. 5K,10/5/7 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: PB5-926 Posts: 5,077	Even, Good Old Collinites Insulator wax works. Grip __________________ Previous Owner of, The Mod Mo, 05, SL, FWD, Platinum, Charcoal Leather, Touring, Technology Pkgs., TPMS etc. Chrome Wheels, Roof Rack Bbars. Cargo Protector. Extended Warranty, X-Tire, AutoMate. Leatherique treated leather. Diamond Window Tint, Tires 3 step balanced. Stainless Steel Laser Cut Grill. Glass VIN etch, Debadged. Silver Painted Calipers. 1300F Ceramic painted Muffler. B-Quite Supreme, sound matting. External Sound ndercoated. White Led Parking Lights. Led Front Door Entrance Lights. Yellow Ion Fogs. Silver-Amber Front Turn Signals. Hella 100 Watt @ 5000K Driving Lights. SAT receiver–Delphi XM Roady2 Hidden Antenna install. Fan cooled Inverter AC to Xbox. MTX 200 watt auto on Amp deciated power to Bose Sub Woofer. PAC-Niss dual aux in for Sat and X Box audio. Generator Labs NoNag modded Rear Camera. “NAV Box" W/Modded X Box X2 Chip. DVD’s, MP3 & JPEG pics ,160 gig HD / Wireless Lynksis 802.11G Ethernet link. Runs Xbox Media Center. rear Bumper Protector. Selectable Horns: OEM MO/WoLo air. Tinted Tails-Bright bulbs. Tweeters tilted + 19uf mod. Lower Grill Stone Shield. Front Floor Amber Courtesy Lights. Chrome over Stainless Rocker Bars. Wireless LED Turn Signal Mirrors. Top mounted Led Stop Light modded with The backoff.

07-05-2004, 05:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
dklanecky1 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 719	Nissan produced a TSB for this exact issue on my 00 Maxima SE and their solution for the dealerships was to use 3M's Plastic Cleaner (#39017) followed with 3M Plastic Polish (#39010). I bought a bottle of each (8oz size) a couple of years ago and still have 3/4's of each still un-used. I use it probably twice a year on each vehicle. You can also use any light cut cleaner (I really like Hi-Temp Light Power Cut Leveler #HT-61) and a buffer if you have it available which is a lot faster but will cost you significantly more. I used the ht-61 and my Porter Cable buffer on a really hazed up 98 Honda Accords headlights and they look brand new again.

07-05-2004, 07:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
dklanecky1 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 719	I can't imagine what else it could be other than sun. I suppose there's some kind of chemical reaction that causes the plastic fogging or deteriorating because of the UV rays. The plastic cleaner and polish also work wonders on plastic eyeglasses (which is what I use the stuff on most of the time).

07-06-2004, 03:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gonzo Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 4,092	Might also be related to poltants in the atmosphere.

07-12-2004, 12:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
Gonzo Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 4,092	Hmmmm I didn't even think of that and I'm a pilot that uses stuff like that. Thanks for the suggestion... no idea why I didn't think of it. You can also order aviation items like that from Sporty's Pilot Shop.

02-11-2005, 12:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
UncaDanno Super Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Midland (25 mi. East of Charlotte), NC Posts: 360	Back in the day, there was a "polish" that riders used on their motorcycle helmet faceshields..... Toothpaste. Not gel, but paste.

02-12-2005, 12:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ohio Murano Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, Ohio Posts: 242	The toothpaste should make them whiter and brighter!!! At least that is what it says on the tube. __________________ 2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD Midnight Blue / Cafe Latte Leather SL Touring Package Dynamic Control Package Chrome Wheel Package

02-12-2005, 10:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
njmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 153	Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish I have used this stuff to take the cloudiness away and restore shine to chrome and mag wheels. I experimented with it on old clear parking lights on a 85 Chevy van and it cleared up the yellowing. Now I use it confidentally on all clear plastic car lenses when they appear faded. Use a small dab on a soft cloth and gently rub in a circular motion. You will see the cloth discolor as it removes the dirt. It works! Good Luck!

02-12-2005, 12:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
GripperDon Mr. 3 K, 3/3/5. 5K,10/5/7 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: PB5-926 Posts: 5,077	But why does it happen? I have been looking everywhere to try and fine the cause. I used to think it was sunlight, and it may be I want to talk to some one who has stored a car inside with a full cover and ask if it still happens. I can't seem to fine the answer on the web and I have looked hard. GRIP __________________ Previous Owner of, The Mod Mo, 05, SL, FWD, Platinum, Charcoal Leather, Touring, Technology Pkgs., TPMS etc. Chrome Wheels, Roof Rack Bbars. Cargo Protector. Extended Warranty, X-Tire, AutoMate. Leatherique treated leather. Diamond Window Tint, Tires 3 step balanced. Stainless Steel Laser Cut Grill. Glass VIN etch, Debadged. Silver Painted Calipers. 1300F Ceramic painted Muffler. B-Quite Supreme, sound matting. External Sound ndercoated. White Led Parking Lights. Led Front Door Entrance Lights. Yellow Ion Fogs. Silver-Amber Front Turn Signals. Hella 100 Watt @ 5000K Driving Lights. SAT receiver–Delphi XM Roady2 Hidden Antenna install. Fan cooled Inverter AC to Xbox. MTX 200 watt auto on Amp deciated power to Bose Sub Woofer. PAC-Niss dual aux in for Sat and X Box audio. Generator Labs NoNag modded Rear Camera. “NAV Box" W/Modded X Box X2 Chip. DVD’s, MP3 & JPEG pics ,160 gig HD / Wireless Lynksis 802.11G Ethernet link. Runs Xbox Media Center. rear Bumper Protector. Selectable Horns: OEM MO/WoLo air. Tinted Tails-Bright bulbs. Tweeters tilted + 19uf mod. Lower Grill Stone Shield. Front Floor Amber Courtesy Lights. Chrome over Stainless Rocker Bars. Wireless LED Turn Signal Mirrors. Top mounted Led Stop Light modded with The backoff.

02-12-2005, 12:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
hfelknor Super Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 3,281	Just shotgunning here....I don't know what causes the problem. But, if it is the sun, and if by "the Sun", we mean UV rays, then Zaino may help. Zaino provides UV protection. UV 40. I have always "done" my headlights (Tailights too!) with Zaino while putting a coat on the paint. Never had hazing, but that doesn't mean too much I would guess. Just a thought. Homer __________________ 2001 Jaguar XJ8 Cruiser 2004 ThunderBird 2 passenger Runabout HAD The GOLD RUSH until Nov 6 2009 2003 Gold SLFWD with Premium, Sunroof, Latte Leather, Ultrashield Invisible Bra, Sunroof wind deflector, Aluminum Tank Guard, Chrome Wheels by Ion Alloy, Michelin 235/65-18 Cross Terrains, Garmin Nuvi 2008 Cadillac Gold Mist DTS LUX III - Gone! 2010 Mercedes Benz GLK 350 - Gone! "Didja ever notice that quiet people are not the only ones who don't say much?"

02-12-2005, 12:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
GripperDon Mr. 3 K, 3/3/5. 5K,10/5/7 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: PB5-926 Posts: 5,077	Homer you MAY be right I don't know but I sure would love to get a set of headlight cover and do a little experiment, One in the sun. One inside., One inside and covered, One in the sun but sealed in a large glass vacuum bell jar. Bet the answer would pop up quickly. Better experimental approach is, I am sure possible, but this is a spur of the moment quickie. GRIP __________________ Previous Owner of, The Mod Mo, 05, SL, FWD, Platinum, Charcoal Leather, Touring, Technology Pkgs., TPMS etc. Chrome Wheels, Roof Rack Bbars. Cargo Protector. Extended Warranty, X-Tire, AutoMate. Leatherique treated leather. Diamond Window Tint, Tires 3 step balanced. Stainless Steel Laser Cut Grill. Glass VIN etch, Debadged. Silver Painted Calipers. 1300F Ceramic painted Muffler. B-Quite Supreme, sound matting. External Sound ndercoated. White Led Parking Lights. Led Front Door Entrance Lights. Yellow Ion Fogs. Silver-Amber Front Turn Signals. Hella 100 Watt @ 5000K Driving Lights. SAT receiver–Delphi XM Roady2 Hidden Antenna install. Fan cooled Inverter AC to Xbox. MTX 200 watt auto on Amp deciated power to Bose Sub Woofer. PAC-Niss dual aux in for Sat and X Box audio. Generator Labs NoNag modded Rear Camera. “NAV Box" W/Modded X Box X2 Chip. DVD’s, MP3 & JPEG pics ,160 gig HD / Wireless Lynksis 802.11G Ethernet link. Runs Xbox Media Center. rear Bumper Protector. Selectable Horns: OEM MO/WoLo air. Tinted Tails-Bright bulbs. Tweeters tilted + 19uf mod. Lower Grill Stone Shield. Front Floor Amber Courtesy Lights. Chrome over Stainless Rocker Bars. Wireless LED Turn Signal Mirrors. Top mounted Led Stop Light modded with The backoff.

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