Headlight sealer to prevent yellowing?

[TEQ.FZJ]

If there's one thing I hate it's foggy yellow headlights. Given that Toyota loves to use funky-shaped lights that curve deep into the body panels, a large portion of the headlights lens points directly to the sky, exposed to harsh UV rays.

I applied some of this to our 2014 as soon as we brought it home. Question is, anybody know if this stuff actually works over the long haul, or am I wasting my money on this magic potion? I wish auto makers went back to using glass lenses.

Seems like every 4th gen 4Runner I see on the road has yellow headlights, trying to avoid that if I can!

 

[kevinpt]

i have a 4th gen that i restored the headlights on about 6 months ago and it does last longer with a sealant

 

[bimrunner]

I doubt it is a huge problem for the 5th gens. Toyota replaced due to fogging so my theory is they have gotten it pretty well sealed already, but what you are looking at probably won't hurt. If it makes you more comfortable and able to sleep, I say do it.

 

[TEQ.FZJ]

I doubt it is a huge problem for the 5th gens. Toyota replaced due to fogging so my theory is they have gotten it pretty well sealed already, but what you are looking at probably won't hurt. If it makes you more comfortable and able to sleep, I say do it.

Replaced? Are you referring to moisture getting inside? I'm talking about UV damage to the outside of the lens, when they turn yellow and foggy like this:

And almost every 4th gen I see:

 

[dhylander]

If there's one thing I hate it's foggy yellow headlights. Given that Toyota loves to use funky-shaped lights that curve deep into the body panels, a large portion of the headlights lens points directly to the sky, exposed to harsh UV rays.

I have seen these sealers and am not sure how much protection they provide. You are correct that UV is effecting the plastic,
which usually has some UV inhibitor molding in during manufacturing. The problem is that these reduce in effectiveness over time,
and an external UV protector will help. I've used 303 Protectant for years with great results limiting the effects of UV on plastics.
I apply 303 to my lights every 3 or 4 months.

 

[TEQ.FZJ]

Thanks for the tip, hadn't heard of that one before. Just added it to my Amazon wishlist when my other sealer runs out. I like that it can be used on the leather seats too! The less products I have to buy the better.

http://www.amazon.com/303-Products-...CURW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392851062&sr=8-1

 

[eddiebx]

Replaced? Are you referring to moisture getting inside? I'm talking about UV damage to the outside of the lens, when they turn yellow and foggy like this:

I think the earlier 10'-11' models had a TSB for yellowing headlights, I would assume that means they've addressed this somehow on the newer ones.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, maybe just throw on some whatever sealant/wax you're using on the paint over the headlights when you wax the rest of the body. This is what I do, and all seems fine...

 

[STX4Runner]

I had my headlights replaced under the TSB two years ago and they were just barely cloudy on the top. Since then, no problems at all. I think these new lights are pretty good. But 303 is still not a bad idea.

 

[TEQ.FZJ]

Service bulletin for yellowing headlights? Impressive! I'd figure any dealership these days would tell owners to go pound sand and claim it's normal wear & tear.