Shahano

So I am sending my car for Xpel protective film... The guys are top professionals and the best in my country. They have done Xpel on the headlights for many customers in Porsches but I know you guys on the forums recommended not to.

They really recommended it for stone chips and have done it before.

What should I do?

Mech33

Tough one... a number of folks are having cracking issues around the edges of their headlights with or without film, so it doesn't appear to be a film-related issue. But I am sure having film on the lights would give Porsche a potential excuse to not warranty them that would be a pain to fight.

ipse dixit

Do it.

There should be no issues with proper installation.

Installing Xpel does not cause issues. Unless your installer is a nincompoop.

Nor does having Xpel on the headlights cause problems out of the ordinary.

The only issue that might arise is the removal of the Xpel from the headlights.

But if you're removing the PPF it begs the question - why? Is your installer a nincompoop?

Jimmy-D

I have Expel on mine and every thing is fine. But- knowing what I know now that when it does come time, if ever, to pull it off that my headlights will be ruined -I would not do it.

Shahano

The question is, why would you ever need to pull it off your headlights?

Ducati1199

I think you've got to figure out which is the lesser risk to you - getting chips / cracks from stones or damaging the headlight film when it's removed. Other consideration is Porsche saying they don't want to know if there's a problem with the light and you've got film on them.
Personally I got mine covered as the bigger risk to me are chips.
If the cracking issue mentioned in other threads proves to be a design type issue I can't see Porsche kicking you out if you have film on them. Get it done and forget it!!

NateOZ

I've had things melt into it so far tree-sap on a hot day and globes of rubber, as well as discoloration. It can also get damaged/chipped/scratched so while it would cost you a headlight either way - it's going to cost you a headlight + clear bra.

I didn't do it on mine, rock chips are a relatively low risk.

hfm

I saw a GT3 with it's headlight dinged from a stone chip and decided to proceed with Sun Tek. If it ever has to be removed my installer will remove it and the factory film and reinstall new film.

All the factory film does is provide to UV protection and Sun Tek does that as well so the UV film is superflous.

Dan (will likely never remove the Sun Tek off the headlights)

Shahano

I think I will do it... Hoping I wouldnt need to take it off

PistolPete

Just keep in mind the factory film is not a film at all but what seems like a spray on coat.

The installer will have to lay down the covering exactly right the first time. If he has to move it around a bit to center or flatten out a crease, there is a chance of damage.

Hard to believe it's so fragile but it is what it is. I plan to take my chances with the naked headlight.

ipse dixit

You're absolutely right re: the factory OEM coating.

But, seriously, why would there ever be a need to remove the PPF from the headlights? Assuming its done correctly the initial time?

I don't ever plan on removing my PPF. By the time it yellows (3-4 years down the road, the car will not even be my problem anymore.

viprklr

I used one of the top installers out there (Plymouth Mi) & he said Xpel originally recommended not to on the GT3. The installer however said to do it & I did on mine. Would do it !