Clear film on Headlights
03-06-2015, 04:15 PM
#1
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Clear film on Headlights
Anyone using 3M/Xpel on their headlight covers?
Hearing conflicting info, as it may cause issues because of headlight heat, and cause the lamination to blister.
Hearing conflicting info, as it may cause issues because of headlight heat, and cause the lamination to blister.
03-06-2015, 07:39 PM
#3
I have the clear film on all my front lights and so far no problems. My installer did say though that some films can be an issue on the headlights due to burnishing and crazing but what he was using would not be an issue there.
03-06-2015, 08:06 PM
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I just spoke with someone I know at PCNA, he said, the new 911s, Caymans, Boxsters have a UV protection clear coat on the lenses. Because of this, the film can delaminate the clear coat. Mainly from heat. If it doesn't delaminate from the heat, probably, some of the clear coat would be removed when/if the film is removed, which means a new light unit. Suspect not a warranty item.
03-06-2015, 08:47 PM
#5
If you are careful and remove the film from the headlights slowly with a good steamer then you shouldn't have any problems at all. I can also tell you that the UV coating is rock hard. I wouldn't be concerned. Mine are wrapped with Suntek!
- Patrick
- Patrick
03-07-2015, 09:20 AM
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I own a shop in the Boston area that installs XPel. We do not recommend covering the headlights as there is an issue within the headlight covers delaminating when removing film.
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03-07-2015, 05:50 PM
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It is possible, and it has happened, even with the film on the headlight covers, it still can delaminate bc of the heat of the hi intensity lights and/or summer sun. With the UV clear coat on the softer plastic headlight covers, it is much more sensitive than paint that is baked onto the panels, or even the bumpers. To me, it is a calculated risk to put them on, and decision between you, the installer to include them and/or if your dealer covers the new lamps under warranty. I don't think you can just replace the plastic over, it is the complete headlight unit.
03-08-2015, 12:28 PM
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It is not Xpel specific, nor for the panels, or bumpers, it specifically for new 911, and other models., headlights only. If you own a Ferrari or other cars, it does not apply, Its specific Porsche (don't know about Cayenne or Pano), but Germany is now using, my guess from 2014, a special UV clear coat on the plastic lens for 911's, Caymans, and Boxsters.
It is possible, and it has happened, even with the film on the headlight covers, it still can delaminate bc of the heat of the hi intensity lights and/or summer sun. With the UV clear coat on the softer plastic headlight covers, it is much more sensitive than paint that is baked onto the panels, or even the bumpers. To me, it is a calculated risk to put them on, and decision between you, the installer to include them and/or if your dealer covers the new lamps under warranty. I don't think you can just replace the plastic over, it is the complete headlight unit.
It is possible, and it has happened, even with the film on the headlight covers, it still can delaminate bc of the heat of the hi intensity lights and/or summer sun. With the UV clear coat on the softer plastic headlight covers, it is much more sensitive than paint that is baked onto the panels, or even the bumpers. To me, it is a calculated risk to put them on, and decision between you, the installer to include them and/or if your dealer covers the new lamps under warranty. I don't think you can just replace the plastic over, it is the complete headlight unit.
03-08-2015, 03:08 PM
#12
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Duly noted, but having LED headlights should mitigate any possible heat related issues. Plus delamination would probably only take place when the AM film is removed... but for most the film was being removed simply to be replaced, so I'm not understanding what the concern is.
03-09-2015, 10:18 PM
#13
When I was having film applied to my TTS at the Dealer, I asked about having the lights filmed, and my salesman told me it was against the law in Georgia. Sure enough, it is right there in the code. Don't know about other states.
Not that anyone would probably notice if you did it, however.
Not that anyone would probably notice if you did it, however.
03-10-2015, 09:21 PM
#14
Who told you that? Has someone ever removed the protective film to find that out, or is it just speculation? I asked my film guy about that and he said that was total nonsense and has never seen anything of that nature occur...ever.
03-10-2015, 10:08 PM
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To each their own. I called Xpel in San Antonio HQ's last week, and their senior sales person recommended not to film the headlights on the new Porsches. Same response as the PCNA engineer that teaches dealer technicians. There have been issues on some 2014/15 Porsche models. Obviously, Porsche sells thousands of cars, and suspect its just a smaller sampling with the issue. No one really knows how it may age in months/years ahead. My take if installer or dealer warranty potential issues, that makes the decision easier, so just install them.