When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The only reason to take off the PPF is because it's damaged. If it's damaged that means the headlight would have been damaged without it. In the very rare chance removing the PPF damages the headlight, it's net-zero since you would have to replace it anyway from the damage.
The only reason to take off the PPF is because it's damaged. If it's damaged that means the headlight would have been damaged without it. In the very rare chance removing the PPF damages the headlight, it's net-zero since you would have to replace it anyway from the damage.
PPF has a self-life of approx ten years max on a vehicle that sees very little UV. Expect 5-7 years on vehicles that regularly see UV. Even if the film is not damaged it will eventually have to be replaced.
I am witnessing a good bit of hood rock chips on the 8 mil Xpel Ultimate Plus film so I would expect the same would occur on headlights covered with the same product. Best advice, pay the additional money for the 10 mil film.
Just thinking out loud here. My PFF guy was also adamant about not PPF on Porsche headlights due to delamination, thus mine do not have PPF on them and far so good, but lets say if a rock hits my headlight and cracks it badly enough to need replacing, wouldn't my collision or comp insurance cover the replacement of my $7K headlight? Kind of a different topic for sure, just wondering.
Yes, your insurance SHOULD cover. But you still have to pay the deductible and there is no telling what your insurance may do to your premium come renewal.
PPF has a self-life of approx ten years max on a vehicle that sees very little UV. Expect 5-7 years on vehicles that regularly see UV. Even if the film is not damaged it will eventually have to be replaced.
I am witnessing a good bit of hood rock chips on the 8 mil Xpel Ultimate Plus film so I would expect the same would occur on headlights covered with the same product. Best advice, pay the additional money for the 10 mil film.
I've never heard these numbers. I've heard stuff on old school PPF but nothing on the new stuff. My truck is going on 6 years and still is great (minus damage spots)
I've never heard these numbers. I've heard stuff on old school PPF but nothing on the new stuff. My truck is going on 6 years and still is great (minus damage spots)
Xpel warranties their films for 10 years. At one time 10 mil of film thickness was the standard. Now 8 mil of film thickness is the standard and 10 mil costs additional $.
Edit: Cars that are often tracked or see a lot of highway use will greatly benefit from the 10 mil film.
Last edited by RatherJaded; Oct 28, 2025 at 03:20 PM.
Xpel warranties their films for 10 years. At one time 10 mil of film thickness was the standard. Now 8 mil of film thickness is the standard and 10 mil costs additional $.
Edit: Cars that are often tracked or see a lot of highway use will greatly benefit from the 10 mil film.
Warrantied for 10... much different then it needs to be replaced at 10 years.
Warrantied for 10... much different then it needs to be replaced at 10 years.
I grant you if one is parked out in the sun and in the elements for the majority of every day then one will need PPF replacement prior to the ten year warranty expiring. Having worked in the automotive industry I have seen it personally. As stated the average for most individuals is approx 5 to 7 years. Take note that removing PPF at 10 years or older, a lot of PPF installers will not want to take the liability risk of removing it and if you can locate an installer whom is willing to take the risk, expect to pay $150-$200 an hour to remove it.
Last edited by RatherJaded; Oct 29, 2025 at 03:52 PM.
I grant you if one is parked out in the sun and in the elements for the majority of every day then one will need PPF replacement prior to the ten year warranty expiring. Having worked in the automotive industry I have seen it personally. As stated the average for most individuals is approx 5 to 7 years. Take note that removing PPF at 10 years or older, a lot of PPF installers will not want to take the liability risk of removing it and if you can locate an installer whom is willing to take the risk, expect to pay $150-$200 an hour to remove it.
I see this argument a lot. I get it. What it lacks is the advancement in the film. Older stuff like 3M used heavy adhesive, cracks easy, and is brutal to remove. Xpel comes out with better and better stuff all the time. What is true of PPF in 2017 is not true of PPF in 2025. Frankly the really good stuff is only a few years old so no one knows what it will be like in 10 years.
I PPF'd all my headlights for all my cars and it saved me a few times from large rock chips. I rather replace the PPF again then getting a declaration on my vehicle for $7000.
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.