MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Remon_uk on August 02, 2015, 08:17:34 pm

Title: Headlights problem
Post by: Remon_uk on August 02, 2015, 08:17:34 pm

Hi all,

I have a problem with my headlights, over the last two three years my headlights have started getting worse, not sure if it's mist or cracks or a chemical or what. Has anyone else had this problem? VW Hvae advised to replace them both, obviously lol. I want a cheaper option Atif anyone knows a quick fix ?

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.tinypic.com%2Ffvk8sm.jpg&hash=b5fb73cb067240085869c67a7381864bb091f54a)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi58.tinypic.com%2F2mhwzkz.jpg&hash=f080fa4672af5493f4a6a2136c8ba9e4ac59ec39)

Thanks guys

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: Andy on August 02, 2015, 08:28:57 pm

You can buy head light restorer at halfords and it works a treat

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: Washout on August 02, 2015, 09:21:28 pm

This one on ebay is the one that people have had good results with. Remember it removes the protective uv coating so you will need to put a seal/protectant on them.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/251749289972

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: white91 on August 02, 2015, 09:24:25 pm

Get a machine polisher

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: SRC on August 02, 2015, 10:14:43 pm

I can't tell from the pictures - is it external or internal?
External - use one of the headlight restorers, which involve polishing the surface.
Internal - you've most likely got a faulty seal, probably around the bulb holder. 

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: Skylinegtr on August 03, 2015, 10:35:09 am

A good buff will bring them out like new :happy2:

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: percy on August 03, 2015, 12:16:32 pm

3m do a good headlight restoration kit around £20 mark, also guides on YouTube showing how to do it and it works great . If you do you use one of these kits then make sure you cover the engine bay with a cloth as the residue that splatters up is a pain to get off.

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: Remon_uk on August 06, 2015, 08:47:09 am

Thanks guys for your help, I brought Meguires restoration kit from eBay, worked well... :congrats:

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: GTIEagles on August 06, 2015, 09:28:16 am

Another tip, make sure you put plenty of tape round the bumper because when I did mine the disc kept slipping off and consquently cut into the paint work of the bumper a few times  :congrats: Personally if I was to do mine again I would remove them and do them on a bench, that way you can get right to the edges without fear of damaging your paint work.

Title: Re: Headlights problem
Post by: xjay1337 on August 06, 2015, 11:05:53 am

Quite common on a lot of cars...

We tape them up. Generally start at 1000 grit and work up to 3000 then compound and polish.

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11219324_882605375155687_14601434410087064_n.jpg?oh=2af5e3283272609e4ecc63cd3ca2c105&oe=564596DD)

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11666283_882605395155685_8320155488349404070_n.jpg?oh=01d920ba83e894f1f716c8276dea22b0&oe=56393732)