2013 Subaru WRX STi - Headlight Film / Oxidation / Polish Residue? Help

T

Tim711

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Hi Mike,

I own a 2013 Subaru WRX STi which is not my dd. I bought it brand new and unfortunately it was dealer prepped and had been "buffed".

Couple months ago I was surprised when I noticed a film on one of the headlights which appeared like oxidation. I was unsure of what to do about it or what it was from. I assumed it was maybe polish residue left behind from the dealer.

I tried using a Microfiber towel and some OPC and it worked provided I used a lot of elbow grease using my thumb. I was able to completely remove it from the one headlight. (A lot of scrubbing involved)

Just recently I noticed upon further inspection the other headlight has the same issue. I tried using the same approach today and I was able to remove a tiny bit but was unsuccessful in removing the majority of it.

I am afraid of using abrasives and I would like to preserve the oem coating since these are brand new (4500kms). I would like to take the least aggressive approach in fixing this.

Thanks,
Tim

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Example of the dealer buffing; I didn't have a polisher at the time... So, when I got the car I used meguiars scratch-x and a yellow poly foam pad and it seemed to remove the damage. (roof channel)
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Do you have a buffer, pads, and compound?

For jobs like this I usually use my 3401, orange pad, and either M105 or Menz FG400. Then follow up with M205 on a white or green pad. Then seal it up with JS109.
 
it looks like the factory coating is coming off already to me...
 
Nice ride! It looks like the UV layer is failing, which seems unlikely for such a young ride. I'm not sure how this works, really, but you may look into calling the dealership about this failure. Seems like "faulty" equipment. Again, not sure if something like this would be considered in that aspect to be faulty.

If they have no help to offer, I would suggest a headlight restoration, which will involve completely removing that outer layer through sanding. Then polish them to look new. Optimum Polymer Technologies has a UV protestant coating made just for headlights, and I've read good things about it as an LSP for lenses.

Search for threads regarding headlight restoration for a more thorough process, and good luck!
 
In retrospect, Mike, I apologize for butting in on your very sub-forum. I should leave questions asked of you to be answered by you.
 
Wow that does look really bad for 2013 car. Love the subi, have 02 WRX with 04 front swap, and a Forester.

Does appear to be failing "coating".

Makes me wonder if the dealer or previous owner put some sort of "coating" on it.

Wouldn't happen to live in Hawaii or place with extreme UV exposure?
 
Belphegor said:
In retrospect, Mike, I apologize for butting in on your very sub-forum. I should leave questions asked of you to be answered by you.
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No worries, I would like Mike's professional opinion but I am very open other people providing insight or help.

Mantilgh said:
Wow that does look really bad for 2013 car. Love the subi, have 02 WRX with 04 front swap, and a Forester.

Does appear to be failing "coating".

Makes me wonder if the dealer or previous owner put some sort of "coating" on it.

Wouldn't happen to live in Hawaii or place with extreme UV exposure?
Click to expand...

I am the original owner, bought it brand new. It was the last of the 2013's in black and I didn't like the changes to the 2014. It was on the lot before purchasing and I asked to have one small stractch slightly fixed to see how bad it was. Turns out they did me a 'favour' and 'buffed' and waxed the whole car. I was unable to see the damage in the last photo because of the wax.

I never applied anything to the headlights and if I did it was simply a quality paint sealant like Wolfgang. I only have 4,500kms on the vechilce so it is like new and is garaged, not my DD. I live in Canada but it is garaged and I only drove it twice in the winter last year. I bought this car to baby it and it turns out I got burned.

I have no idea how this was caused to the headlight. I was able to remove the film that was not as bad on the drivers headlight months ago but was unsuccessful with the passenger this time around.

The only thing I could think of was maybe left over polish because they 'buffed' the car but I have no idea if this could cause that issue?
 
Under warranty?

Take it to the dealer and complain, don't tell them you even messed with them
 
Thank you for the comments on the car, I love it.

Charleston said:
Under warranty?

Take it to the dealer and complain, don't tell them you even messed with them
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I think that is what I will have to do. It is under extended warranty. Not sure this would be covered, I will definetly try.
 
DaveT435 said:
it looks like the factory coating is coming off already to me...
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Agree.

I'd be willing to bet the dealership removed the coating and caused the damage with their buffer during it's pre-delivery torture session. Since you are just now finding the problem, it could be really hard to convince them it's their fault.
 
Desertnate said:
Agree.

I'd be willing to bet the dealership removed the coating and caused the damage with their buffer during it's pre-delivery torture session. Since you are just now finding the problem, it could be really hard to convince them it's their fault.
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While it probably is the dealer's fault, since they caused the problem in the first place, they probably aren't capable of fixing it properly. From the look of the problem in the pictures, it looks like something that would buff out easily with the DP Headlight restoring kit. Buff it out and seal the lights and you are good to go. Actually, I use PBL surface coating rather than the headlight sealant for my LSP since it lasts longer. It is expensive, though...

<TED>
 
tedj101 said:
While it probably is the dealer's fault, since they caused the problem in the first place, they probably aren't capable of fixing it properly. From the look of the problem in the pictures, it looks like something that would buff out easily with the DP Headlight restoring kit. Buff it out and seal the lights and you are good to go. Actually, I use PBL surface coating rather than the headlight sealant for my LSP since it lasts longer. It is expensive, though...

<TED>
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Which PB's are you using, EX, EX-P,... and and how long do you think it lasts?

I assume this is on a newer headlight and not one that is degraded and in need of a new coating, correct?
 
Mantilgh said:
Which PB's are you using, EX, EX-P,... and and how long do you think it lasts?

I assume this is on a newer headlight and not one that is degraded and in need of a new coating, correct?
Click to expand...

When I used the initials PBL I was referring to Pinnacle Black Label more specifically, Pinnacle Black Label Surface Coating. PBL surface coating is rated for 2 years. Since it hasn't been on the retail market for more than 2 years (and I have only been using it for about a year) I can't comment on its life beyond that. My experience with most sealants on headlights is that you have to redo them every six months or so.

As to whether I am referring to a new headlight or old, it really doesn't matter. If you use any kind of compound to restore the headlight, the factory coating will be gone and you must replace it when you are done or your headlights will degrade again quite rapidly.

I hope that addresses your questions.

<TED>
 
Thanks Ted, makes more sense now that I know you're talking about Pinnacle. Sorry for my ignorance.
 
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