Brutal Hard Water stains on headlights I have tried everything.

[SfbullAudi13]

Here are the pictures of the hard water stains on my headlights. I went to bed one night and then the next morning they are there. I do live in FL. So i think it could have been that hard sprinkler water could have gotten on there and then dried in the morning. I tried headlight restoration kit, lime-a-way, and vinegar. Also, my audi dealership put their detail guy on it. He said he worked on it for a long time with no success. He told me "If we cant get it off nothing will". So I am now buying new lights. Just thought i'd share the photos to see if any Audi Dr's can figure out this case.

[rlarsen462]

Pics aren't showing.

[SfbullAudi13]

fixed?

[Okan509]

you're gonna need to buff those

[rlarsen462]

That looks like more than hard water, almost like chemical etching. But yeah, only hope is going to be buffing under power like a DA or Flex and a polish. Be aware once you do this you may remove a protective coating on the lights and they will require regular maintenance (polishing) if so. If you're already securing new headlights, probably not worth it.

[SfbullAudi13]

That looks like more than hard water, almost like chemical etching. But yeah, only hope is going to be buffing under power like a DA or Flex and a polish. Be aware once you do this you may remove a protective coating on the lights and they will require regular maintenance (polishing) if so. If you're already securing new headlights, probably not worth it.

yeah im just going to get new ones. Any sprays i can use on the new one to protect them from water spots in the future?

[rlarsen462]

I have my headlights covered with XPEL Ultimate and Opticoat over the film...no problems yet but I never park outside or drive in the rain so I'm probably of little help as to whether it will guard against water spots.

[NYSpeedRacer]

Op, I would do a complete detail of the head lights and clear bra afterwards.

[moondev]

Off-topic but do you have adaptive lights? If so I might be interested in buying your front left housing from you if you are interested. A drl led is burned out on mine and I would rather have hard water stains than the "missing tooth" look.

[BladesBravo]

I have my headlights covered with XPEL Ultimate and Opticoat over the film...no problems yet but I never park outside or drive in the rain so I'm probably of little help as to whether it will guard against water spots.

Clear plasti dip might work too

[Hy Octane]

Wax on, Wax off!!

[Hamletcin]

Hi SfbullAudi13,

If you are interested I have a pair of original headlights that I can sell to you. (non adaptive)

PM if interested,

Cheers,
Hamlet

[Pilfer]

How did that not happen to your paint as well?

[Need4Speed]

you can buff those out

water and 1000 grit sand paper work that on the headlights and then buff with wax and youll be fine.

[rysl31]

I got these on my windows once. Would not come off with non-abrasive product.

Used this and worked beautifully:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical...spi_886_16.htm

[Mops@Nemesis]

Love this stuff. I've been using it for years for just this. Cheap too

[Rusty Axle]

Typically water spots are from lime and other alkaline minerals. Vinegar is acidic and will dissolve the minerals. Pour some on a wash cloth or similar absorbent material and it will likely wipe right off.

[NPuter]

Not sure where in FL the OP lives, but untreated Miami aquifer water is brutal.
I have untreated well water for hose/sprinkler both in Miami and where I am in North Carolina. The Miami water leaves behind a thick white residue, and the North Carolina water leaves behind virtually nothing. Makes washing so much easier...

[Zee Dgerman]

Ouch that's pretty bad. If you are buying new HL make sure your put 3M or Xpel on them.

[bkw]

2000 grit, followed by 3M Trizact 3000, then 3M 6085 compound on a DA. I've taken out worse that that.

[SfbullAudi13]

I have decided to buy new ones. Got a good deal on them. Would you guys use Lamin-x (http://www.lamin-x.com/) or clear bra? Im more interested in lamin-x. BTW if anyone wants those headlights for whatever reason i will field all offers haha

[bknewtype]

I have decided to buy new ones. Got a good deal on them. Would you guys use Lamin-x (http://www.lamin-x.com/) or clear bra? Im more interested in lamin-x. BTW if anyone wants those headlights for whatever reason i will field all offers haha

i think both would suffice. lamin -x may be cheaper but would serve its purposes.

you know what you should do? experiment with your headlights. attempt to open them up without damaging the lens. if you can do that, then u can make lotsa money cause bootleg ecodes!

[bkw]

J-codes!!!

[catch]

As others have stated, I would try wet sanding, polishing then wrap them in clear vinal.

Would save a lot over buying new ones FOR SURE!