Q: I was told by my Infiniti dealer that Infiniti has a service bulletin out against the use of headlight film. It seems that the HID lights hold to much heat and the bulb will burn out up to 60% faster.

Any one else heard of this...

Also, I am looking for a few Canadian models..

Nissan X-trail and the Chev. Epica

Thanks.

On another Note.. I will be going to the SEMA show, and would like to share a beer and sa few stories with other applicators. Maybe a group of us can go out for a few wobbly pops.

A: It's a fact that HID (Xenon) headlamps use less electricity and therefore generate less heat than halogen or regular headlight bulbs do. I'd be curious to see the service bulletin and to review the criteria that was used in testing the Infiniti HID headlights, especially the thickness of the material that was used in the test (if there really was a test). If you can obtain a copy of the service bulletin, please forward it to me.

I've had 40 Mil. covers on my Xenon headlamps for 2-1/2 years with no sign of burning or any hint of heat build-up or bulb failure. In addition, we have not received any complaints of bulb failure on HID headlamps during the 6 years they have been out in the market.

I can't help you with the Nissan X-Trail right now, but I think you will find that the Chevorlet Epica will use the same kit as the Suzuki Verona. The Epica is a Korean made Verona, just re-badged as a Chevrolet.

A: I was not aware that the Suzuki was a cross over to the chev Epica. I have been asking that dealer for a copy of the bulletin for awhile now, but to no avail.

A: In regards to the Infiniti headlight problem.

Look for the same bulletin to be sent out for the 350Z model also. We've encounter problems with those headlights since they came out. The problem has nothing to do with Xenon or normal lights, rather it is a poor design in plastic that is causing the headlights to crack. Some headlights are cracking with the use of regular car-cleaners (no bra or headlight protection).

We had some customers come back and complain to us, in some cases we did not even install any product on their headlight but the alcohol solution used for the bra was causing the headlights to crack. Now we cover the headlights prior to any installation. I suggest everyone else do the same. Most dealerships have been good as far covering it under warranty.

A: I have seen this a few times as well. It seems that some of the cleaners are drying out the plastic causing them to crack. If you do not cover the lens and only the painted surface, using Plexus immediately after the installation around these areas works good and keeps moisture in the plastic.

A: Here is another bit of info on headlight films made from PVC, as the plasticisers disapear from the PVC, they shrink. You will notice this as a dark area around the headlight film, as the PVC is shrinking the adhesive is still holding to the light itself, therefore causing structural stress in the light itself. I'm not saying that it still isnt a good idea to protect lights, just be aware of some of the miner problems. I have seen this in many lights, but not to the point where they needed to be replaced.

Q: I have always installed lights using alcohol solutions, what way would you recommend installations so that the headlights dont crack

On another note.. I have this reoccuring problem with a Honda Pilot light, when the customer leaves the light lookjs perfect, but in 2 weeks , the film starts lifting on the top edge. (I am using 12 mil film so that I can stretch it a little better) Not much luck with this guy.

This fellow was passed to me by an other installer that tried doing the light once, but it peeled so he passed him to me.... nice guy.

Do you fine fellows install them dry?

A: Maybe soap/water solution only when applying film to the headlights or the dry method to help prevent this from occuring.......no more alcohol, no more fun now!

A: What's happening to the lenses is called "crazing" and it is a break down of the plastic on a molecular level. It is a manufacturing defect in the plastic and will happen with or without film sooner or later if it's an effected part. I got blamed for this years ago on Honda S2000s I sold covers for. Funny thing was, after about 3 years, my uncovered TAIL lights crazed while my 80 mil covered headlights were still perfect.

Don't ever take the blame for the auto manufactures slip in quality control. broken.gif

If the lights can't take having some diluted alcohol sprayed on them briefly once, what's acid rain going to do to them at 70 mph for hours at a time?

A: This is an accurate description of what takes place when PVCs shrink. The shrinking of PVC typically occurs because of a loss in pliability. The pliability is lost because the plasticizers are leeched out of the PVC, due in part to UV damage, but also due to a general 'drying out' of the film. However, shrinking with our proprietary 20 Mil, and 40 Mil. PVC is kept to a bare minimum because of the scratch resistant coating that is present on the outer surface of the film. This coating seals the film and keeps the plasticizers in the PVC so they can do their job. It is still a good idea to use a wax or a plastic cleaner like Plexus to maintain the film.

A: You might consider using a film designed more for headlight protection. Our rating system does not take into account installations using paint protection film as the adhesives typically used on headlight film are more aggressive and therefore less likely to lift after a period of time, once the edges are sealed and dry. Because you are compressing the headlight film, instead of stretching (it is impossible to stretch our 20 Mil or 40 Mil. film) the film will stay nicely in place once it is thoroughly squeegeed down. You will find that when the headlight film is heated, it becomes very soft, pliable and compressible, making for a relatively easy application that won't lift (or shrink!)

You shouldn't be experiencing a lifting problem like you have described. Maybe you should check with the manufacturer of the headlight film you are using to see what they have to say. BTW, once we get a confirmation that the Verona kits are an exact fit on the Epica (from you or Nuno), we will list them for you so you can print your Chevy catalogs. I spoke with Europe today and they are moving the X-Trail closer to the top of their design list. I'll let you know when it is complete.

A: let me see if I can help on this one. In the area where you are experiencing a problem, clean it thoroughly with a cleaner that is SAFE for the surface. Then, if you can, start in that area first and apply this section of the material DRY, assure a good seal and then finish the light from there. Also, make sure, if you are using alcohol/water solution from this point, that the mixture is not too concentrated as this can affect the adhesives ability to stick. There is a new PVC for headlights with a scratch resistance coating that has less shrinkage than the others in the market, the adhesive is tested to a higher degree so it will resist burning much better, and application is a dream. This may help on this type of headlight and also in regards to the burning issue in your other posts as well.