how come headlights oxidize but tail lights dont?

[mbaoo]

Ive seen countless threads on head light restoration but never tail light restoration. And even on my own ride, I had to fix one of my headlights because it had oxidized and looked like crap. But my tail lights are original and they look perfect?

 

[DaGonz]

Headlights take a lot of abuse being the "face" of the vehicle...

 

[Cody40691]

There are some taillights that I see are oxidized...can't think of many off hand but I know I've seen some 99-03 silverados with the tail lights faded/oxidized

 

[Accumulator]

Yeah, I seem to correct the tail lights on every vehicle I buy used. Most stay nice but now and then a set doesn't.



Big diff between most headlights and tail lights though; the tails are more like "normal plastic".

 

[David Fermani]

Even though Head lights & Tail lights have the same SEA and DOT ratings, the plastic used in the lens cover is different. Plus Headlights are exposed to much greater abuse from heat (bulbs) and flying debris (sandblasting).

 

[CarPart4u.Marco]

Headlights restoration is a lot easier that tail lights restoration.

 

[imported_Prestige Detail]

What Mr. Fermani said. The headlights see a ton of abuse. The lights and heat from lights cause damage also. Just like if your vehicle has HID lights, your lenses will oxidize almost twice as fast as a regular halogen bulb.

 

[JaredPointer]

My mom's '96 Blazer and my dad's '94 S-10 tails will oxidize and need an occasional light polish.