Headlight Protectors https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t124565 Runboard| Headlight Protectors en-us Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:19:40 +0000 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:19:40 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084248,from=rss#post2084248https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084248,from=rss#post2084248quote:DogTrail wrote: I can only speak of my own experience and I thought that was clear in my post. Yes, very clear indeed. quote:Maybe I'm lucky that mine remain clear and unbroken after a couple of years but that is what they are. Yes. Very lucky indeed. quote:I wasn't intending to do a point by point critique of your proposition. When you start your post by deeming the reasons I posted as "a bit harsh" without singelling any of the points I made, my assumption you are referring to the post as a whole. This is in addition to the previous pages of this thread which describe the same problem by other users. quote:I do not pretend that the protectors are either wonderful or invulnerable or even particularly useful, but it cannot be argued that they do not give an added barrier and therefore better protection to the headlights. Very valid point for sure and more so in your case, as you got them part of the car purchase deal and didn't have to buy them afterwards. The point about providing better protection vs. impeding on the perofmance of the headlight is the one we can differ on, as the headlight function is different between Halogen and HID.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:15:06 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084237,from=rss#post2084237https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084237,from=rss#post2084237I can only speak of my own experience and I thought that was clear in my post. Maybe I'm lucky that mine remain clear and unbroken after a couple of years but that is what they are. I wasn't intending to do a point by point critique of your proposition. I do not pretend that the protectors are either wonderful or invulnerable or even particularly useful, but it cannot be argued that they do not give an added barrier and therefore better protection to the headlights.nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:09:44 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084236,from=rss#post2084236https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084236,from=rss#post2084236You have only addressed one point but not others, so I don't have any reason to change my view about them and even more so when my car has factory HIDs nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:53:08 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084235,from=rss#post2084235https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084235,from=rss#post2084235We agree to differ nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:49:29 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084233,from=rss#post2084233https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084233,from=rss#post2084233Good for you then.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:29:16 +0000 Re: HEADLIGHT PROTECTORS EASILY STOLENhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084232,from=rss#post2084232https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084232,from=rss#post2084232quote:they are useless for the following reasons: That might be a bit harsh. I've had a set given by Nissan for a couple of years & they look like new.  quote:They will get cracked with slightest uneven road surface movement. Meaning you can expect them to crack almost immediately after your first off-road outing. Mine have been offroad and there has been some body torsion applied but they didn't break. Actually, if there was so much twist in a frame that it would break the headlight protectors, I would return the car as 'not as described and inadequate for purpose'. That has not happened & the (as you say, are probably quite pointless) 'protectors' are still there in original condition - in my particular instance. nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:18:39 +0000 Re: HEADLIGHT PROTECTORS EASILY STOLENhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084183,from=rss#post2084183https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084183,from=rss#post2084183quote:nonredneck wrote:  I don't get Jalal saying the protectors are totally useless but I'm guessing hes had experience with them - probably aftermarket ones. I suspect a lot of off-road dirt could also settle on the underside. I was referring to Genuine Nissan Protectors (but it applies to them all equally) and they are useless for the following reasons: * They will get cracked with slightest uneven road surface movement. Meaning you can expect them to crack almost immediately after your first off-road outing. * They will trap dirt behind them and this includes hard objects like stones and leaves and this will in turn damage and scratch the surface of your headlights. * They're in fact a hazard when fitted to cars that have HID lights, as any dirt or scratch on the surface of the headlight protector will reduce the efficiency of the HID lights. Considering that the T31 Headlight lenses are made from durable and hard wearing ABS Plastic material, these protectors are not really required at all. Gone are the days where you would have to worry about coping a rock and smashing your glass headlights. If you want rear headlight surface protection, I would consider putting a clear lens film instead. Bonnet protectors on the other hand are indeed a good investment.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:44:40 +0000 Re: HEADLIGHT PROTECTORS EASILY STOLENhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084181,from=rss#post2084181https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084181,from=rss#post2084181Yeah Dogtrail, your probably right about no-one wanting to steal them generally speaking - but I had in mind someone with an Xtrail perving at mine for fittings. Don't take this as a slur on other Xtrail owners. Some scumbag lifted the front and rear badges off my previous car (it wasn't an Xtrail) as well as a door strip. This where I'm coming from. As for the security of the towball bar assembly (I think you mentioned) : on my Xtrail its well and truly jammed- probably from a reversing impact. They might remove the pin but that's all. They'll need a sledgehammer to knock it loose - I tried kicking it loose.  I don't get Jalal saying the protectors are totally useless but I'm guessing hes had experience with them - probably aftermarket ones. I suspect a lot of off-road dirt could also settle on the underside. But the Nissan protectors I fitted seem fairly clear and solid. They look great and cover the T31 lights really well - and at $380 for a replacement headlight I thought they would be good insurance. If stones can crack a laminated windscreen they can take out a polycarbonate lens, especially from passing trucks. I was in a 40k roadworks zone the other week - lots of loose gravel - and some pr*ck on the opposite side sped past at 80k and it felt like I was in a Hail storm. Man was I p*ssed. So I bought the protectors the next day. Anyway thanks for the input. cheersnondisclosed_email@example.com (nonredneck)Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:05:23 +0000 headlight protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084180,from=rss#post2084180https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084180,from=rss#post2084180Well Geeee Jalal ,...I'm gonna go and cry now....thanks for the constructive input - it really helped. nondisclosed_email@example.com (nonredneck)Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:56:34 +0000 Re: HEADLIGHT PROTECTORS EASILY STOLENhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084173,from=rss#post2084173https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084173,from=rss#post2084173quote:The moment I took them out of the box I thought : 'OMG - these are useless - they will get stolen': People will want to steal your X-Trail headlight protectors about as much as they would want to steal your used undies. Not a popular item for resale in the usual dingy dives. Do not worry about it. Now, the towball, that is a different matter....fits anything... still no history of people losing that item.nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Thu, 17 Jul 2014 22:52:36 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084171,from=rss#post2084171https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084171,from=rss#post2084171I've had a pair of genuine bonnet and headlight protectors on for past 5 years and no cracks! Glad I've had them on cause headlights look like new and my bonnet is the first one I've ever had with no chips yet! If there are cracks I would say its not the quality rather something about the fitting (bumper up a bit too high where the lower section wedges in under each light) or they have actually been protecting.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Translucidus)Thu, 17 Jul 2014 22:39:15 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084169,from=rss#post2084169https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084169,from=rss#post2084169I find the Nissan headlight protectors useless period.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:11:38 +0000 Re: HEADLIGHT PROTECTORS EASILY STOLENhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084168,from=rss#post2084168https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2084168,from=rss#post2084168Does anybody have any ideas how to secure headlight protectors to make them harder to steal? I purchased a new set from Nissan in Melbourne for $84 (incl gst) including courier cost. They are great and fit perfectly except I was really disappointed about the following. The moment I took them out of the box I thought : 'OMG - these are useless - they will get stolen': 1. The top edge of the protector/cover DOESN'T extend under the bonnet. It has a single bendy steel bracket that screws through a hole in the top of the protector and the other end of the bracket hooks over the edge of the light housing under the bonnet. But the screw at the top of the protector is totally exposed - anyone cancome along and remove it. It doesn't make it any more secure by having the screw head under the cover and the nut assembly on the outside. I super glued the screw thread and then filled in the Phillips screw head with glue but if you think that helps, read on: 2. The bottom of the protector is a 90 degree flange that pushes/squeezes under the headlight between the bumper - that's it! To remove you just open the bonnet then pull out the bottom of the protector and unhook it. 3. With the bonnet down anyone can come along and just pull out the bottom edge then either unscrew the top bracket or just pull really hard and the flimsy bracket will probably pull through. The most damage they'll do is break the protectors at the screw hole . Either way I lose them. 4. I did remove them and drill two small holes on the flange that slips under the headlight between the bumper. Then I managed to squeeze some cable ties through that gap from inside the engine bay and secured the protector using the holes I drilled. But I could only do one side. The passenger side is impossible without removing air intake and heaps of other things! HELP! ANY IDEAS. at least I can slip them on and off (without removing the bracket) for long trips and leave them off when parking in a vulnerable place overnight etc. but I'd rather fit them securely.nondisclosed_email@example.com (nonredneck)Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:49:41 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2073508,from=rss#post2073508https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2073508,from=rss#post2073508Yes, the headlights changed shape from 2010 on, so the headlight protectors would also be different.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Thu, 02 May 2013 20:41:34 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2073506,from=rss#post2073506https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2073506,from=rss#post2073506Hi, does anyone know if there is a difference in the genuine Nissan headlight protectors between the first series T31s and the post 2010 models? From memory the headlights look different but not 100% sure. I have an opportunity to buy a 2nd hand (but new) set for my 2009 Exxy but don't want to buy the wrong set. Thanks Martynondisclosed_email@example.com (marty75)Thu, 02 May 2013 20:39:02 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071297,from=rss#post2071297https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071297,from=rss#post2071297Headlight protectors are a good idea even if you don't drive on gravel very often. The 20 year old set on the Brumby have numerous chips and fractures - all of which happened when driving on bitumen. Probably saved me from replacing 3 or 4 headlights in that time. I have the factory headlight protectors on the X-Trail as well as the bonnet protector. It is likely that the front of the car is likely to cop more chips on a sealed road than when diving on gravel as the following distances tend to be closer (the traffic leaves little choice). There are plenty of loose stones on sealed roads.nondisclosed_email@example.com (DogTrail)Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:57:41 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071270,from=rss#post2071270https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071270,from=rss#post2071270quote:cooch t31 wrote: I found the genuine ones to be really good, got them thrown in when I bought the car. They fit really well and are hardly noticeable when on. It is unlikely that the headlights can be broken with a stone these days cause of the poly carbonate lenses so the question is, Do you really need them? thanks, looks like i will get genuine. on my vt commodore (which the xtrail replaced) there were lots of stone chips in the bonnet (i live in the country) and a friends thick lens cover was brocken... not willing to take the risk   cheers cooch - will get some nownondisclosed_email@example.com (Nazar7)Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:32:47 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071226,from=rss#post2071226https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071226,from=rss#post2071226I found the genuine ones to be really good, got them thrown in when I bought the car. They fit really well and are hardly noticeable when on. It is unlikely that the headlights can be broken with a stone these days cause of the poly carbonate lenses so the question is, Do you really need them?nondisclosed_email@example.com (cooch t31)Sat, 16 Feb 2013 06:51:58 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071216,from=rss#post2071216https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2071216,from=rss#post2071216well, seems to be a really old thread, but a good one. looking for headlamp protectors for the current t31 2012 model (would perfer the non stick-on type) and also the bonnet protector (clear). are there any OEM ones that are any good?? or should i stick with genuine?? genuine cost is $110 & $130 from nissan ..... off fleabay (genuine) $90 & $90 (including postage) any members comments would be appreciatednondisclosed_email@example.com (Nazar7)Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:34:37 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2029888,from=rss#post2029888https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2029888,from=rss#post2029888Checked the forum and this is the only one I found. Just left home this morning to do some running around and turned up the road we had to go and did not get far when something struck the front end of the exy ,not sure whether something was thrown up by a car or a person but the headlight cover on the left hand side took the impact and broke a section off that covers the parkers and scuffed the headlight as well. So glad to have had the covers on and the thought of what would it have to cost to replace the headlight assembly would be mind blowing. I now have to buy a new set of headlight protectors. So if you think this item is not worth fitting ,think again as they do lessen the damage. Regards scotnondisclosed_email@example.com (freewill11)Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:21:30 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000096,from=rss#post2000096https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000096,from=rss#post2000096Brett, check my response on the previous page of this thread for a very good brand.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:30:18 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000093,from=rss#post2000093https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000093,from=rss#post2000093 Thanks Jalal, but has anyone fitted these clear films yet. There are so many different brands out there, any first hand experience ???nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:26:20 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000091,from=rss#post2000091https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000091,from=rss#post2000091quote:BRETT72 wrote:  Before you all tell me that the X-trail lenses are hard glass and you would be hard pressed to break one The headlight lenses are actually hard PLASTIC and yes, they're very hard to break, so this guy was REALLY un-lucky. In regards to the factory headlight protectors, not only they would restrict the spread of light, but they also trap a great deal of dirt behind them and cleaning them is a major pain in the backside. They also get scratched easily and this in turn affects the light output. There are ready made kits (pre-cut transparent film) similar to the one I have on my fog lights and this will be the best solution. I have this film on my fog lights for over 2 years now and it still looks great. All it needs is a quick polish now and then and it'll look brand new.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:20:56 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000087,from=rss#post2000087https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2000087,from=rss#post2000087 Sorry to rehash an old thread, but has anyone fitted the 'stick-on' headlight protectors yet. I was amazed at how much the factory hard plastic ones restrict the light.  Before you all tell me that the X-trail lenses are hard glass and you would be hard pressed to break one, I saw one smashed last night by a rock. The piece of blue metal was still inside the lense and was about 2cm in diametre. This poor bugger actually removed his light covers the day before to clean them and forgot to put them back on. He's now up for new lense and new globes. Woops. $$$ 8( nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:48:32 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879662,from=rss#post879662https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879662,from=rss#post879662I have had my protectors replaced under warranty; because they cracked at the screw hole.[no doubt due to over tightening]But you need to be adament, as if you will [politely]not take NO for an answer. Also,I have had the thick clear vinyl on the headlights of my Mitsubishi work van for at least 5 years now; and no chips in my glass. But, it is hard to do curves, unless you use heat; and it doesn,t stretch much.nondisclosed_email@example.com (pasho)Fri, 08 Jul 2005 23:12:01 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879661,from=rss#post879661https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879661,from=rss#post879661That's if you still have warranty left Matt A visit to my "2nd home" might be in order soon nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:28:44 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879660,from=rss#post879660https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879660,from=rss#post879660Matt, Get it replaced under warranty like I did. The dealer won't like it though as Nissan doesn't like replacing accessory items, and the dealer might end up footing the bill as Nissan is likely not to pay them. But your still entitled to make a warranty claim. Cheersnondisclosed_email@example.com (NPC73)Mon, 04 Jul 2005 20:05:23 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879659,from=rss#post879659https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879659,from=rss#post879659quote:LB4680 wrote: Jalal & other XTrailers, Anger have released headlight protectors in Febuary to fit XTrails. Cost was about $40 a pair. Nissan wanted $65. I have a pair on order from Autobarn. Which reminds me I should drop in to see if they have arrived yet. Lawrie $65 a pair, we're getting ripped off down here, Canberra nissan wanted $90 for two. By the way one of mine has cracked where the screw is on the top.nondisclosed_email@example.com (canberraxtrail)Mon, 04 Jul 2005 19:54:54 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879658,from=rss#post879658https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879658,from=rss#post879658Hey Lone Ranger, As much as I would love to shorten my name by half, am afraid I can't do that for the sake of all other xtrailers out there who know me by the name Jalal LOL In response to your question, I found something much better and cheaper, which I imported from the US. The company is called Lamin-x The protection this film offers is no different than the hard plastic cover protectors, as the rubber film is quite thick and durable. The advantage of having this thick film over the plastic protectors is that it won’t crack and it's invisible and most importantly it wont collect dust and dirt behind it like the plastic guards. The only negative (if you wanna call it that) is that it needs to be replaced every 4 or so years. I have done my fog lights using the yellow film, but haven’t yet ordered the clear film for the headlights. (which I'll be doing soon) Hope this answers your question. P.S. As a member who has been here for quite some time, it would be nice to refer to you by your name instead of your username. Just a thought without sounding like am being pushy nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Fri, 01 Jul 2005 20:55:44 +0000 Re: Headlight Protectorshttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879657,from=rss#post879657https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p879657,from=rss#post879657quote:jalalski wrote: Hi Guys, I was at SuperCheap Auto this morning (no surprise there ) and I saw the self-adhesive headlight protectors film (it's quite thick) that you can just cut to fit your headlights. Price is $34 to cover both headlights. My question is: has anyone tried using this product before? Is it any good? how did you go with these Jal? I'm not sure! can't see how they would stop a fast flying stone? nondisclosed_email@example.com (Lone Ranger)Fri, 01 Jul 2005 20:26:39 +0000