How to Fix Foggy Headlights
When a headlight collects condensation on the inside of its lens, the condition is referred to as a foggy headlight. This condensation forms when moisture collects inside the headlight, typically due to a crack or hole in the lens. When the headlight heats up, either because the headlamp bulbs are illuminated or the car is parked in the sunlight, the moisture condenses and forms droplets of water on the inside of the lens.
Many headlight designs naturally collect moisture on the inside of the lens, which is vented at the top and bottom to equalize pressure and moderate temperature. As a result, some light condensation is to be expected. If the condensation evaporates when the headlights are used for a few hours, any condensation should be considered normal. If the condensation does not evaporate, and in fact gets worse with headlight use, and if water starts pooling at the bottom of the headlight, you will need to repair it.
To fix the problem you will need to check to see if the car manufacturer has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing the problem. You might be able to take your car to the dealership to have the issue addressed.
If there is no TSB for the problem, you will need to resolve it on your own. Remove the headlight from the vehicle, separating the housing from the headlight bulb(s) and headlight lens. Pour the water out of the housing, and clean the housing and the lens, checking to be sure that any vents are clear and operational. Thoroughly dry the housing, the bulbs, and the lens, and re-install them in the car.
If the problem continues, chances are that you have a crack or a hole in your headlight lens that is allowing moisture to collect inside the headlight. If this is the case, buying a new headlight is necessary to eliminate the problem.
Many headlight designs naturally collect moisture on the inside of the lens, which is vented at the top and bottom to equalize pressure and moderate temperature. As a result, some light condensation is to be expected. If the condensation evaporates when the headlights are used for a few hours, any condensation should be considered normal. If the condensation does not evaporate, and in fact gets worse with headlight use, and if water starts pooling at the bottom of the headlight, you will need to repair it.
To fix the problem you will need to check to see if the car manufacturer has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing the problem. You might be able to take your car to the dealership to have the issue addressed.
If there is no TSB for the problem, you will need to resolve it on your own. Remove the headlight from the vehicle, separating the housing from the headlight bulb(s) and headlight lens. Pour the water out of the housing, and clean the housing and the lens, checking to be sure that any vents are clear and operational. Thoroughly dry the housing, the bulbs, and the lens, and re-install them in the car.
If the problem continues, chances are that you have a crack or a hole in your headlight lens that is allowing moisture to collect inside the headlight. If this is the case, buying a new headlight is necessary to eliminate the problem.
