If you regularly deal with fogged headlights, this can have several causes. Take care of the problem in any case – because driving safety suffers from the lower luminosity.
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Some moisture is normal
Foggy headlights are usually nothing to worry about. Because the manufacturers do not install them hermetically sealed. Especially in the cold season, after a visit to the car wash or when there are high temperature differences, the headlights always fog up.
Most of the time, the fitting disappears within a short time. This is particularly noticeable in newer vehicles because they do not have corrugated lenses like the older models, but are transparent.
Fogging headlights – possible causes
Usually you don’t have to think about anything when your headlights are leaking. When washing the car or driving in the rain, it can happen that some water penetrates into the housing.
If you switch on the light, they usually dry out quickly. Because almost all cars have ventilation openings through which moisture, such as condensed water, can escape. Even when washing the engine or vehicle by hand using a high-pressure cleaner, water can get into the lamp housing.
Especially if you do not keep the minimum distance of 30 centimeters from the body. If it is only a question of residual moisture, this is not a direct defect. However, if you are constantly dealing with fogged headlights, it is important to research the causes quickly.
There are several reasons for this:
- Defective ventilation rubbers: They are a possible cause if they can no longer prevent splash and rain water. A look at the ventilation slots is often worthwhile, whether leaves or dirt are clogging them, for example.
- Cover glass damaged: If cracks or glass bursts are visible, the glass must be replaced promptly.
- Wrong spare parts: Even bulbs with excessive energy output overheat the reflectors, which can lead to leaks. An immediate exchange for the right light source helps here.
Measures for leaky headlights
Removing and drying usually helps. Let the lamp housing – including the cover glass – dry out completely. If this takes too long, you can help with a hair dryer. Make sure that there are no water marks on the sensitive lenses, as this can affect the light output.
Special care should be taken with the sensitive reflector surfaces as there is a great risk of damage.
If the rubber seal is the reason, you can glue the connection points with silicone after drying the headlights and seal them. Depending on the vehicle, seals can be bought in specialist shops.
Don’t forget to close the housing tightly after installation and have the lights reset. It is also helpful to place small “silicon pads” on the rear cover of the headlight housing. Attach a small packet of cable ties to a cable and the problem is solved.
If your headlights continue to fog up despite these self-help measures, it is best to take your car to a workshop. Because with fogged-up lenses and reflectors, you dazzle other road users, which increases the risk of accidents.