Perhaps you’ve just finished your state-mandated vehicle inspection and need to figure out how to dry off your headlight assembly so you can pass.
Or maybe you’ve discovered that you can’t see as clearly as you should at night. Make sure to read all the way through to find out how to dry out headlights.
In any event, there is a severe issue with too much moisture in the headlight assembly.
We explore each potential cause and remedy here because understanding how the water gets there significantly impacts what you must do to remove it.
Do not panic; you will quickly dry your headlights and get your car back on the road.
What results in condensation in headlights?
There are three important reasons why your headlamp may be damp. These may also be used with sidelights, taillights, and other exterior lights, such as fog lights.
1. Ventilation for the headlights
Blocked moisture vents are one of the possible causes. This is the best-case situation because you won’t need to damage the seal or fix the headlight if you follow the instructions strictly.
Because the halogen bulb heats up and cools down, condensation happens. You get moisture in the headlight when a vent is clogged without a place for the condensation to leave.
2. Headlight gasket
A damaged headlight gasket may be the cause of moisture in the headlight. If so, either the gasket has to be repaired, or the headlamp needs to be changed.
3. Damage to the headlamp
Finally, you can have a headlight assembly that is cracked or damaged. If this is the case, you will either need to replace the headlight assembly or get creative with your fixes.
Is it bad if the headlight assembly has condensation?
It most certainly might be. Condensation on the headlight assembly is harmful for several reasons. First, there is water near electrical components, which is never good.
It may cause numerous issues requiring extra repairs, such as shorting out the system and corroding the wires.
Additionally, headlamp condensation causes fogged headlights. Condensation will block a great deal of light when you turn on your headlights, reducing your visibility.
It is simple to understand why this is such a significant issue.
How may headlights be dried out?
Now that you know how to dry the headlights, you can. Condensation on the headlight assembly has to be cleaned off.
There are various techniques to accomplish this, and they all depend on the type and amount of condensation present.
1. A broken headlight
The worst-case scenario is a broken headlight assembly, so let’s start there. Not a bad gasket or a clogged vent, but a complete crack is what we’re referring to.
To stop water from getting inside in the future, you will need to replace the entire headlight assembly in this situation.
You can try drying things out using a hair drier to solve the issue temporarily, but success will depend on how well it works.
But even if it does, you will find yourself back where you were before the next time there is morning dew, rain, or any other condensation.
2. A bad seal
A faulty seal is a subsequent issue. This is a significant issue because, in most cases, fixing the seal is not simple. First, you must take the headlight assembly apart by carefully prying the unit at the seal.
Dry out the interior ultimately, to begin with. Then, if you’re lucky, you can use a headlamp seal from an auto parts store. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a hot glue gun and apply a new bead all around the assembly.
However, this type of seal is uncommon in headlights, so you’ll likely have to perform the repair yourself. Take your time and do the task correctly the first time if you want to achieve a tight seal.
3. A clogged moisture vent
An obstruction in the vent is the final potential issue. This enables condensation that accumulates due to the bulb’s temperature rise to escape.
Before removing any gaskets, ensure this vent is evident because all types of debris can obstruct it.
If so, try to remove the debris from the headlight rather than pushing it inside. You’ll need to break the seal once more to get everything out if it gets jammed inside the headlight assembly.
What if the headlight continues to become wet?
After the repair, if water still enters the headlight, you probably still have a bad seal or a clogged vent. You can either replace the headlamp assembly or try the repair again.
Even though it is not always inexpensive to replace the headlight component, doing so is preferable to shorting out the system, starting a fire, or losing nighttime sight and getting into an accident.
Avoid letting moisture get inside the headlight assembly at any cost. The headlights must be dried out because it is only a matter of time before the minor nuisance turns into a major one.
