even brand new cars can get fogged up headlights. In most cases, however, the moisture evaporates again by itself. Sometimes, however, the liquid stubbornly persists and the headlights simply do not dry out. In our guide, we explain how you can tell if your headlight just needs to be cleaned or actually replaced, and what you can do yourself to combat condensation in the headlight.
Why do headlights fog up??
All modern headlights have a ventilation system. On the one hand, this ensures pressure equalization, on the other hand, it allows moisture that has penetrated the headlight to escape again. Conversely, this also means that the headlights can fog up much more easily from the inside.
When headlights fog up, it is usually because the car has been exposed to more moisture than usual. This is how the headlights can fog up from the inside after driving through the wash or when the engine compartment cools down in a cold environment. However, defective gaskets or seals can also cause. A clogged ventilation system can cause the headlights to fog up.
Moisture in headlights can be a safety hazard
As already mentioned, it is even intended by the car manufacturers that the headlamp is not sealed airtight. A little moisture in the headlights is therefore quite normal. Often you don’t even notice them, because the headlights become clear again after just a few minutes with the lights on or in the sun.
But if the fogged headlight just won’t dry, then you should do something as soon as possible. First of all, a permanently fogged headlight can be dangerous for you and other road users, as your visibility can be severely impaired. Secondly, the TuV also criticizes fogged headlights during the general inspection. However, you don’t necessarily have to go to the workshop now. In the next section, we will tell you what you can do yourself if the headlight is damp from the inside.
By the way: LED and xenon headlights can also fog up from the inside. This has exactly the same reasons as for other types of headlamps. In this case, too, it is necessary to remove the headlamps or. So a visit to the garage is not absolutely necessary, but only if water has really penetrated the headlight or the headlight is leaking.
What you can do yourself if your headlight is fogged up
If xenon, halogen or LED headlights fog up, you don’t need to worry for the time being. First, turn on the lights and, if possible, move the car to a warm place. Place in the sun. If the headlights do not become clear again after a few minutes, then either too much moisture has penetrated or it cannot evaporate properly.
In such a case you should check all the seals on the headlight. It is also important that the slots in the ventilation system are not blocked so that the moisture can evaporate again. If water drops have penetrated the headlight, it must be removed and carefully cleaned with a compressed air jet. The best way to do this is to contact a workshop. The reflectors should not be removed because of the risk of damage.
Very important: if you remove the parts yourself to do something about the moisture in the headlights, then you should also adjust the headlights properly afterwards. Because the headlights become misaligned when they are removed, it is usually not possible to drive safely without readjustment.