How to Deal with Water in Turn Signals?
3 Answers
After the headlights are turned on for a period of time, the fog will be discharged out of the light through the vent pipe along with the hot air, which basically will not damage the headlights and electrical circuits. The solution for severe water ingress in turn signals is to remove the lamp cover, dry it with a high-pressure gun, and then apply sealant.
Yesterday while driving, I encountered moisture and fogging in the turn signal light, so I immediately pulled over to address it. Water ingress in turn signals can cause light blurring or short circuits, compromising safety, so prompt repair is essential. My approach was: first turn off the engine, ensure safety, then open the hood and carefully remove the turn signal lens. Take out the bulb and use a hairdryer to dry the moisture inside, being careful not to burn your hands or damage the wiring. Check if the sealing gasket has cracks; if so, replace it with a new one—it's just a matter of a few dollars. If the issue persists, the lens might have cracks and need complete replacement. Never delay repairs—a non-functional turn signal is dangerous when turning and can easily lead to accidents. Additionally, common causes of water ingress are high-pressure car wash jets or aging seals. Regular inspection of light seals can prevent such issues. I recommend having a technician check the lighting system during annual maintenance to prevent problems before they occur.
After the last car wash, water got into the turn signal, and the bulb was surrounded by fog, which was really annoying. I looked into ways to deal with it: use a soft cloth to dry the surface of the lens, then open the lamp holder and gently remove the bulb. If there isn't too much water, you can use a household hair dryer on medium setting for a few minutes until the moisture dissipates, then reinstall it. If the sealing ring is loose or damaged, you can buy a new one at an auto parts store—it's very cheap. If the lens is cracked, you'll need to order a new one online or replace the entire light assembly at a shop, which can cost anywhere from tens to a hundred dollars. When washing your car, avoid high-pressure water directly hitting the light area, and try to park under a shelter on rainy days. Remember, if water ingress isn't addressed, it could burn out the bulb, affect the turn signal, and increase risks. Similar water ingress issues are common in other types of lights, like brake lights, and timely cleaning can save you a lot of money.
