What to Do When Headlights Get Foggy?
2 Answers
Solutions for foggy headlights: Turn on the car headlights. Usually, after the headlights have been on for a while, the fog will dissipate through the vent pipe along with the heat, without causing any damage to the headlights or the circuit. Do not use a dryer to blow hot air on the surface of the headlights, as the covers of most modern car models are made of special plastic. Excessive heat can cause the headlights to age and turn yellow, or even crack when exposed to cold temperatures. It is normal for car headlights to get foggy, and car owners need not worry too much. This usually occurs when there is a significant temperature difference, and it is also common during winter or rainy seasons.
Moisture inside the headlights is a pretty common issue, mostly caused by poor sealing. There's a small vent hole at the back of the headlight – if it gets clogged or the seal ages and warps, humidity sneaks into the lens. This often happens right after car washes or rainy days. Don't rush to replace the headlight; first try keeping the lights on for about half an hour. The heat will usually dissipate the fog naturally. If it keeps recurring or condenses into water droplets, then you'll need to check for cracked sealant or warped lens edges. My own car had this problem – a hundred bucks at the repair shop for new sealing strips fixed it. For prevention, avoid pressure-washing headlights directly and slow down when crossing deep puddles; these small habits can really reduce moisture intrusion.
