What to Do When Water Gets into the Taillight and Causes Fogging?
2 Answers
Solutions for water ingress and fogging in taillights: If you encounter this situation, there's no need to worry. After the lights have been on for a while, the fog will dissipate through the vent tube along with the heat, which generally does not damage the taillight or electrical circuits. When fogging occurs in the taillight, it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours for the fog to completely clear when the light is on. Whether washing the car yourself or taking it to a car wash, avoid directly spraying water at the taillight vent with a high-pressure water gun. In fact, water ingress and fogging in car lights are influenced by multiple factors, but they are primarily determined by the light's structure, temperature field inside the light, and flow field. Only by improving the quality can we effectively control and reduce issues like taillight fogging and water ingress.
Last time I fixed my car myself, I encountered the issue of water ingress and fogging in the taillight, which is actually quite common. It's mostly due to aging or damaged seals that allow moisture to seep in. You can try solving it this way: first, remove the taillight cover (be careful not to damage the bulb), wipe the interior dry with a clean cloth, then leave it in the sun for a few hours or use a hairdryer on low heat to dry it—avoid high heat to prevent plastic deformation. Check if the seal is intact; if it's cracked, you'll need to replace it. Buying a taillight seal online only costs a few dozen yuan, and replacing it yourself isn’t difficult. When reinstalling, apply extra sealant for added protection. If fogging persists after treatment, there might be a crack in the taillight cover, and you’ll need to visit a repair shop to replace the entire assembly. Remember, don’t rush to wipe it hard with a towel, as it could scratch the cover. Also, avoid using a high-pressure water jet directly on the taillight area when washing your car. Developing a habit of regularly checking the seals can save you a lot of trouble.
