Why does condensation build up in my headlights?
If the outer lens cools more quickly than the air inside the headlight unit, it can cause condensation. This explains why you most often encounter condensation in the morning after your car has been parked overnight. Sometimes, a crack in the housing itself or bad headlight seals can also allow moisture to creep in.
What causes condensation on the inside of the headlight housing?
Condensation develops in headlights when the headlight housing does not vent properly. This is exacerbated when the car is parked in a shady or damp area. Condensation sometimes appears as a coating of mist on the inside of the headlight housing and sometimes as actual drops of water that run down the inside of the housing.
How can I get condensation out of my headlight?
You may want to check whether the headlight vent is blocked, as this can also cause some minor condensation. If this is the case, try blowing out the debris with some compressed air. Be careful that you don’t end up forcing the debris into the housing.
Can a car fail MOT inspection for condensation in headlights?
Yes, your car can fail MOT inspections for condensation in your headlights. While this won’t be a problem if you have small amounts of condensation in your headlight it can be a problem if large amounts of condensation or water are building up inside of your headlights.
What makes up the housing of a headlight?
Headlights are comprised of two pieces the headlight housing and the headlight lens. The headlight housing contains the headlight bulbs and the electrical connections to allow your headlights to illuminate. Headlight lens’ are designed to keep water and other debris from entering the headlight housing.
Why do headlights get condensation when turned off?
Since most headlights generate heat, they need to be ventilated, which means that they feature small vents that can suck in moisture when the car is turned off. If the outer lens cools more quickly than the air inside the headlight unit, it can cause condensation.
Yes, your car can fail MOT inspections for condensation in your headlights. While this won’t be a problem if you have small amounts of condensation in your headlight it can be a problem if large amounts of condensation or water are building up inside of your headlights.
What can I use to clean condensation out of my headlight?
If the vents on your headlight are plugged then you can usually clean them out with tools that you have on hand, a shop-vac or vacuum is preferred to keep debris from entering into the headlight assembly.
Why is there so much moisture in my headlight?
A missing or loose bulb cover can allow moisture to enter the headlight. In a situation where there is far more water in the headlight than usual, you’ll want to check the assembly for cracks or a damaged rubber gasket. If the headlight assembly is cracked, it will need to be replaced.