How do you get rid of condensation in headlights?

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 7:57 pm

It's an 04 SE but I guess the answer would be the same as for any NB?

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:37 pm

Dave, White rice will absorb water/ condensation but as to how, OH! wait, what about removing the bulb and filling the toe of a ladies stocking with rice followed by creating as best a seal as possible? Blue tac perhaps.
Greg.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:46 pm

Pull bulb out.
Point a hairdryer into the hole and warm the inside of the headlight.
Reinstall bulb and ensure a good fit with the rubber seal.

Worked for me!

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 9:14 pm

Water must be getting in to cause the condensation ?

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 9:49 pm

lizard wrote:Water must be getting in to cause the condensation ?

I suppose that was more my question really. Will do the hairdryer thing and see how long the condensation stays away.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:06 pm

Dave,
A hairdryer will only move the moisture about. If the bulbs have a seal it would be prudent to give them a smear of white grease after you dry them out. I am trying to chase some moisture from my Fog lamps ATM, it is a pain in the arse.
Greg.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 11:18 pm

Typically automotive lighting ie headlamps and turn and rear combo lights have Breathers. If the lamp is not breathing it may then have condensation build up. Older lamps may even have a leak point like a glue or welding problem to let in air and moisture. Try the tips suggested.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:57 pm

lizard wrote:Water must be getting in to cause the condensation ?

Wow. Did you go to university? :lol:

taminga16 wrote:Dave,
A hairdryer will only move the moisture about.

Which is why the suggestion was to remove the bulbs/globes. Air goes in 1 portal, comes out another portal. And it works as I have done it before on multiple cars. Much easier if you pull the whole headlight out of the car.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 4:22 pm

Unless you completely seal the headlight there is always a risk of condensation due to moisture in the air, warmer air holds more moisture and as the air cools the moisture is released hence condensation.

snshami · Postby **snshami** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 4:33 pm

Magpie wrote:Unless you completely seal the headlight there is always a risk of condensation due to moisture in the air, warmer air holds more moisture and as the air cools the moisture is released hence condensation.

Modern headlamps are rarely ever sealed. They are vented with breather tubes to prevent condensation. Its possible the breather tube is blocked.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 7:12 pm

You don't fully seal modern headlamp or even "semi sealed headlamps--- i.e. unit with a replaceable bulb - you did for Sealed beams ( SBU and nearly always glass) but we have not used them in the modern auto world for decades.