Picture yourself driving through a storm or during a foggy night, and BAM- you notice that your headlights are not shining as brightly as they should. This is a typical problem that countless drivers encounter and can be super dangerous.
This is moisture. Moisture can cause foggy and blurry headlights. And foggy headlights reduce visibility, making it difficult to see the road ahead.
Some people recommend disassembling the headlight casing to extract the moisture, but what if I tell you that you can do it without opening your headlights? So learn here how to clean inside headlights without opening in simple steps.
Is It Possible To clean inside of headlights without removing?
Definitely! For sure it is possible to get moisture out of headlights without disassembling them. All you need is smart techniques. Plus, some basic home available ingredients or tools are also a need for removing moisture from headlights this way,
However, methods for Removal of moisture from your car headlights without opening them will depend on how severe the moisture buildup in your headlights is.
It comes in three different levels: Light, moderate, and heavy, with each having different solutions. We have discussed all 3 Levels below. Just scroll and explore how to get rid of moisture in headlight.
3 ways to get rid of light moisture
Light moisture or minor condensation buildup is the most common form, but it might not be a big deal; however, it still causes your headlights to appear foggy and hazy.
Also, don’t underestimate it, as it can convert into moderate or heavy moisture and can cause problems. Below are some ways you can get rid of light or minor moisture:
1) Using hair dryer
This method is quite easy: with a few simple steps, you can use a blow dryer and say goodbye to those annoying foggy and hazy headlights that are bothering you.
Steps to Use Hair Dryer For removing moisture from headlights:
- To get started, just turn on your dryer and hold up its blowing end outside the headlight casing or use a headlight light bulb opening to blow air inside.
- However, make sure that your dryer is set to a moderate or cool setting which is crucial to avoid any kind of potential damage to the plastic or glass of your headlights.
- Also, don’t be hasty; it may take a few minutes of cool air to completely get rid of moisture from your headlights.
A Video showing How to Remove moisture from car headlights Without opening by using a hair dryer
You might be amazed that Fan equipped LED headlights have been designed with tiny fans inside. These fans tend to maintain the temperature of the headlight housing. In addition to this, these LEDs headlights also aid in moisture removal by blowing up micro vapors.
2) Using a silica gel packet
If the hair dryer method is not working for you, you can opt for using a silica gel packet. These small packets, filled with silica, are the perfect solution to absorb moisture from the air and remove any unwanted fog and haze from your car’s headlights.
Steps to Use Silica Gel:
- But first, for using the silica gel method, you’ll first need to get your hands on some silica gel packets. Where can you find them?
- Well, most of us already have silica gel packets as they are included in the packaging of various products, but if you don’t have any, you can also buy them online.
- So, once you’ve got those packets, you wanna be careful when you put ’em inside your headlight. But wait, how do you do that without opening the packet? Easy peasy, just use the bulb opening!
- Twist and remove the bulb socket and slide the silica bag in there. Then, put the holder back without the bulb and leave it for 6 to 12 hours.
- After that, you can take out the packets, and boom, your headlight is looking brand new!
A Video showing How to Remove moisture from car headlights Without opening by using silica a gel packet
3) Using pressurized air
If both of the previous methods fail, you can use pressurized air to get rid of this stubborn moisture from your headlights.
It’s an effective way to remove moisture and involves highly compressed air to dry out the headliner and eradicate any foggy or hazy appearance.
Steps to Use Pressurized Air:
- To use this method, you need to have a compressed air can with you. If not, you can go to almost any automotive or hardware store and get it from there.
- So, once you’ve got what you need, pop open your car bonnet and take out the headlight bulb from the backside.
- Then, stick a plastic tube into that hole and use it as a way to blow some air from the compressed air can into the headlight.
- Give it a good press to make sure you cover the whole headlight and dry it out completely. This will unleash some compressed air into the headlight and make it all nice and dry.
A Video showing How to Remove moisture from car headlights Without opening by using Pressurized Air
I personally love this method as it’s super easy and effective. I use the Innovera 1006 can for this purpose, as it is 100% ozone-safe and moisture free!
3 ways to get rid of Moderate moisture
Now if the condensation gets more intense than the light or minor level, you are in the territory of Moderate moisture. Moderate moisture can have a serious effect on the clarity and brightness of your headlights. In this moisture level, expect to see yellowing or fogging of the headline lens.
Below are some of the best ways you can get rid of moderate moisture:
1) Using moisture absorber spray
Moisture absorber spray, as the name suggests, is used to absorb moisture from your headlights. The specialized chemicals within the sprays perform a 2 in 1 function of absorption and prevention of moisture recurrence.
Steps to remove moisture of headlights using spray:
- To use it, you have to buy a moisture absorber spray from your nearest hardware store, or you can also order it online. The one I recommend buying is the 5 in 1 moisture absorber spray from Broodi, as it’s super effective and cheap.
- So, once you’ve got your spray, you wanna twist out the headlight bulb from the bonnet side. Then, use that hole as an entrance for your moisture absorber spray.
- And don’t forget to give it a good press so that the spray spreads all over the headlight. That way, the spray will create a shield and suck up any moisture.
- However, if the case is more severe moisture, this moisture absorber spray may not suffice for moisture accumulation.
2) Using a vacuum
Another answer to your concern “how to remove condensation from headlight” is by creating a vacuum. Yes, I’m talking about your vacuum cleaner.
Most modern vacuum cleaners are wet/dry type vacuum cleaners meaning they can suck up moisture without damaging the internal parts and electrical components of it.
Steps to Use Vacuum Cleaner:
- To use a vacuum, first make sure that your vacuum is a Wet/dry vacuum because if it’s not, then you may damage your vacuum cleaner in the process.
- Once you know it’s a Wet/dry vacuum, simply use the hose attachment on it and use the light bulb opening on your headlight housing to create a vacuum inside your headlight housing.
- It will suck up all the moisture, and your headlight will be as clean as daylight!
A Video showing how to remove moisture from headlights using a Vacuum cleaner
3) Using vinegar
Seeking how to get rid of condensation inside car headlight but don’t have above mentioned products or chemicals?
What about a home remedy now? Vinegar is known for its properties for absorbing moisture which you can use to eliminate the moderate moisture buildup in your car headlights.
Steps to use vinegar for Moisture Removal:
- To use it, you’ll need white vinegar, a spray bottle, and a hair dryer. Start by making vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle.
- After that, spray this solution inside of your headlight using the light bulb opening from the bonnet side and make sure the whole surface is covered.
- Wait a few minutes before using a hair dryer in moderate settings to evaporate the vinegar and water mixture.
- Allow the headlight to dry completely, and the process may require repetition several times completely to remove the moisture.
- Also, make sure to avoid using undiluted vinegar or leaving the solution on the headlight for an extended period.
- If you don’t, it may result in damage to the plastic or glass of your headlight.
2 ways to get rid of Heavy moisture
Wait, it gets even worse: heavy moisture buildup is the worst form of them all.
In heavy condensation, your headlight lens will be visible cloudy or filled with water droplets, which can seriously impact your safety on the road.
However, there are ways to even tackle heavy moisture. Below are some of them:
1) how to get moisture out of your headlights Using a dehumidifier
It’s not the most effective way to remove excessive or heavy moisture from your car headlights, but it may work.
Using a dehumidifier is an uncomplicated process, and it is used to decrease the humidity levels present in the air, which is vital in drying out the moisture inside the headlights.
steps to use a dehumidifier for Minimizing Headlights Moisture:
- To use these methods, you’ll require a small dehumidifier that is appropriate for use in or around the car.
- Once you have the dehumidifier, place it near the light bulb headlight opening, it will begin to eliminate the moisture from the air, thereby drying out the inside of the headlight.
- Moreover, it’s important to remember that this method may take several hours to even days to eliminate the moisture buildup from your headlights.
- Also, ensure that the dehumidifier is kept at a safe distance from the air vents, as it’s known to obstruct the openings.
2) Allow it to evaporate naturally
Natural evaporation is a low-cost solution that may seem simple but requires precise conditions for optimal efficiency.
steps to evaporate car headlights naturally:
- To use this method, you simply have to park your car in a warm and dry location and switch on the headings at high beams, exposing them to the direct heat from the bulb.
- However, keep in mind that in the context of How to Remove moisture from car headlights Without opening don’t be hasty as it’s a time taking process and may require you several days of exposure, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment, to achieve the results.
Smart Advice: Moisture, oxidation, dust and such other environmental elements are inevitable. Once you get your vehicle headlights cleaned, but shortly, they begin to build up again. Rather than facing the replacing or repairing hazzle, use protective components. For instance, you may use headlight dust caps, headlight sealants, or protective films. This way, you can reduce the rate of such issues smartly.
What causes moisture in your headlights in the first place?
1) Cracks in the headlight housing
If your car was involved in an accident or the roads you drive on daily are bumpy and irregular, chances are, the occurrence of moisture is due to the cracks in your headlight housing.
When it’s raining, or there is moisture around, these cracks let the water inside.
Once the water is inside, the heat generated from the halogen bulb inside your headlight causes it to evaporate, which as a result, causes this foggy and haziness in the headlights.
2) Faulty seal
A faulty or damaged seal of your headlight can also be responsible for letting moisture in.
Even the tiniest cracks and holes that are barely visible by the naked eye can allow high moisture inside. But how does one know if the seal is faulty or damaged?
Simply run your car through the car wash and look for any water in your headlight to determine if your seal is faulty. If there is, it’s a dead giveaway that you have a faulty seal.
Further, if you’ve recently got replacements in your headlight assembly, you may be having frequent moisture buildup due to misfit replacements causing a fault seal. It is therefore recommended to use the best headlight assembly replacements installed properly.
3) Blocked headlight vents
Another cause of moisture in your headlights is clogged headlight vents. Headlight vents dissipate the excess heat produced by the halogen bulbs in your headlights.
However, dirt, dust, and other road debris can occasionally block these headlight vents, causing heat to build up inside the headlights and causing water to evaporate, resulting in moisture buildup!
Relative headlight issues:
- Why Does My LED Headlights Flicker? Reasons and Prevention
- Why one headlight shines brighter than the other?
Steps to prevent future moisture buildup
Now that you know how to remove moisture from car headlights without opening and what is causing this moisture to build up let us see what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future:
- Regular inspection of headlights: It’s important to regularly inspect your headlights for moisture buildup. If you notice any signs of water, use a dryer to heat the area and help evaporate any moisture trapped within the headlight.
- Make sure the seal is strong: Ensure that your headlights are properly sealed so that water does not seep inside them during rainstorms or snowstorms. This can be done by simply wiping away dirt, grime, and dust from around the edges of your headlight housing with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Use a headlight cover: The most important thing you can do is make sure that the seal around your headlight cover is strong enough to keep out moisture. If there are any cracks or holes in the seal around your headlight cover, water can get through and create condensation inside your headlight housing.
- Use of silicon spray or sealant gel: Silicon sprays and sealant gels can be purchased at any automotive store. These products help seal the gap between the headlight housing and the lens, preventing water from entering again.
- Avoid using high-pressured water: High-pressured water can damage your car, cause moisture to slip through headlight cracks, and cause moisture buildup.
- Avoid parking near water sources: Park as far away from bodies of water as possible when possible- it includes sprinklers and water bodies!
It’s the end folks, and I hope that all the methods we have covered on how to remove moisture from car headlights without opening them gave you some reliable and effective solutions for your particular moisture type!
