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How to Remove & Prevent Moisture in Car Headlights and Taillights?

Fog in Car Headlight

Every vehicle owner faces issues related to moisture accumulation in car headlights and taillights. This can impair road visibility, cause electrical issues and even damage the light fixtures, increasing the risk of accidents and repair costs. Thus, it is essential to keep these lights moisture-free to prevent accidents and damage. 

Keep reading to learn how to remove moisture from car headlights and taillights, its importance, causes and other crucial aspects. 

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How Important are the Headlights and Taillights of a Car?

Car headlights and taillights offer visibility to the road ahead, but their function is not limited to just that. Drivers also communicate with each other through head and taillight signals to ensure a safe on-road experience. 

The importance of both these lights is stated below:

Importance of Headlights Importance of Taillights
As the name suggests, headlights are placed on a car's head (front) to make the road ahead visible during low surrounding light. It helps enhance your visibility while driving at night.  Taillights are located at the rear of a four-wheeler to make your car visible to the vehicles behind you. 
Headlights help drivers avoid collisions and accidents by making the obstacles and speed breakers visible.  Both sides of the vehicle have rear lights that blink when a car turns sides. For instance, when you turn right, the right taillight blinks and vice versa.
Headlights are available in high and low beams to offer better visibility in any driving condition. The taillight blinks brighter when the brake is applied. This indicates that the vehicle behind you needs to stop or slow down.
  Reverse lights are also integrated with taillights to indicate while reversing the car.

Considering the importance of headlights and taillights in ensuring driving safety, keeping them in top condition is essential. If moisture seeps into these lights, it is necessary to remove it immediately to ensure a safe driving experience.

Most Common Causes of Moisture in Car Headlights and Taillights

Here are some of the reasons why moisture enters your car's headlight and taillight:

Ageing

Various components of a vehicle wear out due to ageing. This makes them prone to moisture intrusion.

Damage or Cracks

A seal on the headlight and taillight protects them from moisture. However, exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, and UV rays can damage this seal, which over time may crack and allow moisture to seep in.

Temperature Variation

In areas with temperature fluctuations, the air inside the headlight and taillight expands and contracts, causing moisture to enter the lights.

Fixing Issues

If the headlights and taillights are not fixed properly while changing the lenses or bulbs, moisture may get filled inside them. 

Pressure Pump

At the car wash, a high-pressure water pump is usually used to clean the car, which can cause water to enter the headlights or taillights through cracks or damage. 

Reasons to Remove Moisture from the Taillights and Headlights

Here are some of the reasons why it is essential to remove moisture from a car’s headlights and taillights:

Aesthetic Appeal

Moisture infiltration can cause the lenses of the headlights and taillights to become foggy. This can affect your car's aesthetics by making it look older or ill-maintained. Thus, clearing the moisture is necessary to make your vehicle look well-maintained and increase its resale value.

Safety and Visibility

If moisture gets inside the headlights and taillights, it can affect the car's visibility by obstructing the light. During bad weather or low light, drivers fail to see the road ahead and may face an accident or collision due to compromised visibility.

Durability

Excessive moisture inside the lenses of headlights and taillights causes corrosion of electrical components like wiring, bulbs, sockets, etc. This can lead to premature wear of the components, causing hefty replacement or repair costs.

Mould Prevention

Moisture can grow mould and mildew inside the lights. This can affect the car's appearance and spread bad odours inside. 

Legal Compliance

As per the rules and regulations of some jurisdictions, having an unobstructed and properly functional headlight and taillight is mandatory. Thus, compromised visibility due to moisture build-up inside the lights can cause traffic violations and attract hefty penalties.

How to Remove Moisture from Car Headlights?

Here are some simple steps that will help clean car headlight moisture:

  1. First, disconnect your car's battery and open the headlight and lens using a ratchet to loosen the screws.
  2. Wipe out the headlight parts. Use a soft fabric to make sure it doesn't get any scratches.
  3. Once the part of the headlight is wiped properly, you can stick silica gel inside it to keep away the moisture.
  4. Applying fresh sealants can also help prevent frequent moisture accumulation in the headlights. You can remove the headlight mask and apply glue to it gently.
  5. Finally, attach the headlight to your car and secure it with a screw.

How to Clean Foggy Car Taillights?

Follow these easy steps to remove moisture from the taillights:

  1. Just like the headlight, remove the taillight assembly after disconnecting the battery. To unmount the taillight, you need to use a ratchet to loosen the bolts and screws. 
  2. Rotate the rubber housing seal cap to dismount the bulbs and drain the water carefully.
  3. Carve a hole in a cardboard box big enough to fit a hairdryer nozzle. This will prevent the heat from escaping and keep the light housing dry.
  4. Keep the taillight away from the hole so it is not damaged due to the heat.   
  5. Insert the hairdryer nozzle and operate it at the minimum setting for 5 minutes. Make sure to close the box.
  6. If the area is not completely dry, heat again for 5 minutes. 
  7. Carefully reinstall the taillight assembly, as it might be hot.   

How Can Moisture Build-Up Be Prevented Inside Car Lights?

Follow these tips to prevent further moisture accumulation inside your car's headlights and taillights:

  1. You can reinforce the seals by applying a silicone-based gel around the edges.
  2. Checking the taillight conditions and sealing them from time to time can help detect issues at an early stage and prevent moisture accumulation.
  3. When parking your car, ensure it is adequately covered to reduce the risks of snow and rain exposure.
  4. Try to avoid using high-pressure water force while washing your car.
  5. If you detect damage or a crack in the headlight or taillight, replace it soon to avoid moisture intrusion.

Role of Car Insurance in Addressing Light Damage

Car insurance may cover moisture-related damages if they lead to significant electrical issues or accidents caused by impaired visibility. Car owners should review their insurance policies regarding coverage for light fixture repairs or replacements due to water damage. Some policies may include provisions for such damages under comprehensive coverage, while others may require additional riders.

Car headlight moisture poses serious risks not only for visibility but also for overall vehicle safety. By understanding how to remove moisture and implementing preventive measures effectively, drivers can ensure their vehicle's lighting system remains functional and safe.

FAQs about Removing Moisture from Car Taillights and Headlights