How to Get Moisture Out of Your Headlights

Finding moisture in headlights is frustrating, especially when you don’t know the source. Most truck owners, at one time or another, will find themselves looking up “how to get moisture out of headlights.” It’s a common problem, and one that can be costly to repair if it isn’t correctly addressed. When it comes to getting rid of the condensation that builds up in your headlights, prevention should be the first line of defense. There are steps that you can take to rid your headlights of water, and then ensure that it stays away for good.

Causes of Moisture in Headlights

It is concerning to truck owners when they walk out the door in the morning, or go to detail their trucks, and notice that there is moisture inside their headlights. Many are left wondering how it got there in the first place, and what they can do to get rid of it. Before you tackle the problem of how to get moisture out of headlights, it’s helpful to understand the underlying cause. Moisture in headlights should not be confused with worn, foggy headlights, caused by dirt and debris. If you’re looking to fix foggy headlights, check out the best restoration methods.

The most common cause of moisture in headlights is condensation. It’s a natural process where small droplets of water form on the inside of your headlight cover. It happens when the exterior of the headlight is colder than it is on the inside. Your bulbs produce heat, and when there is cool weather or a night when the temperatures drop, and you run your lights, condensation may appear. Truck owners who live in humid climates, such as South Florida, find condensation to be a problem quite often.

Another way that moisture can get into your headlights is when the seal on the lens gets damaged. Every headlight lens has a seal to keep rain and debris from getting inside and damaging your installation. Once that seal is broken, your lights become susceptible to the elements. Not only does this allow moisture to get inside, but you may notice scratches as well that you can’t buff out.

Additionally, carefully check your headlight lenses for any cracks. Even tiny cracks that may appear as scratches at first, serve as a way for water to get inside. If this is the case, you will need to purchase new headlights, as it is not a problem that can be solved.

Will Moisture in Headlights Go Away on Its Own?

If you have light condensation on the inside of your headlight lens as a result of the weather, the moisture will most likely go away on its own, and there is no need to worry. However, if you notice water in your headlights often, it’s a sign that there is a more serious underlying cause that you should examine.

If the moisture in your headlights is more than light condensation, collecting at the bottom, you must figure out the cause and correct the problem. If water is left standing inside your headlights, it can be a costly repair. The water will lead to corrosion of your headlight installation, causing rust and electrical damage. If this is the case, you will need an entirely new set of headlights.

How to Get Moisture Out of Headlights

When searching for how to get moisture out of headlights, it is essential that you first identify the cause of the problem. Doing so will let you know where to begin. If you have determined that the cause of condensation is the weather, and it is nothing more serious, you can likely leave it alone.

Removing Weather-Related Moisture in Headlights

You will be able to tell if this is the cause of the moisture by driving your car around for the day. If weather and natural events are the culprits, the moisture should disappear. However, if you notice that the problem does not go away, and your lenses remain foggy, you will have to look for another cause.

Before trying anything drastic, such as removing your headlight installation or breaking the seal, try cleaning your headlight vents. If they have become blocked by debris, they won’t function as well as they should, and moisture may get trapped inside. Many truck owners swear by using a can of compressed air to clear the vents. Others swear by heating the outside of the lens with a hairdryer. These are the least invasive ways to get rid of minor condensation if you have just noticed it and know that it is not a deeper problem.

Fixing a More Serious Cause of Moisture

If your headlight lens is cracked, if the sealant is damaged, or if moisture has damaged your headlight installation, you are going to have to take more intricate steps to solve the problem. If the seal is the problem, you can use a heat gun, remove it, and then replace it yourself.

However, this is a tedious task that may be better left to a professional. If the seal is not replaced correctly, you will still have a problem with moisture accumulating in your headlights, and it may cause extensive damage. Some headlight installations come with removable seals. Contact the manufacturer or read your manual thoroughly to see if this is the case.

After removing the sealant and taking apart your headlight, clean the inside of the lens very carefully and make sure that it is completely dry before putting it back together. Many truck experts also recommend using silica gel packs, as a towel or rag can easily miss some of the water you are trying to soak up. You can leave the small silica packs inside your headlights once you put them back together. They will hold up to the wear and tear of driving and stop moisture from forming before it even has the chance.

Be sure to inspect the rest of your headlight once you remove the lens from the front. You want to ensure that there is no corrosion to any electrical components, wiring, lightbulb sockets, etc. If there is, you need to replace the headlight. Once you reach the point of headlight damage past the vents and lens, learning how to get moisture out of headlights will only be of help to you in the future.

How to Prevent Moisture in the Future

While there isn’t much that you can do to prevent minor condensation build-up that results from the climate, there are ways to prevent more severe water damage from occurring in the future. The key is ensuring that your headlights are properly sealed and conducting regular inspections to spot any cracks as soon as possible. Doing so is part of the top ways to maintain your truck.

If you do notice a crack in your headlight lens, don’t wait to fix it. The longer you wait, the higher chance there is of more extensive damage happening.

Buying New Headlights

If you can’t seem to solve the problem of how to get moisture out of headlights, no matter what you do, it may be time to purchase a new set. One of the best options on the market in terms of high-performance, durable headlights are projector headlights. They offer exceptional visibility at night and in poor driving conditions, and with LED bulbs are bound to last.

Shop RECON‘s line of aftermarket projector headlights and taillights for all major truck makes. Find projector headlights for Fords, Dodges, Chevys, GMCs, Jeeps, and Toyotas online. Simply enter the make, model, and year of your truck, and you will automatically see products that are a match.

You can learn how to get moisture out of headlights, but sometimes it’s better to play it safe.