DIY Car Maintenance: Getting Rid of Water in Your Headlights

Headlights are one of the unsung heroes of your car, lighting your way on dark roads at night or shining a path in rainy weather. Unfortunately, sometimes the weather gets the best of you and you end up with water in your headlights! 

If you’ve noticed moisture in your headlights or reduced visibility when your lights are on, don’t wait to deal with it. Water in headlights will not go away on its own, but you can get rid of moisture in headlights with a few tips. Keep reading to learn how from your source for used auto parts in Atlanta—U Wrench It!  

What Causes Water in Headlights?

If your headlight cover is cracked or the seal around it is damaged, it’s clear how water got inside the headlight. However, if you examine the headlight and don’t see any cracks or damage, the moisture is probably just condensation. 

The humid climate here in Atlanta is a major culprit when it comes to water-logged headlights. If you’re driving at night, you turn your lights on, which warms the humid air inside the headlight housing. Once you park and turn off the lights, that air will cool down, and as it does, the moisture will condense inside the headlight. 

Regardless of how it got there, you’re going to want to get that water out of the headlights for maximum visibility and safety on the road! Here’s how. 

How to Get Water Out of Headlights

• Remove the headlight cover from your car. Your owners manual should have instructions for doing this, but it’s usually pretty simple, requiring just a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cover in place. 
• Check the headlight vent and clear any dirt or grime that may be restricting airflow. Most headlight assemblies have vents built in specifically to prevent condensation from forming in the headlight, but this opening can become obstructed over time. 
• If there’s a lot of condensation or standing water in the headlight, you’ll need to remove the headlight assembly and remove the bulbs, plugs, and any other electrical components from the housing. 
• Next, use a blowdryer (Yes, the kind you use on your hair!) to heat up the air in the headlight housing and evaporate the condensation. 
• While you’re at it, prevent moisture from getting in the headlight again by sealing any areas that need it with clear silicone caulk. Remember to let the silicone dry/set completely before you reassemble the headlight!

If your headlight housing or lens is broken, don’t worry—you don’t have to pay exorbitant dealership prices or hunt for a bargain at the auto parts store. Just come to U Wrench It and shop our extensive inventory of used auto parts to find what you need at a great price!