Condensation in headlights

[olitaylor07]

So I have the above problem on the drivers side. I presume it's because I have HID's in.

Tried drying it out with a hair dryer but that gave up after two secs as I them it wasn't getting much air as its a right squeeze.

I've read that silica gel will do the job if you can get a few packets.

Also has it happened because it was cold on the outside (washing the car) and warm on the inside? If so If I take the cover off the back and let the cool air in would this make it disappear??

 

[Nath.]

you need to make a trunk out of cardboard or a hoover pipe type thing so that you can get the warm air from the hair dryer into the back of the headlight.

 

[olitaylor07]

Didn't think of that!
Good work.

 

[andycupra]

its condensation. this is air with high humidity cooling, and as air cools it can hold less moisture so you get condensation.
So heating up the air in there will appear to remove the condensation, but if you then but it all back together and walk away you will find it returns when the air cools.

So you need to leave the headlight open to allow aircirculation for some time afterwards. so do the hairdryer trick, but then turn the hairdryer to its cool setting and blow that thorugh to try and get it cooled down while circulating the air. then leave it open for a period.
Do it on a day thats dry/with low humidity.

It could be you have a leak, but its also due to headlights generally being mostly sealed, but not 100% sealed. IF sealed then you need to make sure the air is low humidity when sealed, or go the other way and provide good air circulation. Headlights tend to be sealed, but poorly as they need to be accessed for bulb changes etc.
Washing the car or rain will cool down the lense and these conditions are ideal for condensation to firm as the cold air cools the air inside the headlight.

Also when air heats up it expands, but then when the air cools it contracts and so if the headlight is not 100% sealed then it could draw in moisture when cooling.
Sounds to be some extra circulation via the back of the unit might be helpful.

 

[olitaylor07]

Cheers Andy. It's because I have HID's and I've tried to seal it as good but that's where it's getting in.

I will try with the hair drying then put it on cold and leave it off all night and see if that does that trick.

 

[w.reid306]

i had the same problem, i have the bottom hooks of the covers loose so that air gets in them, i jus leave it like that and havent had it since

 

[marks_leon]

I have a xenon that did this and I had a report from Seat UK, they was saying the light can sometimes allow moisture through causing condensation and that it was normal. The unit is designed to allow air to circulate inside to clear this up, they suggested to turn the light on to dry it. Mostly happens when its foggy or when using a jet wash close to the fitting.

 

[olitaylor07]

I've tried having the lights on and I have HID's so they generate abit of heat but no luck so far.

 

[olitaylor07]

Update:

Seems to be fine now. Took the back cover off last night and In the morning it was nearlly clear, looked on way out from work and its completely gone!

 

[Jarre]

I think I've still got my headlight covers I used for the HIDs on my old leon. I bought a brand new set and drilled a hole allowing them to be sealed properly and not let moisture in. If you're interested let me know and I'll try and find them.

 

[olitaylor07]

Made a device which allows a hair dryer to blow warm air in without it been in the engine bag and small enough at one end to get right in the light.

This has been patented and will RRP for £24.90

 

[Jarre]

I do still have my other covers if you want them.

 

[Roganjosh]

Few packets of silica gel, wrap string around it and put it in the headlight over night