Make a donation

Author Topic: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on  (Read 2190 times)

Offline Timmyb007

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 2
  • -Receive: 1
  • Posts: 39
Recently acquired some GTI headlights and they seemed fine in the daylight. However I noticed at night with the lights on that they appear kind of misty or hazy on the outside. I tried cleaning them but this made no difference. When I touch or wet the hazy part of the lamp it momentarily disappears before returning. Almost like rubbing your finger on a steamy mirror to clear the glass only for it to almost instantly fog back up.

Has anyone come across this before?

Thanks in advance

Offline MC71

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 413
  • -Receive: 427
  • Posts: 5198
  • Mk7 R
  • My Ride: http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,113185.0.html
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2013, 10:27:41 pm »
Sounds like they need a good polish.....

~~ Clicky here ~~



.                              

                    Build thread Stage 2+ Edition 30 ~~Clicky here~~

Offline Timmyb007

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 2
  • -Receive: 1
  • Posts: 39
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2013, 10:41:35 pm »
Thanks, they don't appear to need correction, do you know how this would explain the mist which reappears almost instantly after wiping it away?

Offline Llew

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 45
  • -Receive: 17
  • Posts: 476
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2013, 12:32:49 am »
I noticed this on mines the other night i just thought it was something to do with heat from the bulbs but will have a closer inspection now - but it doesn't bother me though
Golf 2006 tdi 140pd, dsg paddles,blue interior led lights,r32 rear bumper, cruise control,vcds,highline , r32 mfsw steering wheel, gti front bumper,miltek decat.

Offline joshbbk

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 0
  • -Receive: 0
  • Posts: 31
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2014, 09:44:06 pm »
same thing to mine tried polishing but nothing anyone figure it out ?
-sent using own fingers  :smiley:

Offline Human Joist

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 3
  • -Receive: 18
  • Posts: 295
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2014, 09:11:39 am »
It's as the plastic ages. Halfords do a meguires headlight polishing kit for around £20 with all you need, use it with a drill to sort them. Mines starting to show signs I'll get it done soon

Offline Degudodger

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 53
  • -Receive: 86
  • Posts: 1547
    • Flickr
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #6 on: March 31, 2014, 01:39:57 pm »
As others have mentioned, it sounds like the lenses are slightly oxidised causing a drop off in light quality. You have two options really either get new headlights or give them a damn good polish. Have a wee read of this helpful guide.
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,26433.0.html

2016 Mk7 Golf GTD - Reflex Silver with stuff.

VCDS Hex+Can - Will code for beer!

Offline akispap

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 0
  • -Receive: 3
  • Posts: 35
    • Email
Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2018, 11:21:30 pm »
Hi guys sorry to bring up this post but i think i'm noticing the same thing, and ask if you did something about it.
I have a feeling the marks are from the inside of the glass, they are not visible at all in the day, only when the lights are on at night.. See here: