MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Timmyb007 on September 05, 2013, 10:18:20 pm

Title: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: Timmyb007 on September 05, 2013, 10:18:20 pm

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

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: MC71 on September 05, 2013, 10:27:41 pm

Sounds like they need a good polish.....

~~ Clicky here ~~ (http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2639-3m-headlight-restoration-kit-39073.aspx)

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: Timmyb007 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?

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: Llew 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

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: joshbbk 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:

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: Human Joist 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

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: Degudodger 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 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,26433.0.html)

Title: Re: headlights appear misty on outside noticeable at night with lights on
Post by: akispap 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:
(https://i.imgur.com/hzjB5c2.jpg)