MoT Condition of Headlamps?

Question

With all the recent rain, one of my headlamps has now got a fair bit of condensation inside the front of it, which I know is very difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of.

Its MoT test is just around the corner... would condensation be a failure point? The bulbs / indicators are all OK.

Thanks

Answer 1

It'll fail if the headlamp is "damaged, dirty or deteriorated" to such an extent that

. the light output is well below that required to illuminate the road ahead, or

. the beam image is adversely affected

Just take the bulb out and dry it out.

Answer 2

Don't know where you are, but I don't believe it would be a problem for your test as long as the bulb works.

Answer 3

take the bulb/s out and run the engine for 20 mins before you go to the test station  - the heat should dissipate the condensation

Answer 4

it shouldn't be a failure point, after all yours is probably not the only one.  if it is really bothering you and you are mechanically inclined, remove headlight and take bulb out, be careful and put some paper towel in where bulb goes, and carefully using something kind of flexible, move paper towel around or try shaking.  it might take a few tries to get towel back out, but headlight should now be clean and dry.

Answer 5

Bardic has the correct answer for you. The presence of condensation in itself will not cause failure unless it reduces the light output significantly ("significantly" being the key word there, minor dimming would be fine) or affects the beam pattern (but even if it does, remember a blob of light is still a pattern and as long as it falls within the tolerance bands on the beam setter equipment it should be ok).

Answer 6

Try and dry it out using a hair dryer.

Answer 7

sorry but yes it will fail with condensation

Answer 8

Our family run about Fiesta has had condensation in the headlights for about six years and has never failed an MOT.

Answer 9

The test will be looking to see that the reflector at the back of the light is clean and bright, they will also be looking to make sure that the light actually works and are correctly aligned.

Try removing the bulbs on the head light and try using a hair dryer to dry it out.

Ja.

Answer 10

yes its a fail..the water will dissipate the beam and also damage the silver Morrow finnish..remove buld and dry with a hair dryer..