When I accidentally dislodged the vent in my truck, I never thought that it would be so easy to fix. It just seemed stuck and wouldn’t move. While some vents are actually broken, others just need to be replaced properly.

To fix your car vent, first, see if you can remove the vent. Next, check if the vent body, control tab, pivot points, and fins are fine. (Use epoxy or glue to repair pivot pins and vents if needed.) Then replace the vent. Here are a few steps you need to follow to fix your dislodged car vents.

1. Start Looking with a Flashlight
2. Remove the Vent
3. Check the Vent for Damage
4. Replace Tabs
5. Fix Fins
6. Put the Vent Back in Place

When I repaired my vent, I found an easy solution to fix it, but vents attach to the dashboard in several ways, so be cautious when beginning your repair. And like I’ve learned from several experiences, forcing anything will just make the problem worse. 

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Start Looking with a Flashlight

There are many different types of vents, and each may require a different method of fixing. Using a flashlight is one of the best ways to identify what is broken or if the vent just needs to be put back in place. 

Before moving the vent around too much, identify where the vent is attached to the air outlet area. See if there are pins sticking out, tabs that may need to be lifted, or clips that may have spring action.

My experience has shown that I need to proceed slowly so I don’t lose a piece that may get swallowed up in the vent to never be seen again. You can use your phone camera light to help you see clearly into the vent.

If you can’t see any contact points try moving the entire vent if you have that kind of moving the vent fins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQTivSVLPwY

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Remove the Vent

The best way to check to see how you can remove your car’s vent is to go online or use an owner’s manual to see how the vent is removed. 

But if you were able to see how the vent is attached and know that you can pull it out safely without damaging the vent or surrounding area, then you can proceed.

First, you should check to see if you can maneuver without any prying at all. In my Toyota Tundra vent, I was able to push on the top of the vent until the bottom of the vent was easily pulled out just under the contact points. 

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What If They Don’t Come Out?

Other cars may have vents that don’t remove as easily. You may need to remove a dashboard section to get it out. On this Saturn, the vents don’t come out, but you can access the contact point and see if they are in good condition.         

As you look inside the vent for this car, you’ll notice that the pins that are used to hold the vent in place have a home on either side of the vent housing. The only way to get the vents into place from the outside would be to maneuver them into place.

Pliers might be needed to cox it into place, but before I would do that, I would want to look at instructions to see if I could remove the section that holds the vent in place so I don’t break anything when replacing the vent.

Maybe your best source for information on your specific car model is YouTube or a dealership. When I tried looking it up in my manual, I couldn’t find any information on vent removal, just removing the instrument panel. 

If you find out how to open the control panel or remove the housing for the vents, you can get a better look at the vent from both sides. It may be that the vent pushes in easily from the other side, or you can get a better view to line up the vent and the housing. 

It may only take an extra few minutes, and it will be worth it if it prevents further damage to your vent. 

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Check the Vent for Damage

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Cracks

If you were able to check all the areas of the vent and found no problems, then you are ready to replace the vent back in its place. 

If your bent has a crack, you might need or want to fix it first. 

For the post or pins that hold the vent in place, you’ll need something strong, like an epoxy mix, to create a permanent bond so the contact point will be like new. 

For other areas of the vent, you might be fine with super glue or a similar type of product. 

Sometimes it’s not worth trying to fix because you might cause more damage trying the apply the glue. Applying a layer to the surface of the vent fin and not bending or forcing any parts out of position too much will help you maintain the structural integrity of the vent.

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New Vent

The other alternative is to get a new vent. These usually don’t cost too much, so it depends on how important the aesthetic value of the vent is. If you can’t get comfortable if the air isn’t directed toward you, then it might be important to replace a vent that no longer functions well.

Your comfort while driving can be impacted by vent control, so getting placed correctly or replaced can help. Below is an example of a vent and tools you may want to use to help you when replacing some vents. 

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Vent Related Products

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Common Toyota Vent

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This vent requires no tools, so you can just replace it as long as the vent housing is still in good condition.

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Trim Removal Tools

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These tools are helpful when removing various parts of the car so, you don’t damage the plastic.

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Replace Tabs

If your vent tab is broken, this is usually an easy and cheap fix. Sometimes all you need is a new tab (sometimes called a clip) if the tab gets broken. Find the specific one for your car to get the right fit. 

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Fix Fins

Another problem you may be able to fix easily is reattaching loose fins. Sometimes you can use pliers to reattach the fins into place. See the video for instructions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WviJsWxWHUQ

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Put the Vent Back in Place

When replacing the vent for my car, I just pushed the vent in, and it was able to slide in and attach to both contact points so, it worked properly again. It was easy to remove and replace my vent.

I thought that I would need my pliers to coax the vent back into place, but after pushing the top of the vent, it easily slid under the contact points.

Then I could easily push the vent back in without forcing anything to move in a way it wasn’t supported too.

https://youtu.be/z4747dHQ6cQ

The problem I find is that I want to get things fixed within a few minutes, and sometimes research and patience are necessary to fix things right the first time. It will be worth the wait to get it done right, and feeling the satisfaction of having done it yourself, has been my experience.

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Conclusion

When fixing your air conditioning and heating vents may be a simple procedure, or it may take a long time to get it done right. If you do need a new vent, they should not cost too much unless you go through a dealership. 

Each car vent is different and may require different techniques to fix. Doing research will help you determine if you really want and need to fix it. Determine how long and hard the steps are from start to finish to see if it’s quick or a multi-step process. 

Soon, as you take the appropriate steps, your vent will be operating just like new.

My truck has been on the road for over 100,000 miles. It has seen its share of road debris. Over time my truck hood has accumulated several chips in the paint. Some of the chips have gotten worse over time and so now is a good time to repair them for aesthetics and as a preventative measure.

The steps to repair a paint chip for your vehicle are: sanding, cleaning, adding primer, and then painting. For an almost unnoticeable repair, some additional steps are needed, including more sanding, more painting, and buffing with a compound. The easiest is to get a touch-up kit with only 3 steps.

I have never painted a car, but I have painted my house several times. I know that over time I have felt the fatigue of painting for long periods. For my truck, I’m more inclined to go with an easier and faster solution. Although, with some of the chips that have rust, I’ll need to take more steps to prevent further problems and get a professional look. 

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What Size Chip Do You Have?

Size does matter when painting chips. If you have tiny pin-sized chips, a simple paint and acetone kit will do the job with good results in just a few minutes. Bigger pen-sized chips can still be painted with a quick kit but will be noticeable upon getting closer to the car. 

A paint chip touch-up pen can also work to cover the chip and protect your car from getting rusty and helping the car look better. 

To get good results with pen-sized chips or bigger ones, you may want to sand, clean, prime, paint, use a clear coat, and buff with a compound. This process will take a while but will be much less noticeable upon closer inspection. 

If your chips have any rust damage, then sanding will be the first step before anything else.  You may also use a chemical rust remover for rust. 

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What Options are Available?

There are many ways to repair paint chips. Here are three methods we’ll discuss in this article.

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Touch-Up Pen: Results: OK

• Pens can be a good quick way to help you protect your car.
• They will help your car look better as long as you are careful with the application and get the correct color.
• There are various ways to use a pen, and they can give you similar results as a touch-up kit.

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Touch-Up Pen Repair

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Step 1: Clean The Area

• Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any waxes.
• Use a Q-tip or cloth to get into the chips and remove any dirt and wax.

Step 2: Apply Primer

• Practice using a primer pen before applying primer to the chip. 
• Primer may not be needed unless the chip goes down to the metal.
• Dab the primer onto the chip to ensure complete contact with exposed metal.
• The primer should not fill the chip but cover the entire exposed metal area. 
• Let dry.

Step 3: Add the paint

• Practice using a paint pen before applying it to the chip.
• Paint should not fill the chip.
• If you are not using a clear coat, then you can fill the chip entirely.
• Dabbing the paint carefully into the chip is usually the best method for filling.
• Let dry.

Step 4: Add the clear coat.

• Practice applying a layer on paper if necessary.
• The clear should fill the chip.
• Let dry, and add a second layer if the is not entirely filled.
• Dabbing the paint carefully into the chip is usually the best method for filling.
• Although not supplied with pen kits, using a rubbing compound to smooth out the chip area may help it look smoother and more flush with the rest of the car surface.

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Touch-Up Kit: Results: Good

• A touch-up kit will help your car look like a more professional job is done with many of the chips.
• The application is easy and fast. It may not completely create a flush finish with the rest of the paint surface with some of the chips.
• With small chips, this is a great way to fill in the chip quickly. 

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Touch-Up Kit Repair

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Step 1: Clean The Area

• Clean the area with the provided solution or with isopropyl alcohol to remove any waxes.
• Washing your car may also work if it is not waxed.

Step 2: Apply Paint

• If primer is not needed, apply paint by dabbing or letting it flow into the chip.
• Try not to brush the paint.
• Fill the chip completely.

In this video, they apply paint to a scratch using a kit. (Although, I would try not to brush the paint.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx5IZ06UCik

Step 3: Wipe Off Excess

• Using the instruction, wipe off the excess paint with the solution included.
• The goal is to wipe away the excess paint without wiping any paint away from the chip.

See the video for advice and how to wipe off excess.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VHqwazq9xY

Step 4: Use the Rubbing Compound If Needed

• Follow the directions for your kit.
• If you have a rubbing compound, you can apply it to help the chips look smooth.
• The compound may be more useful with areas that have scratches.

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DIY Paint Chip Repair: Results: Very good

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• Taking time to do all the steps for a professional paint job will take a while but will create a great finish. 
• You will need to take your time with each step to ensure that it is done well. 
• If you decide to do this, you might want to do all the chips at once because it is so intensive.

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DIY Chip Repair

Step 1: Identify and Sand 

• Find each chip and sand it with 1000-2500 grit sandpaper. Finer grit will help you get more control over your sanding.
• Using water while sanding will help create a smoother sanding motion and a better finish.

Step 2: Clean the Chips

• Use isopropyl alcohol or a lacquer thinner to clean each chip.
• Washing your car may be all that is necessary for cleaning the chips, but if you think there could be any wax on the car, be sure to clean each chip before priming. 
• Let dry.

Step 3: Apply Primer

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• Practice using a primer pen, tool, or brush before applying it to the chip. 
• Apply primer if needed. Some chips go down to the metal, and this is when the primer is needed.
• Dab the primer, ensuring contact with exposed metal.
• The primer should not fill the chip but cover the entire exposed metal area. 
• Let dry for about an hour. Refer to instructions.

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Step 4: Apply Paint

• Using a fine-tipped brush, toothpick,  or tool to apply paint will help you get enough paint to fill the crack. 
• Apply enough to just about fill it if you are going to add a clear coat. 
• If you are applying paint with a clear coat included, apply enough to fill the crack completely. 
• Wait for the paint to dry and see if you need to add a second layer of paint with a clear coat.
• If your paint doesn’t have a clear coat in it, leave room for the clear coat to fill the rest of the chip. 
• Let dry for about 24 hours. However, you may be able to apply a clear coat after 1-2 hours. Read the instructions on the paint container.

See the video for tools you can use and advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLJnqiBxKtg

Step 5 Add the Clear Coat

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• Add the clear coat after the paint has dried. Be sure to add enough to fill the chip.
• After an hour or two, check to see if the clear coat needs another coat to fill the chip and add another coat if needed.
• Let dry for 1 – 2 days. Check the directions on the clear coat.

Step 6 Apply Rubbing Compound

• After everything is dry, use a cutting/rubbing compound to smooth out the clear coat’s surface, so it matches the surrounding paint. This may take some time. 
• If you get an aggressive compound, it will be faster to buff the area smoothly, but you may accidentally get swirl marks if you buff too much. 
• If you get a more gentle cutting cream, it will remove any bumps and leave the surface smooth, but it may take a while. You’re less likely to get any marks left over with a gentler compound. 

Here’s a complete beginning-to-end video for DIY chip repair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9zqVbcZDQ

When fixing chips in your car’s paint, you’ll need to decide how long you are willing to take and what level of result you want. 

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Which Method to choose?

There are more methods for repairing chips and painting than I have mentioned. Each has its pros and cons. I think most people would opt for one of the three methods above or a combination of them. The best method will be the one that takes into consideration how much time and effort you are willing to take to fix your chips. You also need to consider how professional the job will look when finished. My personal method would be to get a chip repair kit because it is very easy to use. It may not look perfect after you’re done, but it will look good and provide protection.

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Chip Repair Products

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Touch Up Pens

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Easy-to-use pens that help you cover your paint chips.

• This kit comes with cleaner, primer, paint, and a clear coat.
• Colors are available for many cars. 
• Easy to use and store away for next time needed.

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Chip Repair Kit

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Easy to use system that is very quick with good results.

• Includes the paint, cleaning solution for a smooth finish, paste, and wax.
• Colors are available for many cars. 
• Comes in an easy-to-store away box.

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DIY Chip Repair

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You’ll need to buy many different products, including sandpaper, cleaning solution, possibly primer, paint, clear coat, and rubbing compound.

• The excellent result if done properly.
• It will take time, but it will look great when finished.
• This can be a cheap option when using your hands for sanding and buffing. 

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Related Products You May Want

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Rubbing Compound

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Used to help remove scratches and smooth out your paint job.

• Helps create a uniform look.
• Helps the entire surface of the area look newer.
• It can remove water spots.

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Paint Chip Tool

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Used to help drip paint to chip, so it looks smooth.

• Works on scratches and chips.
• Easy to use for good accuracy.
• Easy to clean after use.

Choose a method that works into your budget and time schedule while considering the quality of how the job will be done. Soon you should be able to decide what is best for you.

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Why Do It Yourself?

When you’re considering what to do repairing chips in your car’s paint, you could be better off doing it yourself. Painting jobs at repair shops take time and effort and costs lots of money. You can get similar results as some repair shops if you take the time to repair your own chips.

If you are thinking about repainting an entire panel, that could become costly. So, to protect your car, save money, and help it look nice again, using the method mentioned above can help.

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Conclusion

When repairing chips in your car’s paint, repairing it at home can be fairly easy and have good results. If you want professional-looking results, you can do that too. It will take more time and effort, but it will look great.

So if you have any chips in your paint, why not try a method to fix it yourself, save money, have a nice-looking car, and protect your car from further damage? 

When a headlight has moisture or water inside of it, there are ways to fix the leak and get rid of the water. If water is in the headlights, the bulb can still work, but it has an impact on the brightness of the lights. 

If there is water in your headlights, you can replace the headlight or repair it. Although repairing your headlights is cheaper, replacing them can be faster. Replacement costs vary from $20 – $200+, and restoring it can cost less than $20 with the right tools. Fixing a headlight involves removal, evaporating all moisture, sealing, and replacement. In about an hour, you’ll have repaired or replaced it.

It may be a bit of extra work to repair a headlight, but it can be worth it to save some money. But regardless of which way you choose to fix the problem, it’s important to take action because the water in the headlight(s) can impair night driving visibility. 

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Diagnose if Water is in Headlights Assembly

To know if there is water in your headlight assembly (I’ll also be calling it headlight & housing),  you will see a pool of water collecting in the headlight. It may also appear as moisture and water droplets on the inside of the headlight.

What if you notice water moisture one day, and then it is gone later? Then you may have seen moisture on the outside of the headlight, or the moisture has found a way to escape.

One way to make sure there is moisture in the headlight is to use a flashlight to check for any moisture or pooling water on the inside.

If your headlight is hazy, try to clear it off by using one haze removal method, or you can just place some water on a rag and apply it to the headlight to temporarily see clearly inside.

If you are still not sure, the next step would be to look carefully around the headlight for any cracks where water could enter and check the seal where the light bulb is inserted.

You will need to open the hood and may need to take out the headlight to thoroughly examine the headlight housing.

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If Water is Found in the Headlight Assembly

What If you have not found any water or moisture in the headlight, but there is a crack? Then the seal for the bulb is likely letting moisture in. You will need to fix those problems by following the steps under the next heading.

If you have found water or moisture in the headlight, there are several steps you can take to remove it. Your headlights can be sealed up, so they don’t let in moisture anymore.

You may need one or more of the tools listed to help you with your job. A flat head and Philips head screwdriver may be needed, as a pair of needle noses or regular pliers, a socket set, and possibly rubber gloves if wanted. Don’t forget some sealant for any cracks if necessary. 

Gloves	Sealant	Pliers	Socket Set	Phillips and Flathead Screw Drivers

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Steps to Take out the Headlight Assembly

If you have identified water in the headlight, a leak, or a crack, the next step would be to take out the headlight to fix it.

This involves removing any clips, any screws holding the headlight in place, pressing any tabs that might hold the headlight, and carefully taking out the headlight bulb or disconnecting the wire, depending on the headlight.

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Step 1. Screws, Nuts, Tabs, and Clips

Remove any screws or clips holding the headlight in place. See if there are any tabs that need to be pressed in order to release the headlight assembly. 

Use a repair manual or find out information online to understand the correct procedures. Some jobs may require you to take off the bumper, turn signal, or other items.

To take out the screws or bolts. Sometimes you will need to check for any tabs that may be holding the headlight in place.

You may need to wiggle it as you pull it out. If it doesn’t pull out, check and see if the wiring is preventing movement, tabs, or another hidden screw or bolt.

Other cars may have clips that hold the headlight assembly in place. So, look behind the light and see if you find any clips holding it in place. Some require pulling, and others pinching.

Pull on the assembly to see if it is free. Then you can go to the next step.

It’s a good idea to watch a couple of videos for your car make and model before trying to take out the headlight assembly. Sometimes it’s easy, but other times you may need an hour or more. 

In this video, you can see how an entire headlight assembly is replaced. Sometimes a crack is too severe to easily fix, and it might be worth it to replace the headlight assembly altogether.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9lb2nZyBok

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Step 2. Disconnect Electrical Connection and Bulb

Once the headlight assembly is free, disconnect the electrical connectors.

There may be tabs that require a flat-head screwdriver to help pry them tabs (this might also break the tab, so be careful). Most should come off by pushing on the tabs at the connection. 

At this point, your assembly may be free or may require you to remove the bulb.

To remove the bulb, you can turn the bulb (usually counterclockwise) or pull it out by wiggling it back and forth slightly. My truck has a metal pin that holds the bulb in place that needs to be unlatched.

Since not all bulbs will twist or pull out, so be aware of locking rings, clips, or other parts that secure the bulb to the headlight assembly.

At this point, you might want to have some nitrile gloves, to help you avoid touching the light bulb with your fingers or hand. If the oil from your hands gets on the bulb, it will cause it to burn out faster. 

Carefully remove the bulb and place it somewhere safe. Then, inspect the rubber gasket or rubber cover to see if it is allowing water or moisture to enter the headlight housing.

Check for breaks, particles, or creases in the gasket that might let water in. 

Remember to remove plastic clips carefully so you don’t break any of the connectors or clips holding things together.

In this video, you can see how the electrical connection for a Honda Accord headlight assembly is disconnected. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrpwIBcgQ4E

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Step 3. Check the Headlight Housing for Cracks and Leaks

Now that you have detached the headlight assembly, look around for any obvious cracks. Sealing the crack with sealant could work if the crack is on the lens. Determine the damage’s extent to decide if sealing or replacement is needed. 

In the video below, you’ll see how you can fill the housing with water and determine exactly where the water is entering the headlight.

After you have determined where the leak is coming from, remember or mark the area. Later, you can apply a sealant to the correct area to prevent further entrance of water. 

Now you need to evaporate all the water in the headlight. The video has a good idea: using a hair dryer or heat gun (AD).

If you don’t have either of these, placing the housing in the sun may help. However, you need a dry, warm environment to help the moisture evaporate. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNWTidkxcmQ

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Step 4. Seal the Headlight Housing

If you have gotten all the water and moisture out of the housing, you need to seal up the areas that let water in.

Use the correct sealant. One that dries clear works well with high temperatures and is waterproof. 

Apply the sealant on the area that has a crack or opening. Make sure to pat it down into areas with indents or grooves. 

Sometimes you may need to apply pressure if the headlight housing has split. Use a clamp after using the sealant in and on the crack(s). Wait about 2 hours to ensure it will stay closed.

Look at the product information to determine how long it takes to cure. It will be dry to the touch in about an hour. After that, the headlight can possibly be installed on your vehicle. 

You may not want to go on any ​bumpy streets or roads if it hasn’t been cured, but if everything is smooth, you may be able to risk driving without a problem with the headlight before it cures.

It’s probably best to fix the headlight in the evening and wait until the next day to drive it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwjN4LyJAi8

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Step 5. Replace the Headlight Assembly

When installing the headlight assembly, it’s usually best to reverse the process used when taking it out. 

What if you use a new headlight assembly? Then you want to make sure to compare it with the old one to ensure it’s the correct match.  

Just like taking removing the assembly, be sure not to force anything into place. Gentle wiggling and aligning parts correctly will give you the best results. 

Try hand-tightening bolts and screws to ensure they are correctly threading, then use your ratchet to finish the job.

https://youtu.be/CW1VXcmDJE8

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Step 6. Finishing Touches

Now that you are done replacing your headlight turn it on the headlights. In addition, test the turn signals if needed. Check that all the electrical connections are working.  

Clean up any grease around the headlight that may have gotten on your paint. 

If your lens seems hazy, that may be due to normal hazing that occurs over time from UV exposure. 

After your headlight sealant has cured, you can use a bit of wax or another product to buff out the haze on your headlights if desired. This can help give you a bit more brightness when driving at night.

https://youtu.be/0EJ9iAC1MvY

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Conclusion

Clearing your headlights of water and sealing them up again may take an hour or more. However, you can save a lot of money. With some research and patience, your headlight will be fixed in short order.

If you have some basic tools, you’ll need some sealant to get the job done. Then you’ll have a headlight without moisture in it. It will shine brighter on the road at night and help you stay safe while going to all your destinations.