Best excuse for fogged up front lights?

[Phil74891]

On more than one occasion I have pulled up at a friend's or relative's house in my V8S and after the nods of approval etc etc, the comment has been 'Oh look, your headlights are all fogged up.' followed by the usual 'that's not very good,' 'how much did you pay for that?' type comments.

I have to admit it is a bit embarrassing.........particularly for Aston Martin.

So, anyone come up with a suitable face saving retort? 'They all do that' doesn't quite cut it........

[Brakke]

Mine:

"Foggy lights, thats a 5,000 euro Aston Martin option"

[bomberh]

There isn't really a lot you can do, as the "they all do that sir", they really do. I do agree with you, it doesn't really cut it, but I don't think Aston have come up with anything that really sorts the problem out.

I had heard of a small pouch put into the unit that soaks up any moisture???? not sure if that's true or if it would even work, or would be a complete waste of money if available.

Everyone on here will tell you, actually, they all do that.

Unless some really bright person has come up with anything to alleviate this issue, we are all stuck with it.

Not the same on clear rear lights, as they have been known to get condensation in them. I know its happened to me and had a set replaced under warranty.

[AMDBSNick]

As I left work today I noticed my business partners brand new S Class Merc had this issue. Gents, might I suggest there are bigger worries in the world

[gpb1]

"Oh that. That's the coolant for the lights. At high speed the pressure wave that builds up in front of the car could overheat and crack the glass without it. Doesn't your car have it?"

[hashluck]

AMDBSNick said:

As I left work today I noticed my business partners brand new S Class Merc had this issue. Gents, might I suggest there are bigger worries in the world

All the Audis I have had do it as well. There is even a note in Audi Owners Manual saying it is normal. I do not understand the fuss over this either

[Impasse]

"It's not a fault, it's an anti glare system for when driving in built up areas." Very considerate of Aston Martin to think of it too.

[BravoV8V]

bomberh said:

Unless some really bright person has come up with anything to alleviate this issue, we are all stuck with it.

ISTR that divetheworld(?) said that he had come up with a solution. But when he mentioned it, nobody took him up on the idea so he shelved it again

Maybe it might be worth enquiring again. I'm personally not that fussed.

[mikey k]

Tell him "Its a ground breaking feature on Astons LED & HID lights designed to clean the interior of the light for optimum dispersion"

[steveatesh]

AMDBSNick said:

As I left work today I noticed my business partners brand new S Class Merc had this issue. Gents, might I suggest there are bigger worries in the world

Well it becomes quite a large problem when the moisture causes your LED lights to fail, requiring a change of unit.
One of mine (the second) is being replaced this morning, I'll be just under £1500 worse off as a result. All for a side light bulb.

Poor design. If they can't seal them they should make the LED lights or PCB replaceable parts.

[mikey k]

steveatesh said:

AMDBSNick said:

As I left work today I noticed my business partners brand new S Class Merc had this issue. Gents, might I suggest there are bigger worries in the world

Well it becomes quite a large problem when the moisture causes your LED lights to fail, requiring a change of unit.
One of mine (the second) is being replaced this morning, I'll be just under £1500 worse off as a result. All for a side light bulb.

Poor design. If they can't seal them they should make the LED lights or PCB replaceable parts.

its not rocket science just lazy/cost cutting

[Zuman]

gpb1 said:

"Oh that. That's the coolant for the lights. At high speed the pressure wave that builds up in front of the car could overheat and crack the glass without it. Doesn't your car have it?"

This is brilliant. I will be using it.

[V8 Animal]

TVR didn't sort it either.

[speech]

3 years of ownership and have never had anyone comment on the fogged up lights. I don't think I'd have noticed it myself if not for the moans on this forum. Does it really matter? I just see it as a side effect of driving the car in the same way that it gets a bit dirty. As long as no damage is done, who cares?

[Jockman]

My old DB9 did this. Essentially you have 4 front Fog Lights. Think yourself lucky

[downr]

Just start the engine up for them and see if they're still talking about fogged up lights

[simonpa]

steveatesh said:

Well it becomes quite a large problem when the moisture causes your LED lights to fail, requiring a change of unit.
One of mine (the second) is being replaced this morning, I'll be just under £1500 worse off as a result. All for a side light bulb.

Poor design. If they can't seal them they should make the LED lights or PCB replaceable parts.

Can you make sure you keep the old unit?

I'm sure I can get it looked over and the failure identified.
It's probably a discrete component rather than an ASIC and very cheap to replace.

If all the failed units are reclaimed, I'm happy to start up a recycling service at cost, rather than £300/repair or £1500/replace..

Cheers - Simon

[WayneB]

The fogging of the lights is an extra cost heritage option as the lights on the DB5 used to as well, as did all of the glass covered lights on the coolest cars of the '60's (Etype, Miura,Citroen etc)

Best way to avoid this perceived problem is to not get the car wet or use in rain, or the best alternative move to New Mexico or Arizona.