Winter driving issues- lights get frosted over

[Fly]

I've had this happen several times in the past few years and wondered if anyone else has seen the same. I have about 30-40min drive on the highway to get home and when it is snowing my headlights get caked up with snow/ice to the point of not being able to see the road easily when I get onto smaller unlit roads. Also the wipers get caked up with snow/ice very easily, but that's another issue. The pics below were from last night with some light to moderate snowfall, definitely nothing very severe.

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[PWillette]

I've had this happen several times in the past few years and wondered if anyone else has seen the same. I have about 30-40min drive on the highway to get home and when it is snowing my headlights get caked up with snow/ice to the point of not being able to see the road easily when I get onto smaller unlit roads. Also the wipers get caked up with snow/ice very easily, but that's another issue. The pics below were from last night with some light to moderate snowfall, definitely nothing very severe.

Here's the answer...

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/oracle-lighting-heated-lenses-voice-your-interest.71913/

 

[OracleLights]

Coming very soon!!! https://www.oraclelights.com/produc...r-headlights-for-2021-ford-bronco-heated-lens

 

[Sloth]

Seems to be a common issue with all vehicles running LED headlights.

 

[Fly]

Seems to be a common issue with all vehicles running LED headlights.

This is my first LED headlight vehicle but yes I’m discovering this is a common issue. Thanks

 

[NatureMan]

Maybe v3 of @Form Lighting will have heating elements, right @KillerPenz.

 

[dgorsett]

Agreed on OEM LED head/tail lights snow/ice build up is a real issue.

Why then on aftermarket auxiliary lighting are some folks really concerned about heat dissipation? I usually buy cheapo LED auxs but some say you need high dollar to get good heat dissipation, what is truth?

 

[5GENIDN]

Agreed on OEM LED head/tail lights snow/ice build up is a real issue.

Why then on aftermarket auxiliary lighting are some folks really concerned about heat dissipation? I usually buy cheapo LED auxs but some say you need high dollar to get good heat dissipation, what is truth?

I am pretty sure the driver is what gets hot and needs cooled, but it is on the outside of the reflector. On the inside, the light emitting diode converts almost all it's energy to light, very little heat. So the reflector area (where the light is) does not warm up but the LED driver back behind the light has all the heat and needs to be cooled.... The LED itself usually has a very long life. Typically when these lights fail it is the driver that dies.

 

[Headsong]

Geez, just spray them with some silicone or de-icer and call it a day. Also spray your side windows so they don't stick as doors open/close.

 

[dgorsett]

I am pretty sure the driver is what gets hot and needs cooled, but it is on the outside of the reflector. On the inside, the light emitting diode converts almost all it's energy to light, very little heat. So the reflector area (where the light is) does not warm up but the LED driver back behind the light has all the heat and needs to be cooled.... The LED itself usually has a very long life. Typically when these lights fail it is the driver that dies.

Thanks. I learned something. The first time you used the word "driver" I thought you were being funny, talking about the one behind the wheel. Now I kinda get it.

 

[5GENIDN]

Thanks. I learned something. The first time you used the word "driver" I thought you were being funny, talking about the one behind the wheel. Now I kinda get it.

I thought about making a joke about not seeing at night and the driver dies.... BUT.... wrong driver.

 

[5GENIDN]

Geez, just spray them with some silicone or de-icer and call it a day. Also spray your side windows so they don't stick as doors open/close.

I have mine PPFed.... better than silicon.... and the speed just packs it on there anyway. really easy to knock off. Touch it and it falls off. BUT you have to stop and get out of the vehicle to touch it... My arms are not long enough to reach from the drivers seat... LOL

 

[Fly]

Anyone have fog light recommendations that wouldn't ice over as badly?

 

[Headsong]

Anyone have fog light recommendations that wouldn't ice over as badly?

Again, use de-icer and you won't care.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

It's a very specific set of winter conditions to pack that much snow/ice on and continue to accumulate.

Halogen fogs like Hella 500s or 550s will melt it, but they will not output as much light as LEDs the rest of the time those conditions are not present.

Going to have to balance light output with heat output and see which is more important to you.

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