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I recently purchased a new car, days after getting it home I noticed the headlamps had moisture in them. I have always assumed this was a safety and WOF issue and have requested the car dealer repair/replace the lights.

After almost 6 weeks of back and forth they are now claiming that moisture in headlamps is no longer a WOF issue and they don't have to replace them as they are not faulty.

Is this true? Have the WOF standards changed and is moisture in the headlamps now not a problem?

Thanks in advance.

Many headlamps will have a noticable film of mist on the inside which will dissipate when the lights are switched on. This is quite normal and acceptable for a WoF pass. However, puddles of water in the lamp or heavy droplets which indicate that water is getting in as opposed to condensation, will result in a fail.

Here's what NZTA issued in a bulletin dated February 2012.

• PASS – light moisture in the form of fog or fine mist (small droplets) is considered normal and will usually disappear with the lamps or vehicle being used, but sometimes not during a normal vehicle inspection. This type of moisture is acceptable for WoF/CoF and must be passed.
• FAIL – heavier moisture in the form of large droplets, runs or puddles tends to indicate a problem with the lamp, such as a water leak. This type of moisture is NOT acceptable for WoF/CoF and must be rejected.