Today I picked up my one year old Rapid Elegance 1.6 TDi CR, which the dealer had washed and waxed. I noticed later that there's mist/dampness on the inside of the headlight glass - both headlamps. It's still apparent 12 hours later, after a dry, bright day.

Is anyone aware of any issues with moisture in Rapid headlamps?

First I've heard of it - take it back to the dealer and shout at them.

First I've heard of it - take it back to the dealer and shout at them.

 

What he said.

Unless...... you want to take it to a body shop, open them, paint them black and seal them again

I would seriously kick their asses.

I hink it is mentioned in the hand book that it is quite normal for them to mist up when it is damp.  Mine does this (also 1.6 tdi cr) but it usualy clears quite quickly.  Yes go back to seller and ask 12 hours seems a long time.  Does it clear when you have the lights on?  Have a check in the handbook first.  It will still be under warranty so if your not sure see the dealer/seller

Thanks for your help people, keep it coming, very interesting. Mark, I can't see anything about it in the handbook but may have missed it.

I should have mentioned that I asked the dealer about this, the service manager, who said that Skoda is aware of it and don't regard it as a problem. Misting is only temporary.

The headlights have breather tubes in them.

 

If the car is sat for long periods, you drive through deep puddles or it's just wet for days on end then the headlights and foglights will mist up. It is mentioned in the manual.

 

The easiest cure is to drive with the headlights on for a while, it soon dries them out.

Breather tubes. I'd hoped/guessed as much, but God help me I could find zilch about this issue in the damn handbook.