How to Deal with Trunk Water Leakage?
4 Answers
Trunk water leakage can be handled as follows: 1. Clean the sunroof and trunk: Many car owners often do not specifically clean the sunroof and trunk during car washing. In fact, it is necessary to clean the drainage channels of the sunroof and trunk during regular car washing. Wipe off the dust and mud in the drainage channels on both sides, then use a thin and slightly hard wire to unclog the drainage holes, and pour some clean water to rinse them. 2. Lubricate and clean the sealing strips: Use a damp cloth to clean the sealing strips to prevent fine sand from sticking to them. Then, you can use talcum powder or baby powder to absorb excess oil and moisture on the sealing strips.
Last time my car's trunk was leaking, it took me several days to fix it. Leaks are mostly caused by aging and cracking of the sealing strip or clogged drainage holes. When I checked it myself, I found a small crack on the edge of the sealing strip, and rainwater was seeping in through it. A friend of mine also had a leak because the wiring hole wasn't properly sealed when installing a reverse camera, allowing water to get in. Fixing it isn't too hard—first, clean the drainage holes at the bottom of the trunk using a thin wire to unclog them. If the sealing strip is cracked, just spend a few dozen bucks to replace it, but make sure it matches your car model when buying. If the leak is around the taillight installation area, try sealing the gap with glass glue. If you find a leak, deal with it immediately—my neighbor’s trunk accumulated water and damaged the circuit board, costing over 800 yuan to repair. When washing your car, remember to lift the mat and check if there’s any water pooling in the spare tire well.
Last week, I discovered water leakage when I felt the damp mat while cleaning the trunk. The most common cause is deformation of the trunk rubber seal, especially in older cars like my eight-year-old vehicle. Loose fasteners on the taillight covers can also lead to water seepage—I even heard dripping sounds from the trunk during the last rainy drive. Blocked drainage holes due to leaves and mud are even worse; unclogging them requires lifting the entire seal. For patching leaks, I’ve had good results with automotive-grade sealant—just let it cure for a day before water testing. Remember to drain any water in the spare tire well immediately to prevent floorboard rust. For modified wiring, pay extra attention to the rear radar cable holes; poor sealing there lets rainwater pour right in. It’s best to perform a full vehicle seal inspection before the rainy season.
Don't panic if you find water leaking in the trunk; most cases can be fixed yourself. When I dealt with it, the first step was to press a dry tissue along the edge of the sealing strip to locate the wet spot, which indicates the leak. Common locations are at the seams of the rear windshield seal or near the license plate light. For a temporary fix, use waterproof tape, but for a long-term solution, replacing the sealing strip is more reliable. Owners with sunroofs should note that drainage pipes may run through the trunk, and if clogged, water can overflow from there. Avoid using overly stiff wire to unclog drainage holes, as puncturing the pipe can cause more trouble. When washing the car, avoid directing the water jet straight at the trunk gaps, as high-pressure water can damage the sealing adhesive. If simple fixes don’t work, it might be due to body deformation after an accident, in which case you’ll need to consult a body repair specialist.
