How to Deal with Water Accumulation in the Rear of a Classic Focus?
3 Answers
First, address the water accumulation inside the car. When cleaning, make sure to completely lift the floor mats. After wiping it dry, it's best to use a hair dryer to evaporate any remaining moisture inside the car. To resolve the leakage issue, sunroof leaks are usually caused by aging sealing strips or clogged sunroof drainage outlets. Replace the sunroof sealing strips and unclog the drainage outlets.
I had water accumulation in the back seat of my classic Ford Focus a while ago, mainly due to aging door seals or clogged sunroof drainage holes. First, use a towel or vacuum to dry the water to prevent electrical shorts. Then check for leaks to see if the rubber seals around the doors are damaged or if there's debris in the sunroof tracks. If you can't find the issue, take it to a shop for a pressure test—the mechanics can locate the problem. Prolonged water accumulation can cause floor rust and mold, which is harmful to health, especially for children sitting in the back who might inhale mold spores. Regularly cleaning the sunroof and door seams can prevent this, saving you repair costs. I recommend fixing it early—delaying will make repairs more expensive. After fixing it, I never had water accumulation again.
When my Focus had water accumulation in the rear seats, I tried to handle it at home. First, I used a sponge to dry the water to prevent damage to electronic components. The cause was a drainage system issue, such as clogged small holes under the doors or a broken sunroof drain tube. I checked it myself and found that the door sealant was cracked, and water leakage was obvious when tested. A simple repair could involve temporarily patching it with sealant, but it's best to go to a professional shop to replace the part. Water accumulation can also accelerate metal corrosion and plastic deformation, reducing the vehicle's value. I usually make sure to clean the drainage holes under the wipers annually and avoid parking under trees to reduce dust buildup. The key is not to ignore small issues—address them early to avoid bigger problems.