How to Deal with Water Leakage from the Top of the Car Door?
3 Answers
The door seal is not tight enough, causing water leakage from the car door; the drainage outlet at the bottom of the door is blocked, preventing water from draining out. For the issue of the door seal not being tight enough, check if the seal is severely damaged or deformed. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove any debris blocking the drainage outlet, allowing the water to drain properly. Sprinkle some water on the window, then open the car door to observe if there is any leakage. Use a T-20 spline, T-30 spline, and a flat-head screwdriver to remove the door trim panel of the leaking door and replace the waterproof membrane.
I've seen plenty of door leakage issues. First, check if the drainage holes at the bottom of the door are clogged - these small openings easily get blocked by dirt and leaves. Cleaning them with a thin wire or toothpick usually solves the problem. For severe leaks, it's often due to aged or cracked door seals. These rubber strips become loose and damaged over time - just replace them with new ones (it's not difficult to DIY with an online-purchased kit and instructions). Also, avoid directly spraying high-pressure water at door gaps during car washes to prevent accelerating seal deterioration. Regularly clean door edges during maintenance to prevent leaks - prolonged water intrusion can cause internal rust and mold, leading to costly repairs. In short, start with simple DIY steps if you're handy, and only visit a professional shop if you can't fix it yourself.
Door leakage is quite common. Based on my experience, seal strip issues are the most frequent cause, as aging or damage can allow water to seep inside the door. Secondly, clogged drainage holes at the bottom of the door are another reason—cleaning them out allows water to flow away normally. If the seal around the window regulator is faulty, water might leak through the glass gap; try a simple adjustment of its position. If left unrepaired, long-term water accumulation can corrode the internal structure of the door panel or damage electrical wiring, compromising driving safety. Personally, I recommend first wiping the seal strip with a damp cloth to check for cracks. If replacement is needed, purchase a matching model online and install it yourself, but ensure proper installation to avoid recurring leaks. If the issue persists, have a repair shop inspect the door's rain shield or overall sealing to avoid unnecessary expenses.
