Reasons for Trunk Leakage?
3 Answers
Car trunk leakage is caused by improper sealing of the weatherstrip or damage and deformation of the trunk. Here is a detailed introduction to car trunk leakage: 1. The waterproofing in various parts of a car is ensured by weatherstrips, which are made of rubber material. This rubber material inherently possesses certain strength and hardness, generally preventing deformation during use. However, the weatherstrips on a car are consumable items. Prolonged exposure to external air leads to aging, and frequent use can also cause wear and tear to some extent. Once the weatherstrip is damaged, the car will leak. 2. The design of the car trunk follows certain rules. If the shape of the trunk is compromised, rainwater intrusion can lead to severe leakage. There is a rubber drain plug in the area where the spare tire is placed in the trunk. Removing it allows the water in the trunk to drain out. For aged weatherstrips, car owners can purchase and replace them themselves or have them replaced at an auto repair shop. 3. Hazards of trunk water ingress: Water in the trunk can easily cause rust, and in severe cases, perforation may occur. The spare tire compartment in the trunk is relatively low, making it prone to water accumulation. If not drained promptly, it can easily lead to mold growth in the car's interior.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered trunk leakage issues several times. The most common cause is the aging and cracking of the trunk seal strip. After prolonged exposure to wind and sun, it becomes hard and brittle, creating gaps when closing the door, allowing water to seep in during car washes or rain. Another easily overlooked spot is the taillight gasket – when the rubber ring at the taillight mounting position ages, water leaks through there. Once while cleaning, I found the trunk drain hole completely blocked by leaves, causing all the water from the drainage channel to backflow into the trunk. Additionally, if the car has been rear-ended and repaired before, improper adjustment of the trunk lid or cracked body panel sealant can also lead to leaks. Remember not to use hot water to de-ice trunk seams in cold weather, as the thermal expansion and contraction can damage the seals more easily.
After repairing so many cars, I've roughly categorized the causes of trunk leaks into several types. Damaged sealing strips are the most common, where rubber aging and shrinkage lead to improper closure. Clogged drainage channels are also frequent, especially the drainage holes under the rear windshield—when blocked by mud or leaves, water backs up. Failed tail light seals are not uncommon either, allowing water to seep in along the tail light brackets. Some cars have cracked sealant at the rear panel welds or incomplete sealing after accident repairs, which can also cause leaks. Also, be mindful of toolboxes in the trunk that might press against the latch, preventing a tight closure. It's advisable to regularly clean the trunk edges and seams, using a soft brush to remove sand and gravel, which can extend the life of the sealing strips.
