What are the causes of water ingress in the 2011 Lavida?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for water ingress in the Lavida: 1. Sealing strip issue: Check if the door sealing strips are aged or cracked, as poor sealing can also lead to external water penetration. 2. Waterproof plastic sheet problem: The Lavida's door waterproof design relies solely on a waterproof plastic sheet inside the door panel. If the door has been disassembled or reassembled, it can easily cause leaks. To address this issue, the waterproof plastic sheet can be replaced. 3. Sunroof and drainage hole problem: Check if the sunroof and door drainage holes are blocked. Break a chopstick and use the pointed end to poke the drainage holes under the door to clear them. 4. Air conditioning drainage problem: Internal water leakage may also be caused by air conditioning drainage entering the car. Air conditioning drainage failure is mainly due to clogged air conditioning drainage outlets, preventing water from being discharged outside the car and causing it to overflow into the car through gaps in the evaporator box. For this phenomenon, it is necessary to take the car to a repair shop for technicians to diagnose and troubleshoot the issue.
As a long-time owner of a Lavida (mine is an 2011 model), I've experienced water leakage inside the car before. After that heavy rain, I found the carpets completely soaked and spent a long time troubleshooting. The most common cause is clogged sunroof drainage tubes—leaves and dust accumulate in the pipes, causing water to back up. Another issue is aging door seals; over time, rubber components wear out and harden, compromising the seal and allowing rainwater to seep in. I remember my car also had cracks in the windshield sealant, which leaked water near the A-pillar. Additionally, a blocked or misaligned AC condensate drain tube can cause leaks, though this spot is usually fine on the Lavida. Overall, diagnosing water ingress requires checking multiple areas. I recommend starting with external gaps and regularly cleaning the sunroof drains to prevent many issues. Never underestimate this—water pooling under the carpets can corrode wiring. Safety first!
As someone who enjoys tinkering with car maintenance, I can share some insights about water leakage issues in the 2011 Lavida. The main causes include: clogged sunroof drainage systems being the most common, where small drainage pipe diameters lead to overflow onto the headliner when debris accumulates; aging door seal strips that leak frequently, as older vehicles' sealing materials harden, creating noticeable gaps when doors are closed; cracked sealant around the windshield allowing water to seep down the A-pillars; and clogged body drain holes or rusted welding seams at the vehicle's base. For diagnosis, start with a pressure test or water pouring test to locate leaks. Given that parts on an 11-year-old Lavida are prone to aging, it's wise to regularly inspect external drainage structures—proper maintenance can save significant repair costs. Water intrusion also risks causing odors and electrical hazards, so address any issues promptly.
