What are the causes of water leakage in the trunk of the 11th-generation Excelle?
2 Answers
11th-generation Excelle trunk water leakage may be caused by worn or aged sealing strips or trunk deformation. Below are detailed explanations and solutions: 1. Sealing strips: Vehicle waterproofing relies on sealing strips, which are made of rubber material with certain strength and hardness to resist deformation under pressure. Solution: Clean the sealing strips multiple times during spring and autumn using damp cotton for gentle wiping. If the vehicle will be parked for extended periods, perform thorough cleaning beforehand to prevent natural aging. 2. Trunk deformation: Vehicle trunks follow specific design rules with drainage curvature in zones A, B, C, and D. If the trunk's structure gets compromised, severe leakage may occur during rain. Solution: Drain water completely by removing the trunk floor's drain plug.
My 2011 Buick Excelle also had trunk water leakage issues before, and it took a long time to locate the problem. The most common cause is aging and deformation of the trunk sealing rubber strip. After ten years of use, the rubber becomes completely hardened, allowing water to flow directly through gaps during car washes. Additionally, the tail light sealing gasket is particularly prone to issues, especially in cars where bulbs have been replaced – improper installation or flattening of the gasket can cause leaks. Cracks in the sealant around the rear windshield edges are another hidden danger, as rainwater can seep into the trunk compartment along the glass. Finally, don't forget to check the drainage holes at the bottom of the trunk. The Excelle's drainage holes are quite small, and when blocked by fallen leaves or mud, accumulated water can't drain and may flow back into the cabin. If you're doing it yourself, focus on cleaning the drainage holes and inspecting the sealing strips. Replacing a sealing strip only costs around a hundred yuan.