What are the reasons for water accumulation under the driver's side car mat?
2 Answers
The reasons for water accumulation under the driver's side car mat include: 1. Sunroof leakage or damage to the car's sealing strips, which causes water leakage; 2. Water from car washing that was not cleaned properly, leading to water accumulation under the mat; 3. Rusting of the car's small water tank, which is used for the interior heating system, resulting in water leakage. The solution to water accumulation under the car mat is to first remove the soaked carpet or mat, then clean out the remaining water inside the car. There are several rubber sealing plugs at the bottom of the vehicle chassis; opening these plugs can drain the accumulated water from the cabin. However, since the interior flooring material is highly absorbent, it should be removed and placed in a spacious area to facilitate water evaporation. If the water ingress is not severe, after cleaning the accumulated water, simply open the car windows on a sunny day to allow thorough drying. You can park the car in a sunny spot, open the doors for drying, or adjust the vehicle's air circulation switch to internal circulation to allow the water vapor inside the cabin to be expelled through the air conditioning system.
I found that the most common cause of water accumulation under the driver's floor mat is an issue with the air conditioning drain pipe. When the AC is on during summer, condensation forms inside the car, which should normally drain outside through the pipe. However, if the pipe is clogged or misaligned, the water can flow back into the cabin. Another common issue is clogged sunroof drain holes, which can allow water to seep down the A-pillar and under the floor mat. If the door seals are cracked or aged, water can leak in through the door gaps during rain or car washes. Additionally, leaks can occur if the floor pan welds come apart or if rust perforates the body. The most troublesome case I've encountered was a leaking heater core, where coolant mixed with water seeped in, making cleanup particularly difficult. If this happens, don't panic—first soak up the water with towels, then promptly locate the leak to prevent prolonged exposure that could lead to electrical shorts.
