What are the reasons for water leakage from car windows into the interior?
3 Answers
Water leakage from a car sunroof may be related to improperly closed sunroof glass or a malfunctioning sunroof drainage system. Here are the relevant details: 1. The sunroof glass is not properly closed. 2. Malfunctioning sunroof drainage system: Sunroof drainage does not rely entirely on sealing strips. After all, they are rubber components, and if the rainfall is too heavy, a small amount of rainwater will inevitably seep through the seals. This water will then flow into specially designed drainage channels and be expelled outside the vehicle through drainage pipes. So, if you look up and notice water dripping from the sunroof seal, don’t be surprised or alarmed—it’s just draining. However, if the amount of rainwater seeping in exceeds the drainage system's capacity or if the drainage system is clogged, the water will overflow the drainage channels and enter the interior. This malfunction is relatively common. Common causes include: (1) Excessive debris in the drainage channels leading to clogged drainage pipes. (2) Detached drainage pipe joints. 3. Aging or deformation of sunroof sealing strips: One of the key functions of sealing strips is to provide waterproof sealing. The strips are sandwiched between the sunroof and the car frame. If the sealing strips age or are improperly installed, the amount of rainwater seeping in may exceed the drainage capacity of the channels, resulting in leaks.
I've seen too many cases of water leaking into the car through the windows. The most common issue is aging or damaged seals. The rubber seals on the doors can crack and deform over time due to exposure to wind and sunlight, failing to keep rainwater out. Additionally, if the drainage holes at the bottom of the doors are clogged with leaves or dirt, water can backflow into the car. Debris in the window tracks or improperly closed windows can also allow water to seep in. If the door panels have minor cracks from previous impacts, rainwater can easily enter. Some sunroof drain tubes, if blocked, can cause water to flow down the sides. The most troublesome part is when water shorts out electronic components, or when seats and carpets get wet and start to mold, emitting a sour smell and making driving slippery and dangerous. So, after every car wash or heavy rain, check the inner door panels for water stains and address any issues immediately to avoid costly internal damage.
My old car always leaks water, which is so annoying. The main issue is the aging door seals that no longer keep water out, allowing rainwater to pour directly inside. Additionally, the drainage holes get clogged with mud and leaves, causing water to back up instead of draining. If the window glass isn't properly installed or the tracks aren't smooth, water seeps in through the gaps. Leaks get even worse if the door panels have scratches or holes. Another problem is when the sunroof's drainage tubes get blocked by debris, disrupting the water flow. Driving with leaks makes the interior damp, causing carpets and upholstery to mold and mildew. My family complains when they get in, and my kids wearing slippers can easily slip. That's why I now regularly clean debris around the doors and check the seals and drainage holes before the rainy season. These small actions prevent big headaches, protecting both the car and our safety.
