What Causes Leakage in Lavida?
4 Answers
In most cases, water leakage inside the car is caused by poor sealing. Depending on the location of the leakage, the source can be roughly identified. For instance, roof leakage is likely due to the sunroof seal. Leakage on the passenger side might be caused by water droplets formed when cold air from the air conditioning evaporator meets the warm air inside the cabin. It is recommended to have a detailed inspection at a 4S shop. If the roof is leaking, it is highly probable that the sunroof seal is the culprit. The vehicle's sunroof drainage tubes should be clear. If they are blocked, a more thorough inspection is necessary to determine the cause. With frequent rainfall in summer, regular cleaning is highly beneficial for the vehicle. Use a towel to wipe off dust. It's best to blow out dust from the sunroof outlets using an air hose. For sunroof maintenance, this step is essential. Apply a small amount of grease to the sunroof tracks and spread it evenly with a screwdriver to ensure smooth operation and prevent excessive debris buildup. Additionally, clean the vehicle's drainage channels connected to the sunroof drainage tubes. Simply remove any debris and wipe them clean with a damp towel to ensure smooth drainage during rainy days.
The most common cause of water leakage in the Lavida is a clogged sunroof drain tube. I've encountered this issue with my car too - mainly due to leaves and dust accumulating at the drain outlet, preventing water drainage and causing backflow into the cabin, which soaked the floor mats. I've noticed Volkswagen models have a design flaw here - the drain tube's path is quite winding, making it prone to debris buildup, especially if you live in a tree-heavy area. Another possible cause is aged or loose door seals - the rubber material can crack over time, allowing water to seep through gaps during heavy rain. Quickly cleaning the drain tube or using compressed air to blow it out can solve most problems. Delaying repairs may lead to corrosion of the floor panels, requiring hundreds of yuan for replacement parts. When parking, try to avoid spots under trees to minimize this issue.
Water leakage is something you really need to be careful about. If water leaks into the area beneath the cockpit, especially near the wiring, it can cause short circuits, engine stalling, or even the risk of spontaneous combustion on rainy days. My experience was with a Lavida where the sealant around the windshield edge deteriorated. Over time, thermal expansion and contraction allowed water to seep in from there, causing dripping under the dashboard. I’ve also seen a friend’s car accumulate water in the cabin after the air conditioning drain pipe came loose, which was more noticeable when using the AC in summer. I recommend checking these points before the rainy season—safety first. A small leak might seem harmless, but accumulated water can affect the braking system, and insurance companies often love to argue and refuse to pay.
Is your Lavida leaking? You can easily check it yourself. I usually start with the air conditioning system—see if the front passenger footwell is wet, which indicates a leak in the AC drain hose, as connections there often loosen. Next, inspect the sunroof; shine a flashlight into the drainage ports—clearing them might solve the issue. Door seals are another common culprit; just buy new ones online and replace them yourself (tutorial videos are available). Don’t forget to glance at the trunk seal too. Minor fixes cost under $10, so no rush to the repair shop.
