What Causes Water Ingress in the Trunk Spare Tire?
3 Answers
Reasons for water ingress in the trunk spare tire are as follows: Causes: Blockage of sunroof or trunk drainage pipes, aging of sunroof or trunk sealing strips, clogged rear drainage outlets, damaged trunk clips, etc. Additional note: Since mounting a tire onto a wheel requires drivers to carry additional specialized equipment, a spare tire is an extra tire carried in motor vehicles as a replacement in case of a blowout or other emergency. The term 'spare tire' is often a misnomer, as nearly all vehicles actually carry an entire spare wheel with a tire mounted, not just the tire alone.
Last time I went camping, I encountered water accumulation in the spare tire well. After investigating for a long time, I found three key points. There are originally drainage holes under the spare tire well—if fallen leaves block these holes, water can rise above the spare tire mounting bracket. Additionally, aging or deformed sealing strips, especially on cars over seven years old, can allow rainwater to seep in through the gaps during heavy storms. The mechanic last time taught me to pour a bottle of mineral water along the car seams, and sure enough, I found the leak near the rear taillight base. Oh, and another thing—poorly sealed wiring for aftermarket reverse camera installations can also cause leaks, a pitfall my friend once fell into.
The experienced master from the car club taught me how to check for water leakage in the spare tire, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to small details. Once, I forgot to close the trunk properly, and half a bucket of water poured in during car washing. Additionally, the rubber gasket on the spare tire's fixing bolt had aged and cracked, allowing rainwater to seep in on bumpy roads. The most easily overlooked part is the drainage channel on the inner side of the rear bumper. When blocked by leaves and mud, accumulated water can flow back into the trunk. It's recommended to clean the trunk's drainage holes every quarter—just use a wire to unclog them, simple and effective.