What is the reason for water entering the cabin of an old Lavida?
2 Answers
The main reason for water entering the cabin of an old Lavida is that the windows or sunroof were not closed. Here are the relevant details: 1. Cleaning: When water enters the cabin, the repair process mainly involves cleaning the accumulated water inside the vehicle. There are several sealing rubber plugs at the lower part of the vehicle chassis. Opening these plugs can drain the water from the cabin. However, since the interior floor mats are highly absorbent, they should be removed and placed in a spacious area to facilitate water evaporation. 2. Severe water ingress: If the water ingress is severe, or if the vehicle still has a lingering musty smell after drying, it means that the floor mats underneath, including materials like foam, have also absorbed water and become damp, leading to mold and deterioration. In such cases, it is necessary to visit a professional repair shop to remove the seats and lift the floor mats for thorough cleaning.
I've seen plenty of cases of water leakage in the Lavida's cabin. The most common cause is clogged sunroof drain holes. Rainwater has nowhere to go through the drainage tubes, so it flows back into the headliner and drips into the cabin. Another frequent issue is aging door seals—Volkswagen's rubber seals tend to deform over time, causing poor door sealing that lets water seep in during heavy rain. Windshield perimeter sealant cracks can also allow water accumulation in small gaps to leak inside. From servicing several affected vehicles, I've noticed that significant water accumulation in the sill panels often indicates blocked door bottom drain holes, which can be cleared by removing the door trim panels. Remember to regularly inspect the drainage system—don't wait until the carpets get soaked to regret it. Wet carpets are extremely difficult to dry thoroughly and may lead to part corrosion. Always check for water stains before driving—prevention is better than repair.
