What to Do About Water Leakage in an Older Volkswagen Lavida?
2 Answers
The solution is to gently pull off the strip below the car door, where you will find a square-shaped drainage outlet. If not cleaned, some silt and debris may accumulate. Use a flat-head screwdriver to clear out all the clogged debris, allowing the water to drain out.
If my older Volkswagen Lavida is leaking water, I would first carefully check where the leak is coming from. Common causes include clogged sunroof drainage holes, as the drainage tubes in older models tend to accumulate dust and leaves, allowing rainwater to seep into the interior. Aging door seals are also an issue—over time, the rubber can crack, letting water slip through the gaps. A leaking cooling system is even more dangerous; damage to the radiator or hoses can cause coolant to leak, affecting engine cooling. I usually use a simple method to check: after parking, I lay a white sheet of paper under the car to observe the color and location of the dripping liquid—if it's clear water stains, it's likely a clogged sunroof drain tube; if it's colored liquid, it might be a coolant leak. If it's something I can handle myself, like using a wire to unclog the drainage tube or replacing the seals, I might give it a try. But if the leakage is frequent or excessive, it's best not to delay and take it directly to a professional repair shop. They can use tools to diagnose the root cause and prevent mold growth or electrical damage. Regular maintenance of the sunroof and seals can effectively prevent these issues—don't wait until the car is flooded to panic.