What to Do When the Car Floor Sound Insulation Cotton Gets Wet?
3 Answers
If the sound insulation cotton in the car chassis gets wet, it needs to be replaced with a new one. The wet insulation cotton is definitely caused by incomplete sealing of the car body. Check if the sealing strips are aged, broken, or incomplete, leading to poor sealing and water ingress; replace the sealing strips. Inspect whether the waterproof membrane inside the rear door trim panel is damaged. Recall if there has been any previous repairs or modifications that might have affected the waterproof membrane; replace the waterproof membrane. Call the 4S shop for a comprehensive vehicle inspection and to seal any leaks.
The other day after washing my car, I found the floor sound insulation cotton soaked, and immediately realized something was wrong. It's crucial to address this promptly; otherwise, accumulated moisture over time can cause the insulation to mold, rot, and even corrode the metal underbody. First, I moved the car to a well-ventilated area and lifted the carpet to inspect the sound insulation. I used dry towels to absorb surface water and then aimed a fan at it, letting it air dry for an entire day. Remember not to leave it under direct sunlight, as high temperatures can damage the material. At the same time, I checked for the source of the water ingress: whether the sunroof drain holes were clogged, if the door seals had aged and leaked, or if there were any cracks in the body. If the area dries completely but still smells musty, consider replacing the sound insulation cotton. This task isn’t highly technical—just remove the interior panels to access it—but it’s best to have a friend help with moving larger parts. After parking on rainy days, make it a habit to check the floor to prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches.
With over a decade of car repair experience, I often encounter issues with sound insulation mats getting wet. The first step is to identify the source of the water. Most commonly, water seeps in through gaps in the chassis during rainy weather, such as aging door seals or clogged sunroof drains. When dealing with this issue, immediately disconnect the power to prevent short circuits, then use highly absorbent cloths to dry the surface, followed by a hairdryer on low heat to slowly dry the interior. Remember not to use hot air for drying, as excessive heat can promote mold growth. If the sound insulation mat is soaked and deformed, it must be replaced with a new one—opt for mats with moisture-resistant coatings for better durability. Additionally, during regular maintenance, inspect all sealing components and apply a bit of lubricant to extend their lifespan. A handy tip: After water exposure, run the air conditioning on cold for a few days to dehumidify and speed up the drying process. If severe water ingress causes electrical issues, such as flickering dashboard lights, seek professional repair immediately, with costs typically around a few hundred dollars. Never delay the process—safety comes first.
