What to Do When the Car Sunroof is Clogged and Water Leaks Inside?
3 Answers
The solutions for water leakage caused by a clogged car sunroof include the following 3 points: 1. Remove the accumulated water inside the car: If there is only a small amount of water without significant accumulation, simply open the sunroof on a sunny day to air it out. If there is standing water inside the car, remove the floor mats and place them in a suitable location for evaporation; open the sealing plug under the car chassis to allow the water to drain out. 2. Clean the interior items: Items inside the car are prone to mold when damp. Removable items such as floor mats and seat covers can be taken out, washed, and thoroughly dried. Carpets can be directly treated with a vacuum cleaner, and if necessary, use specialized detergent for cleaning, but ensure the carpets are fully dried afterward. 3. Disinfect and sterilize: For seat covers and seats, use bleach to rinse them to prevent bacterial growth, and remove the air conditioner's evaporator and blower for disinfection.
The other day I noticed the sunroof was leaking, and the car mats were all wet. I quickly used absorbent towels to soak up the water and opened all the doors to let air circulate. The main cause was clogged sunroof drainage holes. Just locate the drainage outlets at the four corners of the sunroof and gently clear them using a bicycle brake cable or thin wire. If water has seeped deep, you’ll need to lift the floor mats to check the sponge layer underneath, otherwise it could grow mold and smell. I had this issue last year, so now I check the drainage holes every month. Don’t wait for standing water to cause an electrical short—clearing it promptly is the easiest solution. If all else fails, drive straight to the repair shop.
I've encountered the issue of a clogged sunroof causing water leakage twice. First step, don't panic, immediately use a dry towel to absorb the water on the interior surfaces, focusing on the seats and center console area. Then lift the carpet to check if water has seeped underneath; if there's significant water ingress, you'll need to remove and air it out for three to four days. For dealing with clogged drainage holes, I personally use a thin plastic tube to unclog them or a high-pressure air gun to blow them clean. After clearing the drainage holes, pour some water to test the effectiveness. When parking, try to avoid trees as fallen leaves are the most common cause of clogs. Always keep some desiccants in the car for dehumidification—they work quite well. Remember to address the issue promptly, as accumulated water can corrode electrical circuits.
