What to Do When the Trunk Leaks After Rain?
3 Answers
If there is water, drain it as soon as possible. There is a rubber drain plug at the bottom of the trunk where the spare tire is placed. Remove it to drain the water. Quickly locate the leak. Check if the trunk lid is deformed and if the surrounding rubber seals are intact. Alternatively, enter the trunk, close the lid, and observe where light comes through, then mark the spot. Remove all items and the trunk liner, then leave the trunk open to air for about an hour to prevent mold and rust. Rubber seals naturally deteriorate over time when exposed to air. Before storing, thoroughly clean them with talcum powder to slow down the aging process.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered trunk water leakage several times, which is really frustrating. The first thing to do is to quickly remove the water to prevent accumulation. You can use a water vacuum or old towels to soak up the standing water, then open the trunk lid and car windows to ventilate and air dry for an hour or two. Water leakage is mostly caused by aging or deformed sealing strips, allowing rainwater to seep in. You can manually check around the seal for cracks or loose spots. Clogged drainage holes are also common; just use a fine needle or brush to clear away mud and leaves. After water leakage, don't rush to drive; ventilate more to prevent moldy odors. If it happens frequently, consider going to a professional shop to replace the sealing strips or apply sealant for reinforcement to avoid long-term rust and corrosion of the car body. During routine maintenance, take a moment to check and spend some time on prevention.
I remember when I first bought the car, the trunk would accumulate water every time it rained. It took me a long time to figure out the reason. After it rains, immediately open the trunk to check for water. If there is water, use a sponge or dry cloth to soak it up, or drive the car into the sun to dry it out. The key is to identify the leak point. For example, if the sealing strip has cracks, adjust it gently with a rubber hammer yourself, or if the drain hole is clogged, rinse it with a soft hose. Water ingress can damage items in the trunk, such as luggage or tools, so empty and inspect them. I make it a habit to shine a flashlight around the trunk after every car wash to check for water stains. Addressing the issue early can save on major repair costs and extend the car's lifespan. Also, choose higher ground when parking in the rain to reduce the risk of water ingress.
