Where Does a Car Sunroof Leakage Drain To?
2 Answers
When a car sunroof leaks, the water drains into the designed drainage holes and then flows out of the vehicle. Below is an extended explanation of sunroof leakage: 1. Cause of leakage: If the sunroof channel is very damp, it definitely indicates a leakage. Since sunroofs are not completely sealed, some leakage is normal. However, sunroofs are equipped with designed drainage holes to allow any incoming water to drain out of the vehicle. 2. Solutions: (1) Check the drainage outlets: First, inspect whether the drainage outlets are clogged with dust. Most sunroof leakages occur due to blocked drainage outlets. There are no special maintenance requirements for car sunroofs; simply check the surrounding seals for damage periodically and inspect the lubrication condition of the tracks. (2) Inspect the sunroof seal and channel: Check for dirt, leaves, or small branches in the sunroof seal and channel. When using a high-pressure water gun to wash the car, avoid directing the water straight at the seals around the sunroof, as this can cause the seals to deform under the high-pressure water stream over time, making it easier for water to enter the vehicle. (3) Examine the seals: Pay attention to whether the sunroof seals have aged. During spring and autumn, clean the seals with a damp sponge once every quarter. Before long-term parking, thoroughly clean the sunroof with talcum powder to prevent the seals from undergoing chemical changes and natural aging due to prolonged exposure to air.
A few days ago, my car's sunroof leaked, which really scared me. The water came straight in through the sunroof, first dripping onto the headliner and soaking a large area of the interior fabric. Then it ran down the A-pillar, completely drenching the backrest and seat cushion of the front seats, making them sticky to sit on. Even worse, the water seeped under the floor mats, leaving water stains underneath, and over time, the mildew smell became unbearable. If the leak is near the dashboard or center console, it can threaten the electrical system, causing malfunctions at best or short circuits and fires at worst. In my case, I found that the drainage holes were blocked by leaves, and after cleaning them out, the leak stopped. In short, leaks mainly occur in the upper and lower areas of the passenger cabin, and early action is essential.
