Why is there glue in the trunk of a new car?
3 Answers
It is normal to find sealant in the trunk after opening it. The sealant enhances the trunk's sealing performance and prevents water leakage, so there is no need to worry. Methods for trunk waterproofing: 1. Install sealing strips: Most of the car body's waterproofing is ensured by sealing strips. These strips are made of rubber material, which has a certain level of strength and hardness, and will not deform under certain pressure. 2. Clean the sealing rings frequently: During spring and autumn, it is essential to clean the sealing rings multiple times, using a damp cotton cloth for wiping. If the car is to be left unused for an extended period, remember to perform a thorough cleaning before storage to prevent natural aging during the idle period.
When I picked up my car, I also noticed sticky adhesive residue in the trunk, which puzzled me at the time. Actually, new cars have sealant applied at sheet metal joints during production to prevent water leakage—it's likely excess sealant wasn't cleaned off properly by workers. Protective films used during transportation can also leave adhesive marks when removed, especially in hot weather when the adhesive melts. I used a damp cloth dipped in mentholated oil and wiped for half an hour to clean it off. However, if adhesive marks are near the spare tire well or wiring harness, it's safer to let the dealership handle it to avoid damaging components by improper cleaning. I recommend taking photos for the after-sales service to confirm the nature of the residue—most industrial adhesives are non-toxic but unsightly.
My friend just bought an SUV and encountered this situation – it feels like uncured silicone sealant. Actually, it's excess seam sealer that oozed out during the vehicle's manufacturing process. Nowadays, production lines use robots to apply sealant, and occasional deviations can occur. Additionally, the adhesive used for installing the rear bumper can soften and seep out when heated. He contacted after-sales service, where they used a professional adhesive remover spray and gently scraped it off with a plastic scraper. If the adhesive blob is connected to a wire connector, never pry it off forcefully, as it might be soft protective gel for the wiring harness. New vehicles now come with a 3-year warranty, so letting the after-sales service handle it is the most reassuring option.
