Why is there water in the car trunk?
3 Answers
Possible reasons for water in the trunk are as follows; Generally, two situations can cause water ingress in the trunk. The first is leakage from the trunk seal strip. You can try using a spray test, but this requires someone to spray water from outside while another person observes from inside the trunk. The second, less common scenario is damage to the negative pressure port, which allows tire splash to enter the trunk. This is relatively rare and requires careful inspection. Additional tips: 1. Self-check for water ingress: You can perform a simple leak test by simulating rainwater flow from the roof using a garden spray bottle to identify leakage points. 2. Common leakage causes to check include: inspecting for tail light seal issues, checking the rear windshield rubber seal for leaks, examining seal strips for cracks, looking for blocked drainage holes near seals, and checking for aging or cracked metal panels.
The issue of water accumulation in the car trunk is indeed quite common. My car had this problem last year, and it took a lot of time to fix it. The most common cause is the aging or damage of the tailgate seal, which allows rainwater or car wash water to seep through the gaps. It could also be due to clogged drainage holes near the rear bumper, where leaves and dirt get stuck, preventing water from draining and causing it to flow back into the trunk. Another thing to check is the sealing ring around the taillights—if it’s loose or cracked, water can leak from there. Additionally, if there are minor scratches on the body that haven’t been repaired, over time, the cracks may enlarge and cause leaks. I recommend first inspecting the seal by pressing it with your fingers to see if it’s lost its elasticity, and then clearing the drainage holes with a soft tube. If the problem persists, it’s best to take the car to a repair shop for a professional inspection, as prolonged water accumulation can lead to mold and corrosion of the spare tire, affecting the air quality inside the car. Addressing it promptly can avoid bigger expenses and give you peace of mind while driving.
Water accumulation in the trunk can be quite annoying. I remember solving it once by replacing the sealing strip myself. Possible sources include: worn-out rear door sealing strips causing leaks, especially common in older cars; clogged drainage pipes due to debris like fallen leaves, leading to water backflow; or small holes in the body frame allowing rainwater to seep in from outside. Additionally, improperly installed taillights can also let water in. If you notice water accumulation, don’t delay—open the trunk to check where it’s wet, remove debris, and keep it dry. Start by soaking up the water with a towel and using a hairdryer to dry the inner layers, then investigate the cause. Regular maintenance is key—rinse the drainage holes during routine car washes. Otherwise, accumulated water can soak the spare tire and cause rust, or dampen heavy items stored inside. After learning my lesson, I now check it quarterly—simple and worry-free.
