Will it be a problem if the sunroof is not fully closed during rain?
3 Answers
Yes, it will cause problems. It can lead to moisture inside the car, making the interior upholstery prone to mold, and leather seats susceptible to damage. The details are as follows: Drainage holes may get clogged: The sunroof is surrounded by sliding rails and drainage channels, but over time, dirt such as leaves, dust, and mud can accumulate. If these contaminants are not cleaned promptly, rainwater entering through an open sunroof can block the drainage holes at the four corners of the sunroof frame. If the rainwater is not drained in time, it may overflow and soak the interior trim panels around the sunroof or the sunroof switch. Water leakage inside the car: The drainage pipes are hidden in the A, C, or D pillars of the car and are responsible for draining water from the drainage holes to the outside. If the connection between the pipes and the drainage holes becomes loose, the pipes themselves crack or develop leaks, or the pipes are bent too sharply, or the pipes age, it can lead to water leakage. This typically manifests as seepage or leakage near the A-pillar to the door area or behind the rear seats to the trunk. Internal component failure: If the sunroof is left open during rain and water enters the car, it can wet internal components, leading to short circuits in the wiring. If the vehicle is started while the rainwater is still wet, it may fail to start.
As the primary driver in the family, I always remind myself to check if the sunroof is tightly closed before it rains. If it's not sealed properly, rainwater can leak in, soaking the car's carpet. Once dried, it may develop mold and emit a foul odor. What's more troublesome is that rainwater might seep into the electrical system, potentially causing a short circuit. While spending a few hundred dollars on repairs is a minor issue, severe cases could affect the car's safety performance, such as malfunctioning sunroof controls. Therefore, I've developed a habit of manually pushing the sunroof to confirm it's securely locked before parking, especially during heavy rain or after prolonged exposure to rain. In such cases, I immediately park the car in a dry place and wipe the interior with a cloth. If the rubber seals show signs of aging, I replace them promptly. I also keep an absorbent cloth in the car as a precaution to prevent small issues from escalating into major problems.
I remember last summer when I was so busy that I forgot to close the sunroof, and it happened to rain heavily all night. The next day, the car was severely flooded, with the seat cushions and carpets completely soaked. It was a hassle to clean up, and I had to send it to the repair shop. They told me the circuit board almost short-circuited. Since then, I’ve never dared to be careless again. Water seepage doesn’t just damage the interior; over time, it can corrode metal components and cause the window switches to jam. The mechanic told me that if the rubber seals are not in good condition, leaks are more likely to happen. Before parking, always double-check, or listen for the 'click' sound when locking the car to confirm it’s properly closed. If you notice any water leakage, ventilate and dehumidify immediately, using a hairdryer to dry critical areas to prevent further damage.
