Will the car sunroof break if it is never opened?

[StRonan]

Car sunroof will not break if it is never opened, but it needs proper maintenance to prevent water leakage caused by aging rubber seals. The sunroof's pulleys should be used frequently to maintain their lubrication and flexibility. The sunroof system includes many rubber and plastic parts, which can be corroded by contact with oil or sticky substances. Simply wipe the rubber parts with a regular cloth. The car sunroof changes the traditional ventilation method, allowing wind to create an airflow that draws out the stale air inside the car. When the car is driving at high speed, air flows quickly around the car. When the sunroof is opened, a low-pressure area is formed outside the car. Due to the difference in air pressure inside and outside the car, the stale air inside the car is drawn out, achieving the purpose of ventilation.

[LeDonovan]

As someone who's been repairing cars for over a decade, let me tell you that not opening your sunroof for extended periods can indeed cause problems. The main issue lies with the rubber sealing strip - it's like an elastic band that hardens over time. Once hardened, it'll leak, allowing rainwater to seep in and even causing mold growth in your car's carpet. Not to mention the grease in the guide rails - left untouched for too long, it'll clump up and collect dust. When you finally try to open the sunroof, squeaking noises would be the least of your worries; worse case scenario, the tracks could jam completely, requiring you to dismantle the headliner and replace the entire assembly. My advice? Operate your sunroof at least twice a month, make sure it's tightly closed during rainy days, and try to avoid parking under trees where bird droppings and tree sap can accumulate.

[VanLane]

I didn’t open the sunroof of my new car for three years after buying it, and last year during a heavy rain, the interior turned into a fish tank. The mechanic said the main cause was the drainage holes being completely clogged with mud! There are drainage tubes at all four corners of the sunroof leading to the bottom of the car. Usually, leaves and dust accumulate in the drainage channel, turning into mud when wet and blocking the pipe openings. Now, I’ve made it a habit to poke the drainage holes with a thin wire every quarter and use an air gun to blow out the gaps in the rails during car washes. Actually, a sunroof is like a mechanical watch—the less you use it, the more likely it is to fail. You should at least open and close it once a month to keep it in good working order.

[VanValeria]

Don't be fooled by the 'no use, no damage' myth! Last week, my neighbor's BMW sunroof motor burned out, and the repair bill was painful to look at. Metal guide rails will rust if left unused for long periods, especially in coastal areas where salty air is even more deadly. Rubber seals age faster when compressed without movement, just like tires deform when parked for extended periods. Electronic buttons may also develop poor contact from prolonged inactivity. Now, I always tilt the sunroof slightly open when parking in the garage—it allows ventilation and ensures even pressure distribution on the seals, which is much better than keeping it completely sealed.