The sunroof is not simply a convenient equipment, but also a factor that helps increase the luxury of your car. However, sometimes this luxurious equipment puts users in a “crying bad” situation because of leaks. So where does a leaky car sunroof come from and how to handle it?
What causes car sunroofs to leak?
Leaky car sunroofs come from many causes such as weather factors, environment, equipment structure, and user usage and maintenance.
Car care and maintenance experts say that most cars equipped with sunroofs have built-in drainage pipes. In case objects such as leaves, dirt, organisms… fall into the pipe, if not detected and cleaned promptly, it will lead to clogged drainage pipes, one of the main causes of The sunroof leaking.
Next, on the sunroof, there is a drainage trough connected to the drainage pipe running along the body of the car. When this trough is covered with a lot of dirt but is not cleaned promptly, it will cause the drainage pipes to become clogged, causing water to overflow into the ceiling and leak into the interior compartment.
In addition, cars with sunroofs are designed with small holes to drain rainwater. In case the user does not use it properly or forgets to clean or maintain it periodically, it will cause dirt and objects to accumulate over a long period of time, causing a blockage, water cannot drain, and begins to gradually seep into the vehicle.
In addition, climate is also one of the factors that cause car sunroofs to leak. Due to frequent exposure to the sun and rain, especially in hot and humid tropical climates like Vietnam, the rubber gasket (which is the trough that carries water down the drain pipe) on the car will easily age, wear out, and crack over time. time. When the rubber gasket is torn, it will cause water to stagnate in the drainage ditch and seep back into the car, gradually causing a leak.
Tell you how to clean the sunroof yourself
According to recommendations from experts, car users should check and clean sunroofs after use for 1 – 3 months, depending on the specific environment and weather where they live. You can completely control the situation of your car leaking due to the sunroof with some tips below:
Pay attention to cleaning the gutter with a soft cloth: Use a soft cloth to wipe off all dirt, leaves or sand in the gutter just inside the rubber mattress. This gutter is designed to guide water when it overflows through the glass.
Don’t forget to clean the water pipes with compressed air or metal wire: Use compressed air to blow dirt and debris out of the pipes – located at the base of the rubber cushion. Or use a small, thin piece of metal wire (bicycle brake wire), long enough and flexible enough to thread inside and clean the duct.
Repair or replace cracked rubber mattress: Observe and find cracks or warped edges along the rubber mattress. Next, strip a thick layer of liquid electrical tape over the rubber gasket so that it covers all the cracks. When the liquid dries and forms a water-resistant protective layer, press the tape firmly onto the rubber pad until completely dry.
In case you have tried the above methods but still cannot fix the sunroof leak, the best way is to take your car to a reputable repair center for inspection and repair.