If you’re experiencing a leak in your car, you may be curious about the cause. It’s fairly easy to recognize if the body of your car is allowing water into the interior – after a snowmelt or rainstorm, you’ll probably notice water in several different areas.
But it can be much more difficult to identify the cause of the leak. Well, never fear – Ride Time is here! We’ll go over the most common causes of leaks in your car, and help you figure out how to repair any leaks that may be present in the body of your vehicle. Let’s get started.
1. Sunroof
Sunroofs are the most common cause of car leaks. If your sunroof does not close properly, or is damaged, water may be able to leak through it, into the interior of your car.
Look for water damage and staining on the upholstery around the sunroof, and test the sunroof to make sure that it works properly. If it doesn’t work, and you notice staining and water damage, this is the most likely culprit.
2. Door Membrane
Most doors have a “membrane” on the inside. If water leaks into the door, this membrane keeps the door waterproof, allowing water to drain out of holes in the door, out of your car.
If this membrane becomes damaged or peels away, water may begin to soak through your door. If you notice water building up in the footwell, this is the likely cause. You can repair this membrane yourself with waterproof tape, but a professional replacement is usually your best bet.
3. Door Seal
Your doors also include a seal built from rubber, lining the edge of the door. If this seal cracks or is damaged, which is common in older used cars, water will trickle down the door, into the car.
Take a look at your door seals, and see if the adhesive has failed, or if the rubber looks frail or brittle. If it does, get your seals replaced by a professional.
4. Door Weather Stripping
The weather strip is the small band of rubber that rests against your side windows, both on the inside and outside of your vehicle. It’s what prevents the ingress of water into your power windows.
If the weather stripping is not flush with the glass, water may end up soaking into your window, and could run through the door into the cabin of the car.
Take a look at your weather stripping, and see if it is in good condition, and ensure that it lies flat against your windows. If it doesn’t, this is probably the cause of your leak.
5. Windshield Weather Stripping
Both the rear and front windshields have weather stripping. If this rubber is fitted incorrectly or is damaged or brittle, water may leak into the car. This leak is the most common after a windshield is replaced – the installer may neglect to place the new seal properly.
If you notice water on your dashboard, or in your trunk, this is the most likely cause.
6. Cabin Filter
The cabin filter is located in the engine compartment in some vehicles, and has a cover and seal that prevents water from entering the cabin. If this seal fails due to improper installation or age, leaks may occur through the vent system in your car.
7. Air Conditioning
Sometimes, the “drain tube” of your air conditioning system can become blocked. This drain tube allows condensation to flow away from the cabin of your car. If it fails, you may notice a buildup of water behind the dashboard, or on the front carpets and mats of your vehicle.
To troubleshoot, try driving without air conditioning, and see if the trouble persists. If you don’t notice any more leaks, the problem is likely your A/C drain tube.
Fix Your Leaks With Ride Time Today!
At Ride Time, we have a professional, 8-bay service station in Winnipeg. If you are suffering from one of these leaks – or another leak that you can’t diagnose – come in today! We’re always taking new customers, and we would be happy to take a look, and repair your vehicle.
Don’t let leaks cause water damage or other issues in your vehicle. Schedule your appointment now, and come to Ride Time for servicing.
No Comments