Ways of Detecting the Interior Water Leaks in Your Vehicle

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There is nothing more disturbing than a wet spot in the interior of your car. Where did it come from? How do you repair it? But the worst part is… how do you clean a mushy dirt and its damp smell?

Determining the leak inside your car

Looking for the leak in your car is actually easy. Normally, it gathers in the lowest location, the foot wells, where else? The determining part is more challenging.

You have to narrow down facts. Ask yourself, when does it usually happen, after a rain or carwash? Is it when your vehicle is in a slope? Did it come from the heat or defroster or perhaps from the AC?

man driving a car during daytime

Here are the possible sources of leaks in your vehicle:

  • Door Membrane

    • At t the back of the door panel lies either a foam or a plastic membrane. This blocks the moisture to get inside the car. If the membrane is damaged or ripped, water can run down and wet the door panel. Inspect the foot well and find out if the lower portion of the door is moist or indicates staining of water. If that is the case, switch the door panel and take a look at the state of the membrane. Utilize waterproof tape to fix the rip or change it entirely.

  • Door Seal

    • It is at the edge of your car door and that could be another source for leaks. Have it inspected and should you think that is where the leak is coming from then change your weather stripping.

  • Window Seal

    • Located at the opposite the side windows, the seal is what touches the glass when you roll down or roll up the windows. If this isn’t secured then the water can come in.

  • Heater Core

    • If there is a coolant kind of smell inside your vehicle and it gets warm, the leak could come from the heater core. Inspect and find out if the liquid is water or antifreeze. One way to know is if the leak is only on the side of the passenger seat, which is where the heater core is situated.

  • Sunroof

    • This is the most notorious of all despite the fact that the installation was done by the factory. The seal is not completely waterproof.

  • Cabin Air Filter

    • Because of its location at the engine compartment which is right in front of the windshield, this could be the source of leaks unless the fitting of the windshield is really good. Change the seal if there is damage.

  • Windshield Rubber

    • If there is any cracking, shrinkage, or the rubber dried up or not well fitted, then water could come in. Have a new seal done properly.

Once you have detected the leak, dry and clean your car. Fix the leak if you can, but if you can’t, don’t insist on repairing it yourself.  Bring it to an auto car repair shop like Chaney’s Collision Center.

Remember, not all issues can be fixed on your own. Delaying may cost you more in the future. Let Chaney’s Collision Center take care of the leaks of your car. Chaney’s Collision Center can do more for your car as it has professionally trained repair experts. Call Chaney’s Collision Center at (623) 915-2886.