Imagine you’re heading out with your family on a bright sunny day and you find your car’s sunroof leaking? How would you react? Wait, let us take a wild guess. You will definitely be annoyed and burst with anger. And you would probably think about how to stop a sunroof from leaking?  It is only wise to get early sunroof glass replacement to avoid such a situation. 

Sunroof leakage is one of the common issues. However, you can get a quick fix even if you’re not well-versed with it. But before we jump into the repair and restoring process it is important to understand the cause of it.

Identifying The Cause Of Sunroof Leaking 

Identifying the root cause of sunroof leakage is crucial. You can not overlook it as it’s one of the most key features of an automobile. Sunroofs allow extra light and ventilation in your vehicle and a leaking sunroof can lead to an unpleasant situation. To understand the reason you have to figure out what can cause sunroof leakage. Listed below are some possible reasons for it.

• Dry or clogged weatherstrip: If your sunroof weathershield is dried or clogged it’s probably going to leak. The reason could be extensive heat or debris. This can allow water to pass the seal and cause leakage.
• Damaged sunroof seal: Another reason for sunroof leakage is cut or cracked weatherstrip. This is one of the common  reasons why sunroof leaks.
• Block drain tubes: If the debris and dirt is deposited in the drain tube it will cause water dripping inside the car. 
• Glass misalignment: If sunroof glass is not properly fixed it will eventually result in sunroof leakage. 

The faulty mechanism of sunroof demands immediate attention and sunroof leak repair. Here’s how you can fix it. 

Tools Required For Fixing a Leaky Sunroof

Before you get into a struggle of how to stop a sunroof from leaking it is vital to have the right tools to fix it.

1. A screw driver set
2. Soap and cleaning supplies
3. Soft cleaning cloth probably in microfiber material
4. A brush with soft bristle
5. Thin flexible wire
6. New seal & gasket

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Fix The Sunroof Leak

Sunroof replacement is one of the easiest ways to get rid of leaking roof. However, it can be expensive. The sunroof glass replacement cost is much higher than getting it repaired. So, are you willing to make a wise choice of repairing it instead of replacing it? Then let’s get going.

Step#1 Inspect the sunroof thoroughly

Examining the sunroof is necessary before fixing it. Look out for signs and inspect water leakage. Check the water stain or damp area to identify the cause. Make sure the rubber seal on the sunroof is not broken. Take a closer look and see if you can find cracks, tears or any damage. 

Step#2 Clean the drainage tubes

For sunroof maintenance it is important to clean the drainage tubes. Pick a decent portable wire to clear out the drainage tube. It not only removes the access gunk but also minimizes the chances of overtime built up. 

You can also use a small brush or pipe to clean the dirt deposited in the drainage tube. If the tube is blocked, use compressed air to unblock it. Make sure that the tube is not bent or kinked. 

Step#3 Replace or repair seal

Sunroof replacement might appear an easy way to get rid of leaking sunroof but it’s a temporary solution. Sooner or later you’ll end up buying a new one as the dirt and debris is most likely to deposit again. Instead, replacing a damage seal with the help of a screwdriver or any other sharp object will help. You can also apply automotive sealant to prevent your sunroof from leaking. 

Step#4 Address sunroof glass breakage issue

Repairing sunroof glass is a must in order to repair it. If you find the glass is broken then replace it immediately before you start the cleaning process. Even a small crack on your sunroof can cause the leakage issue. Although you can use a sealant on the crack but  it won’t help in the long run. Rather than looking for temporary solutions, sunroof replacement is a better choice. 

Step#5 Cross check the sunroof functionality

Testing your sunroof after following every step is important. You surely don’t want to deal with a leaking sunroof in the middle of the road. Therefore, conducting a test beforehand will be helpful to avoid any inconvenience.

Start by doing a water spray on your sunroof to check if it’s leaking or not. If you still find the leakage problem you can repeat the process or lookout for professional help to repair it. It will still be a more cost effective choice than getting a sunscreen replacement. Furthermore, dealing with sunroof issues will become much easier if you maintain it. A maintenance process will save you time and money. 

Preventive tips for sunroof leak repair

Apply lubricant seals

A silicone based lubricant will help you keep your sunroof glass intact. This will help maintain the leakage and ensure the longevity of the sunroof. You can also use a soft or microfiber cloth to clean the rubber seals. Use a mild soap to make sure that your sunroof seal is super clean. 

Avoid heavy objects

To ensure the durability of the sunroof avoid placing a heavy object on it. This can cause damage and even breakage. 

Parking in shaded spot

To protect your sunroof try to park in a shaded area to prevent the damage caused by harmful UV rays. Also, make sure that the sunroof is closed properly to avoid dirt or debris deposits.

Periodical inspection

To maintain your sunroof it is recommended to seek professional assistance. You can get your sunroof inspected every two years. 

Bottom Line

To sum up we can say that sunroof leaking is a common but most frustrating issue a car owner can go through. If you don’t want your road plans to sabotage find a quick solution for fixing a leaky sunroof. There can be several reasons for leaking the sunroof. You just have to figure it out and follow a proper maintenance regime to keep it functional and leak proof. 

Pay attention to early warning signs to address the issues. If you’re having a hard time figuring it out on your own, get professional guidance for sunroof leak repair. Stop searching for temporary solutions on how to fix the sunroof leak as with proper care and maintenance you can extend the lifespan of the sunroof and enjoy hassle free rides.