Does anybody know what causes this?
Posted by f3nr1r05@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 48 comments
So I noticed this spot on my car in January and thought it was kinda weird because I hadn't touched that spot with something hit it or anything. The spot has become a little bit bigger in these almost 3 months. I'm really confused as to what that is. I'd really appreciate if somebody knew and told me đđ I dont know if it's clear from that picture but the spot is close to the rearview mirror and all the things that are in the top middle part of the front car like the SOS button and the inside lights.
LowkeyEntropy@reddit
I already know the make and model, likely the year range. I have that same problem. Have someone check your sunroof drains.
Chuck760@reddit
Any repairs need to be done to the outside of the window gasket not the inside.
seanvlone@reddit
Or could be left over coffee when left in hot temperatures coffee evaporates and has to go somewhere
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Good guess but I don't drink coffee đ
deadcell@reddit
Have you ever brought your vehicle in to a mechanic? They drink tons of the stuff!
seanvlone@reddit
Thanks, but could be any drink actually but who knows
pointblankjustice@reddit
That's...not how evaporation works.
semifunctionaladdict@reddit
If you had mentioned any smell I would've put money on a mouse in your headliner lol they're probably right about moisture
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Can there be moisture without sunroof?
NaGaBa@reddit
Windshield seal, roof antenna, rear window seal.... Big rusty holes in the roof
finallygotmeone@reddit
The antenna on the roof (looks like a shark fin), I had to put clear caulk around and it solved my problem. While I was there, I went ahead and sealed the rear roof tail light the same way.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Can that spot be removed? Like does the color disappear?
scr33ner@reddit
Try a professional car detailer, they might be able to get it out.
IMSITTINGINYOURCHAIR@reddit
I have had good luck pulling stains out of a headliner with just a spot cleaner like bissell makes. Just pulled a couple spots out this weekend on a used car I got. I am not saying it WILL get that stain out but it's worth a shot. if you have a wet/dry vac the attachment loosely fits and a spray bottle of water and just a few drops of laundry soap works in a pinch.
finallygotmeone@reddit
Wish I could help you on that one. I don't know. Sorry.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
No problem, thanks anyways!
bellair60@reddit
Blinker fluid leaking (light bulb) : )
Rs-Travis@reddit
"Windscreen leaks" are almost never from the windscreen. I'm not sure which type of vehicle this pic is from (if there's a pic of the car I can't see it) but if it has roof seams, roof racks, or a sunroof, it's probably from there. The seams are spot welded and glued. Sometimes they split and let water in.
Source : windscreen technician. I've dealt with many a leaky windscreen and they've almost always been from issues with the roof seams, or clogged sunroof drains. (Or the hose shrinks and falls off).
LeadfootYT@reddit
Moisture. Could be a clogged drain or failed windshield gasket.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
I don't have a sunroof
LeadfootYT@reddit
In that case, your windshield seal has dried out or you have a hole in your roof.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Not a clogged drain?
aphd@reddit
Likely not. Without a sunroof there's really only one place it could be entering. Unless there's a hole in the metal bodywork of the roof, it's almost certainly coming in around the windshield seal near where you are seeing the spot.
It seems like a pretty minor leak. You might be able to make a DIY repair with some putty or something (but the person who next replaces the windshield may not ever forgive you). Keep an eye on it next time it rains, it might only let in water when you're driving.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
So the windshield should be replaced if I don't DIY?
aphd@reddit
Let me also add, I would bet anything there's a shop near you who would happily run a little strip of windshield goo around the whole thing. This would be a much better way to repair it versus replacing the whole thing.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the help!!
aphd@reddit
Windshields are expensive, but it's the "correct" fix here. The problem seems pretty minor, I would personally start by just having a look around on the roof, checking for any obvious damage to the seal around the windshield. If you find a damaged section, it might be as simple as a little strip of duct tape.
LeadfootYT@reddit
I mean, look at it with your eyes. Pour water on it. See where the water goes through. Donât just start replacing parts unless you know exactly what looks good. You posted one photo thatâs clearly of moisture intrusion (and likely old), now you need to run some experiments to see where itâs coming from. Iâll add the hint that itâs probably not flowing uphill.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Lol :D thanks!
Plenty-Industries@reddit
Well if you dont have a sunroof, then there is no drain to get clogged
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Oh ok, thanks
URMILKJUSTWENTBAD@reddit
My money is on sunroof drain issues if they got one
what_it_dooo@reddit
Thatâs how my Clio died, common irreparable issue apparently.
Boundish91@reddit
Irreparable? It's usually possible to unclog the drains.
what_it_dooo@reddit
I thought so too, but it did so much damage to the bodywork and interior that I wouldâve been better off exchanging it for a different car, rather than paying the hefty repair fee. Granted, it was a diesel and those are way more expensive here. And the car was already quite at age, so not a lot of value left at that point.
Boundish91@reddit
Ahh i see. So it had been leaking unseen for a long time before you discovered it. That sucks.
what_it_dooo@reddit
Yep it had. Appreciate your concern. Pity, it was a wonderful little car! I hope OOP will have a better situation.
Boundish91@reddit
Yes, the french are great at small cars i think.
Yes let's hope OPs situation is fixable.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
I haven't noticed any leaks anywhere else but now I'm a bit scared they're just hidden đ±
therodgod11@reddit
Yeah only likely scenario is probably a clogged drain on a sun roof
therodgod11@reddit
Take it to a mechanic shop and they should be able to clear it out with an air pressure blower device
TopBeginning3353@reddit
Coffee
RBR927@reddit
Itâs a leak from the roof.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Seems like it, thanks!
NoSoulsINC@reddit
Does it smell?
You can probably take out that assembly with a trim removal tool and a couple of different screw drivers.
Probably a moisture issue, but youâll be able to tell if you open it up and dump water on top of the car and see it coming in.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
It doesn't smell. And thanks!!
legaladviceneededbe@reddit
Looks like VW or Audi roof material. Theyâre pretty well known for roof drain clogs and leaks. Clean the drains, clean your car and keep the leaves and debris out.
f3nr1r05@reddit (OP)
Yeah my car is a VW. Thanks for helping!