Leaky Windshield: Causes, Signs, and Diagnosis
Your vehicle's windshield is integral to protecting you and your passengers. When your windshield leaks, you can attempt to solve the problem early enough to prevent worse damage. You can tell if you have a leaky windshield if you catch the signs and perform the necessary tests, and you can prevent recurrence if you understand the root of the problem.
Here are the causes, signs, and diagnosis methods for leaky windshields.
Causes of Leaky Windshield
Visible damages, like cracks and holes on your windshield, are obvious sources of leakages. Other underlying causes of a leaky windshield include the following.
Pinholes and Sealant Holes
Your vehicle can have pinholes in one of the seams under the mold. Also, the sealant can experience a fault that leaves gaps or spaces between the windshield and the frame. Because this adhesive keeps the windshield intact to the vehicle's body, any spaces provide leeway for water to get in.
Worn Out Gaskets
Many newer cars do not experience gasket problems because later models use urethane instead of gaskets. But if you have an older model, your windshield likely uses rubber gaskets as a seal. Unfortunately, these gaskets deteriorate over time, become loose, and leave spaces that let water in.
Poor DIY Installation
A leaky windshield could be the consequence of poor or unprofessional installation. For instance, windshield urethane or sealant replacement is ideally applied in dry weather. But, if you must replace your windshield during rainy weather, the chances are greater that the urethane will not stick. This will lead to an improper seal which allows water to seep inside your vehicle.
Signs Your Windshield Is Leaky
Learn to recognize the signs of a leaky windshield to catch the issue early. Some typical symptoms include musty smells, rust, and fog.
Musty Odors
Mold or mildew grows on your vehicle's fabric and carpet if moisture lingers for a long time. These fungi result in a damp or stale-like smell inside your car. Often, you will notice a persistent odor that advances to moldy front seats if you do not resolve the issue. However, if you see the fungi, you likely have had water problems that went unnoticed for a long time.
Rusty Spots and Discolorations
Water interacts with various metals in your vehicle to cause rusty spots. As a result, you get red patches on the door panels, floorboards, and other metallic vehicle components. You can also notice mineral stains that appear as white streaks in the interior part of the glass and dashboard.
Interior Fogginess or Dampness
Water trapped inside the car causes a bit of steam as it condenses — you will notice foggy windows on a hot day or after rainfall. The carpets, too, can become moist as the water seeps and settles on the fabric.
How to Diagnose Leaky Windshield
Sometimes, you may notice signs of water seepage but are still determining the source of the leak. You can use one of the tests below to confirm whether the leak comes from your windshield.
Spray Test
Also known as a shower test, this method involves a gentle water spray on your car. First, shut all doors and windows before you spray your windshield. Use a gentle stream of water because too much force causes the droplets to bounce off the surface.
Lather Test
If water leaks through your vehicle's windshield, air can also pass through.
Use a mild soapy solution on your windshield's outer edges and trims. Then, turn on your car's heater on high defrost. If your windshield leaks, large soap bubbles will form on the surface.
Failure to repair a leaky windshield can lead to corrosion, damage to electrical components, or a decline in your car's value. Consult an auto glass repair shop once you test and find a leak. Perfection Auto Glass solution is your number-one vehicle windshield maintenance and repair shop. Book your consultation today for excellent and speedy services from a team of industry experts.