To fix a leaking windshield you need to find where the leak is and then figure out if you need to repair or replace the seal. If you have noticed condensation, the smell of mildew, notice wet carpet or rust stains, or can actually see water coming through the windshield seals. The next step these days is searching Google for “How to fix a leaking windshield”. If this is happening to you follow this guide to learn how to find and fix leaks in your windshield.
What To Do If Your Windshield Is Leaking
First of all you need to find out where the water is coming from. Water can enter the vehicle at any of the windows, door seals, sunroofs, or a number of other places. Water travels through vehicles under carpet many times and can show up or be noticed far from where it is leaking into the vehicle. Finding the right spot is the trick to stopping water from entering your vehicle and potentially ruining the interior. Read about why its important to repair, what the causes are, how to find the leaks, and how to fix the leaks below.
Importance Of Fixing Windshield Leaks
Vehicles that are not water tight will eventually develop mildew, rust, and mold. All of these things will affect the value of the vehicle and the health of the vehicle’s occupants. Mildew and mold pose serious threats to air quality inside the car and can cause allergic reactions or worse cause serious health problems. For about the last 15 years auto manufacturers have been installing underpadding which emits an odor once it gets wet, to signal drivers that something isn’t right. This helps avoid advanced problems such as rust, mildew, or mold.
Windshield Leak Causes
There are a number of issues that cause leaks in windshields, chief among them is pinholes in the seam located under the molding. While the holes might be small the problems they can cause are not. While today’s auto makers produce vehicles which incorporate the windshield as part of the structure and use advanced urethane seals, leaks are still possible. While urethane seals are very effective if there are skips in the seal from the factory it will allow leaks. In addition windshields that have been replaced by inexperienced technicians might also have problems that lead to leaks.
Common windshield leak problems
- Pinholes in seam and seal
- Incomplete urethane factory seal
- Poor quality windshield replacement
Finding The Source Of Water Leaks
The most frustrating part of having water in your vehicle is that is it isn’t always easy to find the source. While there might be moisture or water in the trunk, it isn’t necessarily where the water is getting into your vehicle. Water can travel through the channels under the seating and carpet and fill up areas far from where it is coming in.
Give The Car A Shower
One way to find leaks in your vehicle is to create your own little rain storm that you can shut off. The best method is to use lower pressure and let the water gently shower down onto the car. High pressure might seem like the faster way to get the job done, but the water bounces off the car and doesn’t come to settle like a natural rainstorm does.
Use Soap As A Signal
Another great trick to finding leaks in your vehicle is to use soap to find the leak where wind can get in or out. Using a wash mitt apply soap all around the windows and then crank the heater blower all the way up on high defrost. With all the windows and doors shut the air will escape through the problem areas blowing little bubbles.
Fixing Leaking Windshields
Once you’ve found your leak it’s time to seal it up. Make sure that you don’t allow anyone to use silicone to seal your windshield, or do it yourself. Silicone expands and contracts with heat and prevents the proper sealants to be applied. Vehicle owners can purchase sealers online and apply them to pinholes to help keep water out. If you’re unsure of how to take care of your windshield leaks or want to make sure you preserve the value of your vehicle, leave windshield repair to the pros.
Windshield Leak Repair
If you live or work in the Chandler, Tempe, or anywhere in the Phoenix Valley and have a leaky windshield we can help! Leaking windows are annoying and it also can ding the value of a vehicle if the interior is ruined by mold or rust. Preserve the value of your car, truck, or suv by allowing T&S Auto Glass to provide reliable leaky windshield repair. To find out more about our windshield repair services or schedule an appointment please give us a call today! Schedule Windshield Leak Repair Today 480-345-0990 /602-667-3030 /623-878-5566
