The difference between cheap and expensive sunroofs, is the quality of the seal and the hinge/handle hardware. Premium sunroofs will use a more expensive seal that is made primarily of silicone and strong, heavy duty handles and hinges made of polycarbon and the sunroof should have a life expectancy of around 20 years with no leaking or deterioration.
Economy sunroofs however have neoprene seals that can deteriorate quickly once exposed to weather over time. They also feature weaker hinges and handles made of plastic that are less likely to hold the glass secure for a longer time. Over time, this all adds up to sunroof deterioration and water leaks. This neoprene seal is generally prone to deterioration over time, which is why older cars are more likely to suffer from a sunroof leak. All weather elements through every season can damage a sunroof. Excessive amounts of rain can clog the sunroof drains, causing the seal to sag and loose its shape. This will result in a water build-up in the seal’s trough and leading to holes in the seal. On the other hand exposure to very cold or very hot temperatures can dry the seal out and cause it to crack.
Electric sunroofs are also prone to breaking as they consist of more additional parts compared to a manual sunroof (the parts that are more prone to breaking) and they can be particularly inconvenient if a mechanical part has broken. It’s common to hear popping or scraping noises that could indicate surfaces binding, drive gears slipping or simply something mechanical is not working meaning the sunroof needs to be repaired or replaced.
With the sunroof open, it should first be cleaned and cleared of any debris that may be preventing a tight seal, it should then be inspected for any cracks and all drains around the sunroof need to be cleared, as blocked drains are a top cause of leaking sunroofs. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the glass panel and seal. If you notice cracks or holes in the seal and the sunroof is still leaking, then you will need a repair or replacement.
Sunroof leaks can lead to a lot of water in your car which can cause a whole host of problems, from soaking interiors to increased amounts of condensation. As soon as your car gets a little bit damp, it can take a while to dry it out completely, especially if you notice a leak in the wet autumn months. What’s worse is that added condensation will cause major problems in the winter, as you’ll notice you won’t only have to scrape the ice from the outside of the car, but the inside too. You therefore need to consider a sunroof repair quickly to avoid further problems.