Water Everywhere (Clogged Drains)
March 28, 2021
It's bad enough when you mistakenly leave a window open in your vehicle on a rainy day and you find your carpet soaked. But what in the world is going on when your windows are closed tight, not leaking and you STILL wind up with wet carpet? The answer could be something you might not even know your vehicle has.
And the answer is? Drains. And those drains can get clogged. Yes, your vehicle has several drains with tubes or hoses attached to them that you really never see. There are some in and around the hood that channel rainwater down to the ground. There are some that take condensation from the air conditioner and allow it to flow outside. And if your vehicle has a retractable sunroof or moon roof, there are small drains at each corner that connect to tubes that go through the vehicle body down to an exit near the ground.
Considering all the leaves, dirt, dust and other debris your vehicle encounters on a daily basis, it's not surprising that these drains can get blocked. Then when it rains, that water winds up going to the place of least resistance. Sometimes, that's inside the cabin where it shows up as wet carpeting.
So, what's the solution? You may be tempted to see if you can clean out those drains yourself. But there are many people who have tried blowing condensed air in the drains only to find that they literally blow the tubes off of their connections inside the vehicle's body. Reattaching those can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive, expensive proposition.
A trained technician has the equipment and knowledge to clear out those drains properly. To prevent clogged drains, regular maintenance is the key, so when your vehicle is in for other periodic maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, the technician can make sure all drains are clear and flowing like they should.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto
Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What’s the Difference?
April 26, 2026
You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle. But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite differentbut very importantduties? Todays vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter. The engine a... More
Power Steering Pump Replacement
April 19, 2026
When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More
It's (Not) Complicated (Engine Air Filter)
April 15, 2026
While many components of your vehicle are complex and composed of lots of mechanical and electrical parts, there's one that isn't complicated but still important. It's your engine air filter. (And, we should point out, the engine air filter isn't to be confused with the cabin air filter. The ca... More