Jeep Wrangler is an excellent vehicle to have, but just like any other automobile, it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. One of them is the Jeep Wrangler water leak when it rains. It has been a perennial problem, issue, and complaint among Jeep Wrangler owners, especially when it is raining so hard. And if this issue is left unattended for too long, it can cause some problems inside the Jeep Wrangler.
The problem with water leaks in your Jeep Wrangler is that it takes some time to show in the vehicle. You might experience irregular water leaks, but they may also happen consistently when it is raining so hard. With this development, you need to know the possible causes of water leakage in your vehicle and all the possible things you can do to control and prevent this problem.
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Why Does Jeep Wrangler Water Leak Happen?
Unfortunately, the way the Jeep Wrangler was built and designed has in some way contributed to this perennial problem of water leakage. For example, the vehicle’s removal doors and tops can be one of the causes of this issue. The hinges used in attaching the doors can have these tiny gaps, allowing the rainwater to go inside, especially when it is raining so hard. Plus, the body opening of the vehicle is only water-resistant and not water-proof, which means water buildup is normal.
If you happen to own a four-door Jeep Wrangler with an air conditioning system, the chance of water leakage from happening is a possibility. It can come on the passenger side of the vehicle, particularly on the front floor carpet, because of the condensation of the air conditioning system. The vehicle’s removable top can also cause water entry due to the way it’s built or designed.
If your vehicle is using the soft top, this can be one of the reasons for water entry. Today’s soft top is made with Vinyl and Velcro, which can wear out over time and eventually lose its water resistance. For the hardtop, I am not a fan of the freedom top, which is a three-part panel that will allow you to store the top quickly. Unfortunately, the way it is built can also have the best possible way for any water entry.
The most common water leakage issue that will happen in your Jeep Wrangler will come in different places. It has the possibility to come on the front carpet or on the rear hardtop panel. It can also happen at the center of the instrument panel, the shifter, the door trim panel, or the instrument panel at the A-pillar. With all of these possibilities, it is a must for you to know how to prevent or control water leakage from happening in your vehicle.
Fixing Jeep Wrangler Water Leak when It Rains
Here are some things that you can do to fix the water leak problem of your Jeep Wrangler:
You can focus on your door since this is one of the causes of water leakage. You can clean it thoroughly first and then glue the door seals all the way. You will need to inspect the rubberized portion of the door for any possible crack. Then, regularly clean and do proper lubrication to keep the silicon-based seals from drying out.
The top of your Jeep should be adequately sealed to prevent the entry of water. Check if the seals are still effective by making the passenger side panel down first. If there are disengaged latches, you will need to tighten the lock and to fold down the front metal latches. Maximize the use of the screw-in bolts in compressing the seals.
For hardtops, you will need to inspect all the bolts to see if some are loose. If it is, tighten it since this can allow the water to go through inside. The hex wrench is the best way to tighten these bolts in all of the sides of your Jeep Wrangler.
You can also check your carpet for any possible water pooling. What you can do is pull the carpet out to check any signs of water entry. Then, clean it by vacuuming all the surface while letting the air out.
Checking the vehicle’s air conditioning system, coolant level, and exhaust system can also be done. The exhaust system needs replacement if you happen to see white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe as well as water coming out from the tailpipe. If you find that the coolant level is low, you will need a replacement by filling the cooling system with antifreeze coolant and not water.
You will also need to inspect the rubber seals of your Jeep Wrangler to check for debris that found its way inside. Use a wet rag to clean and check for stock dirt because this should be removed immediately.
Checking all the hard surfaces of your vehicle can also be done. You can wife the surface with wet rags to ensure that everything is clean. Look for any possible leaks in the passenger doors, windshields, floorboards, doom lights, steering column doors, and even under the dashboard. Securing all the caps found in your vehicle can also be done.
Conclusion
Jeep Wrangler water leak when it rains is a perennial problem by the Jeep owners. It has been well-documented that many Jeep owners are complaining about this issue. However, instead of being stressed out and annoyed by this problem, there are things that you can do to prevent and control the water leakage of your vehicle. Part of owning a Jeep Wrangler is dealing with this issue, and it is also your responsibility to find ways not to be affected by the water leakage.