With the push of a button, a sunroof brings the outside in—and can make your car feel more spacious.
So it’s understandable that sunroofs are growing in popularity. The number of new vehicles sporting this bright feature has increased dramatically over the past few years, and market researchers estimate that demand will jump even more in the next years. Sunroofs are also growing in size, with panoramic versions becoming more common.
And while a sunroof can make driving more pleasurable, it does require regular maintenance, says Pat Goss, a Maryland-based mechanic and co-host of television’s longest-running automotive program. Without attention, your sunroof can be more likely to leak or break down.
Here are Goss’s expert-approved tips on how to help keep that roof over your head working properly.
Clean It Regularly
Regular cleaning of your sunroof is the most effective way to keep it functional. Every time you clean your car, give your sunroof some TLC with these steps:
- Open the sunroof and clean the entire visible area, using a vacuum if necessary.
- Wipe down all moving parts and the gasket around the roof with a soft cloth, automotive cleaner and toothbrush. Clean the slides and tracks.
- Use a small amount of lightweight, heat-resistant grease (such as white lithium) to lubricate all moving parts.
- For the glass, consider a cleaner that does not contain ammonia or vinegar. (These chemicals can vaporize in warm weather and cause irritation if inhaled.)
Detail It Annually
Once a year, it’s a good idea to do a deeper detail on your sunroof. (If you live in a dusty climate or drive on dirt roads, you may want to make this a monthly practice.)
First, clean the sunroof as you normally would. Then clear the sunroof trough (just inside the rubber seal) by blowing low-pressure air (no more than 10 psi!) through the drain tubes (at the base of the sunroof seal). Finish the process by inserting a skinny, flexible, non-puncturing wire into a drain tube, twisting the wire clockwise and then counterclockwise while gently pushing it deeper into the tube. Make sure to check the length of your drain tubes; the far ends, usually located under the car near the wheels, can be tempting places for insects to build nests that can block the drains and cause leaks.
Then close the sunroof and pour water over the glass. If it leaks into the passenger compartment, look for cracks or jagged edges along the sunroof seal, and scan the area around the seal for any excessive water pooling or mold. Still leaking? Consider taking your car to a pro for a repair.
Let It Move Freely
If your roof is sticking or seems to be slow, inspect the moving parts (if they are visible) for cracked or stripped gears, or a buildup of dirt and debris. Turn on your car engine and cycle the roof through the open, closed and vent positions to identify the area where the problem occurs. If it runs more smoothly after a couple of cycles, clean everything and then lightly and carefully apply a lightweight, heat-resistant grease to any visible moving parts. If it’s still stuck, says Goss, it could be a malfunction of the circuitry that powers most new sunroofs. Take your car to a qualified sunroof repair shop.
Listen For Common Issues
Popping and scraping noises are generally not good sounds for cars to make; in a sunroof they may indicate parts that need lubricating, slipping gears, or some other mechanical issue. If you notice any of these noises, clean your sunroof and lubricate any visible components. If you’re still hearing them, close the sunroof and take it to a pro for repair. Some drivers have reported hearing popping noises right before their sunroofs shatter; if you hear those sounds, take your car to a qualified repair shop.
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Read more: 7 car noises you should never ignore
By Maridel Reyes
FAQs
Regular Cleaning: Just like your car's exterior and interior, the sunroof glass and surrounding components require periodic cleaning. Use a mild detergent or automotive glass cleaner along with a soft cloth to remove dirt, grime, and any residue that may have accumulated.
How do you maintain a sunroof? ›
Vacuum and Wash
Start by vacuuming the sunroof to get rid of any dust and debris. Use an automotive cleaner to wash all visible areas of the sunroof. Avoid cleaners, with as they can damage the rubber seal and aren't safe for passengers. For hard to reach spots, such as the slides and track, use a toothbrush.
How can I protect my car sunroof? ›
The most effective technique to keep your sunroof in good working order is to clean it regularly. For example, quickly wash your car's sunroof with specific vehicle cleaning chemicals daily. This will help prevent dust and dirt accumulation on the roof while keeping the visible parts clean.
Is sunroof difficult to maintain? ›
In most cases, these parts are easy to clean. Wipe them down with a soft cloth and re-lubricate them with lithium grease spray. It doesn't take long, and it certainly won't drain your bank account, but a little routine lubrication could improve the long-term health of your sunroof.
Do sunroofs require maintenance? ›
Sunroofs Are Simple to Operate but Still Need Maintenance
Sunroofs are often exposed to sunlight and pelted by rain, snow, and other road debris, making it important to stay on top of maintenance.
Do sunroofs need maintenance? ›
Regular maintenance on your sunroof will ensure your rubber gaskets are sealed and that your drains are cleaned and clear of debris. A once-a-year maintenance check can help prevent an unexpected and unwanted leak so schedule your service appointment today and ask to have your sunroof inspected.
What lubricant to use on sunroof? ›
So you use something like silicone spray or dry lube-or anything like that. You don't use a heavy chassis grease because the chassis grease will keep things too tight. So use the proper grease, lubricate everything including the trolleys that the sunroof moves back and forth on.
Do all sunroofs eventually leak? ›
Modern sunroofs are not designed to seal perfectly from water entry, some always gets through, especially in the large glass panoramic designs. This is what the drains are for, to handle the water that finds its way in, and to direct it down the drains, and not into the car.
How long does a sunroof last? ›
Once you've made sure that there is nothing in the tracks or getting in the way of the sunroof opening, call us, and we can diagnose the problem. How long does a sunroof last? Like most vehicle parts, sunroofs are designed to last the life of the vehicle.
Is wd40 good for sunroof? ›
WD-40 is great but as has been said, strickly speaking it is not a lubricant. If you use it in locks or on rails, it will disolve the oil and after a while you will have some problems. Use grease - if in doubt ask in an auto shop for a recommendation. Silicon spray might also work.
Tips for Maintaining Your Panoramic Sunroof
- Regular cleaning. One of the simplest yet most important steps in maintaining your panoramic sunroof is to keep it clean. ...
- Check for leaks. ...
- Inspect the seal. ...
- Lubricate moving parts. ...
- Keep drains clear. ...
- Don't force the sunroof. ...
- Park in shaded areas. ...
- Don't overload the sunroof.
Wipe down the glass in a proper manner, so that all the dust and debris are cleared. Next, you should open the sunroof and clean the gasket and the seal. Use a damp cloth to properly widen down these parts of the roof.
What is the cost of sunroof maintenance? ›
In general, the cost may start from INR. 15000 and may goes up to INR. 1 Lakh. Also the cost of a sunroof repair service depends on the car modal, extent of the damage, and the specific repair needed.
What are the disadvantages of a sunroof in a car? ›
Having a sunroof creates one more way that water can infiltrate a car. Plus, because the sunroof is on the roof of a car and exposed to lots of direct sunlight, seals can crack or break, making water intrusion and water damage to your car a potential problem.
What is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof? ›
A sunroof is a glass or metal panel that's installed in the roof of a car, truck, or SUV that slides open or pops up to allow light and air into the interior cabin. A moonroof is typically a clear or tinted glass panel that slides between the roof and the headliner and is often tilted open to let in the fresh air.
How do you permanently seal a sunroof? ›
You can do this by applying a generous amount of silicone sealant around the perimeter of the sunroof opening. For best results, use a caulking gun to apply the sealant in a continuous bead.
How do you condition a sunroof rubber? ›
Use a silicone based product. i have used super lube 92003 or 21030 on rubber seals , o rings and well pitiless adapters for 30 years with no problems. I don't have a sunroof on my F-150, but I use this on my VW. It seems to work pretty well.
Once a year, it’s a good idea to do a deeper detail on your sunroof. (If you live in a dusty climate or drive on dirt roads, you may want to make this a monthly practice.)
