Sunroof looks great until monsoon reveals clogged drains flooding your car interior. One blocked drain tube = ₹25,000-60,000 in carpet, electronics, and seat damage. Here’s how to spot problems before buying.
Sunroof vs Moonroof: What’s the Difference?
Sunroof: Metal/glass panel that tilts and slides. More mechanical parts = more things that break.
Moonroof: Glass panel (usually tinted) with interior shade. Most modern cars have this.
Panoramic Sunroof: Large glass covering most of roof. Looks amazing. Costs ₹60,000-1,50,000 if it cracks.
The #1 Problem: Clogged Drains
Every sunroof has 4 drain tubes (one at each corner). Water enters the sunroof track, drains down tubes inside pillars, exits near wheels.
When drains clog: Water backs up → floods car interior → damages everything
How to Test Drains (10 minutes, mandatory)
You’ll need: 2 liters of water, flashlight
Test each corner:
- Open sunroof fully
- Pour 500ml water into sunroof track (each of 4 corners)
- Watch near wheels – water should exit in 10-15 seconds
- Problem: No water comes out = clogged drain
Check drain outlets:
- Go under car, look near wheels
- Good: Clear opening
- Bad: Crushed, kinked, blocked with leaves
Cost if drains clogged:
- Cleaning: ₹1,500-3,000
- If interior already flooded: ₹25,000-60,000
Check the Seals
What to look for:
- Run finger along rubber seal around sunroof
- Good: Flexible, no cracks, smooth
- Bad: Dried, cracked, hardened, gaps
Look inside car (headliner):
- Brown water stains near sunroof edges
- Sagging headliner (waterlogged)
- Musty smell
Seal lifespan: 5-7 years. Older cars likely need replacement (₹8,000-15,000)
Test the Operation
Opening/closing:
- Press tilt button – rear should lift smoothly
- Press open button – should slide smoothly
- Press close button – should close completely, seal firmly
Listen for:
- Grinding: Dirty track or damage (₹8,000-20,000 repair)
- Clicking: Broken gears
- Struggles: Weak motor
Wind noise test:
- Close sunroof
- Drive 60-80 km/h
- Problem: Whistling = poor seal or misalignment
Water Damage Detection
If sunroof leaked before, you’ll find:
Inside headliner:
- Brown/yellow water stains
- Sagging fabric
- Mildew smell
Electronics:
- Test all interior lights (dome, reading)
- Test rearview mirror features
- Water kills electronics: ₹8,000-25,000 repair
Under carpet:
- Press floor mats – should be dry
- Damp = active leak or recent flooding
Real Case: The Hidden Creta Leak
2021 Hyundai Creta SX(O), ₹14,80,000 asking
Seller: “Panoramic sunroof, works perfectly”
Buyer’s drain test:
- Poured water in front left corner
- No water came out at wheel
- Drain was clogged
Found:
- Water stains on headliner (hidden by sun visor)
- Slight dampness in driver carpet
- Front left drain tube kinked
Proper repair needed:
- Drain tube replacement: ₹8,000
- Headliner replacement: ₹25,000
- Carpet treatment: ₹5,000
- Total: ₹38,000
Seller’s “fix”: Applied silicone sealant (temporary), cleaned visible stains
Outcome: Buyer negotiated ₹50,000 discount
Lesson: 10 minutes of drain testing revealed ₹38,000 in hidden repairs
Your Inspection Protocol
Drain test (mandatory, 10 minutes):
- Pour water in all 4 corners
- Verify water exits near wheels
- Check outlets for blockage
Seal check (5 minutes):
- Feel for cracks, drying
- Look for water stains on headliner
- Smell for mildew
Operation test (5 minutes):
- Tilt and slide
- Listen for grinding
- Check wind noise at speed
Water damage check (5 minutes):
- Inspect headliner carefully
- Press carpets for dampness
- Test electronics
When to Walk Away
Walk away if:
- Clogged drains + water stains + seller didn’t disclose
- Multiple drains blocked (major neglect)
- Active leak + electronics damaged
- Seller refuses drain test
Negotiation Guide
Minor issues:
- Old seals (no leaks yet): ₹5,000-10,000 discount
- Single clogged drain: ₹8,000-12,000 discount
Major issues:
- Clogged drains + water damage: ₹30,000-50,000 discount
- Headliner replacement needed: ₹25,000-35,000 discount
Maintenance After Purchase
Every 6 months:
- Clean drains (₹500-1,000 at service center)
- Lubricate seals
- Don’t park under trees (leaves clog drains)
Seals last 5-7 years: Budget ₹10,000-15,000 for eventual replacement
Bottom Line
Sunroof adds luxury—when maintained. Neglected sunroof adds bills.
Test drains. Every. Single. One.
Drain cleaning costs ₹2,000. Flooded interior costs ₹60,000.
Check vehicle history for water damage claims →
Get professional sunroof inspection →
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