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Car Care
Tips to Protect Your Sunroof
Written by Richard Ramdwar
C.I.P., M.S.T.I, A.C.I.I
Managing Director of Nautica Insurance brokers and creator of Starfish.
With record heat in Trinidad and Tobago this year, and, many of us having to park our cars in the hot sun for the entire day, we've noticed a rising number of persons who have experienced leaks in their sunroofs over time.
Here are few tips to maintain and keep your sunroof in good condition. Doing so can help prevent leaks, malfunctions, and premature wear:
Regular Cleaning
Clean the sunroof's glass panel and surrounding seals regularly to remove
dirt, grime, and debris. Use a mild soap or glass cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the seals.
Inspect Seals & Weather Stripping
Check the rubber seals and weather stripping around the sunroof for signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration. Replace any damaged seals to prevent water leaks during rainy weather.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Periodically lubricate the sunroof's moving parts, such as the tracks, hinges, and latches, with a silicone-based lubricant. Lubrication helps reduce friction and ensures smooth operation of the sunroof mechanism.
Clear Drainage Channels
Sunroofs typically have drainage channels or tubes to channel water away from the vehicle. Inspect these channels regularly and clear any debris or blockages
that may prevent proper drainage. Use compressed air or a small brush to clean out the channels gently.
Operate Sunroof Regularly
To prevent the sunroof mechanism from seizing up due to lackof use, open and close it regularly, even during periods when you may not use it frequently. This
helps keep the moving parts lubricated and prevents them from becoming stiff or corroded.
![Starfish_Icons [Recovered]-6.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c88f3_c3a9e6b495674632b09a897a10ca1c53~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_33,h_33,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Starfish_Icons%20%5BRecovered%5D-6.png){kind=small}
Protect Sunroof From Damage
Avoid placing heavy objects on the sunroof glass and be cautious when driving under low-hanging branches or in areas with potential debris. Even small impacts can damage the glass or the mechanism.
![Starfish_Icons [Recovered]-7.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0c88f3_3bc79a2f1ee1492b9bbe18d25eb45f49~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_33,h_33,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Starfish_Icons%20%5BRecovered%5D-7.png){kind=small}
Address Issues Promptly
If you notice any problems with your sunroof, such as unusual noises, leaks, or difficulty opening or closing, address them promptly. Ignoring issues can lead to
further damage and more expensive repairs.
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By following these tips, you can help maintain your sunroof's functionality and problems down the road.