Clues the owner collected
| Clue | What it suggested |
|---|---|
| Smell worse after afternoon thunderstorms | Water entering during rain |
| Cargo carpet dry on top | Moisture below the surface |
| Spare-tire well with a little standing water | A leak or blocked drain |
| Faint water trail near the left taillight | Gasket or seal problem at that corner |
Finding the water
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
Illustrative example, not a real vehicle, owner or business. In August, a family in Arvada notices their SUV's cargo area smells musty, especially after the frequent afternoon storms. The carpet looks fine.
- They lift the cargo floor panel and find about a quarter inch of water in the spare-tire well.
- After drying it, they pour a cup of water along the hatch opening; nothing leaks there.
- Pouring water over the left taillight produces a slow drip inside the trim.
- A body shop replaces the taillight gasket and clears a clogged body drain plug under the well.
- The padding under the cargo carpet is replaced and the area dried with fans for a day.
The musty smell did not return through the rest of the storm season.
Why summer storms find leaks
Front Range summer thunderstorms can drop heavy rain in minutes, often with wind that drives water at odd angles. A gasket that holds in light rain may leak in a downpour. Water that reaches the spare-tire well has nowhere to go if the drain plug is clogged or missing, and the padding above it wicks moisture up into the carpet.
Late summer heat then turns that moisture into a musty smell quickly.
Testing for a cargo leak yourself
Dry the area first
Remove water and let the well dry so new water is easy to see.
Test one spot at a time
Pour water slowly over the hatch seal, then each taillight, then the roof rack mounts.
Watch from inside
Have someone look inside the trim and the well while you pour.
Check the drain
Look for a rubber plug or drain hole in the well and make sure it is clear.
Common questions
Can I use the SUV while waiting for the repair?
Yes, but keep the cargo floor lifted to dry when parked, and avoid carrying items that can absorb water.
Why did the carpet look dry if water was underneath?
Cargo carpet has a rubberized backing that keeps water below it. The padding and the well stayed wet while the top surface dried.
Is a clogged body drain common?
Yes. Road grit and leaves can block the small drains in the spare-tire well, especially in older SUVs.
General information for Arvada, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.