‘Am I Being Gaslit?:' Expert Warns Your Sunroof Needs Annual Cleaning. Then He Shows Just How Big a Deal It Can Be

'What drain!?'

Photo by: @salefamily64

By: Stacy Fernandez

Jun 20, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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Vehicles require a lot of regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. You know you need to get your oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, tires need to be rotated, and brakes inspected.

But one thing most people don’t think about? Sunroof drains.

It’s one car part that people often forget to maintain. But ignoring it could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Here’s what you need to know before a blocked sunroof drain turns your ride into a moldy, water-damaged mess.

Demolished by Clogged Sunroof Drain

In a viral video with nearly 500,000 views, mechanic Tyler Sale reveals the surprising amount of damage one car had because of a simple lack of maintenance. This can happen to anyone with a sunroof.

“Just your daily reminder to get your sunroof drain cleared out once a year. It prevents you from spending a good amount of money to get your carpet replaced and all this mold that’s in here taken out,” Sale says.

In the video, Sale shows that he had to take out much of the front interior of the car, including the carpet, seats, and center console, essentially stripping the interior down to the bare bones.

There are dark marks under where the carpeting was, and Sale seems to say that they’re not just water marks—they’re mold.

“Bummer day for this customer,” he adds empathetically.

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What is a Sunroof Drain?

A sunroof drain is a small tube that drains water from the sunroof to prevent leaks in your car.

Most sunroofs have drain holes in each corner that feed into the drain hose. The hose goes through the panels of the vehicle’s body to allow the water to escape.

What Happens if the Drain Gets Clogged?

If your sunroof’s drain holes are blocked by dirt, debris, and leaves, they won’t be able to serve their function of draining water.

Instead, it’ll accumulate in the drainage container and eventually spill into the cabin.

This can also lead to potential electrical issues.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

While there are DIY fixes, be warned that you may end up disconnecting, puncturing, or otherwise damaging the drain tubes. This would then require removal of the car’s headliner, which could be a costly mistake.

If you do plan to attempt to clean your car’s sunroof drain on your own, bear in mind that you should:

Inspect your sunroof frame or consult the owner’s manual to locate the drains;
Pour water down the hole;
If the water doesn’t drain, use a string trimmer line from a garden trimmer or plumber’s snake to clear up and push out the blockage. You can also use a toothbrush or other small, stiff-bristled brush to scrub and dislodge debris from the sunroof drain trough; and
Pour water again to see if the blockage was cleared up. Warning: Do not use pressurized air as a solution. While this seems like a logical fix, it can cause the hose to disconnect.