Problem with damp

[benjo83]

Morning guys and gals,

I'm hoping someone might know how i can fix an issue I'm having with my 2001 Renault Clio.

The car hasn't been used very much of late and on getting in I was struck with a very damp car, condensation on the inside and (sounds disgusting) mould on the leather. I have just realised that the drainage areas under the bonnet gap were blocked with leaves. On doing a bit of browsing I've found that this is the likely cause of damp in the car.

Does anyone know how I can go about trying to put this right? I assume I will need to find where the water is sitting and try to dry it out. All visible blockages have been removed but there may be some that I cant see.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Ben

[DMN]

If the car has aircon, put it on full blast for a while. That will help. Then to control the damp:

Buy this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silica-Desiccant-Dry-Packs...

Cut it open and pour into one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lock-Stackable-Airtight-Co...

Place in car with the lid off. When the crystals have turned blue/black (ie soaked up some water), place in oven at Gas Mark 1 for 6 hours (not in the platic container), stiring every hour. Allow to cool and put back into car.

I have one of these in my car which is opened when I park up. I've even put some velcro stickers on the bottom to stop it sliding about. I still get some moisture build up, but then my cars a soft-top.

Edited by DMN on Monday 21st January 10:24

[thescamper]

Also if the car has aircon check the pollen filter mine in a scenic was minging and very soggy.

Also check the spare wheel well had water sitting there too.

[RicksAlfas]

Does it have a sunroof?
If so, sell it.

[fireturk]

I had a similar problem with damp in a Clio I inherited from an aunt, turned out to be a leaky sunroof, known problem with Clio's. have yet to repair sunroof so have a bit of rag tucked in where it drips, and change the rag when it gets too damp. Also have used the dessicant as I can get it by the bucket load from work!! very useful!

[steveo3002]

fixed a sunroof on one the other day...isnt too bad you can pull down the headliner and unbolt it all , clean off the feable attempt that reno made to seal and re apply some pu sealer and bolt it all down

should only take an hour on a nice day

[Baryonyx]

DMN said:

If the car has aircon, put it on full blast for a while. That will help. Then to control the damp:

Buy this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silica-Desiccant-Dry-Packs...

Place in car with the lid off. When the crystals have turned blue/black (ie soaked up some water), place in oven at Gas Mark 1 for 6 hours (not in the platic container), stiring every hour. Allow to cool and put back into car.

I've occasionally had issues with water getting into my A8 by means of being dragged in with snow on my shoes this winter, or when I've taken the car out on a wet day and the family has got in it after walking in the rain. It can be steamed up or iced over on the inside, depending on a seemingly random combination of factors!

In any event, the silica gel stuff is quite expensive and you have to faff around with putting it in the oven if you want to use it again. Much cheaper and just as useful, I would wager, is cat litter. Cheap to buy, simply tip some in a tray and leave it on the dash or parcel shelf whilst you're out of the car and it should have the same effect.

[smartphone hater]

steveo3002 said:

fixed a sunroof on one the other day...isnt too bad you can pull down the headliner and unbolt it all , clean off the feable attempt that reno made to seal and re apply some pu sealer and bolt it all down

should only take an hour on a nice day

This.. Did the same myself for a friend a couple of years ago. Clios are renowned for having leaky sunroofs.

[benjo83]

Cheers guys,

Much appreciated. I'll have to have a look at the sunroof