Sunroof Survival Guide for the Canadian Winter

Sunroofs are an undeniable luxury. Is there anything better than cruising down the street with the sun on your face as clouds hover overhead?

A sunroof gives any car a sporty veneer, and the open-concept feel adds both room and breathability for the driver. Sunroofs offer superior ventilation and are an excellent alternative to blasting air-conditioning on warm days. 

For Canadians used to wading through bitter-cold winters, the sunroof is an even greater indulgence. Unfortunately, many people are left unsure of how to care for their sunroof during the winter. Read on for some simple tips on how to avoid common winter sunroof problems.

Do not open your sunroof during the winter.

While most people would not make this mistake for fear of being snowed on, many car owners will try to open their sunroof occasionally while parked to demonstrate the feature to friends or for maintenance. You must be sure to never attempt to open your sunroof when the temperature is below freezing. The sunroof's seal can freeze to the frame so that any attempt to open it damages the assembly. The freezing process is similar to that which many car owners have experienced when trying to wedge open doors or windows in the cold, except the sunroof's assembly is much more delicate.

Beware of winter car washes.

Car washes are tempting during the winter months as salt begins to calcify on your car's exterior. While you do not need to deny your car its cleaning, you should be mindful of your sunroof drain tubes afterwards. Drain tubes are included to prevent your sunroof from leaking, but sometimes icing can occur towards the bottom of the tube, especially if it is obstructed by snow build-up. It may not occur right away, but as water continues to build up and the drain tubes remain clogged, you may find yourself taking an icy-cold shower during your morning commute. Be sure to clear out any drain tube obstruction, and to monitor your sunroof closely before and after any winter washes.