Hello All

Having read the numerous threads regarding wet carpets etc. just thought I would add my experiences (together with a cautionary item..........)

Following the recent severe weather, found that the rear o/s footwell on my Octy vRS was sloshing with water, whilst the front o/s footwell was "merely" very wet. Immediate response was rapid removal of mats and insertion of towels etc. followed by purchase of dehumidifier in an attempt to dry out car. Took a week, but it worked.

Followed advice given in all of the appropriate threads I could find.

1. Removed wiper arms and scuttle plates. Checked pollen filter and drain holes. All clear. Also checked A/C unit drain. All ok.

2. Removed wheel arch liner screws and scraped out about a kilo of mud and associated debris.

3. Booked vehicle into local VW specialist who blew through all of the drains and checked everything else they could think of.

Now after latest bad weather, have found there is one patch of wet carpet, front o/s, about 15cm, developed just behind and central to the plastic heel protector built into the carpet (not the mat). Only thing I can think of now is the windscreen seal. Had screen replaced by Autoglass about 8 months ago after a crack developed - is it likely that seal could fail after this time? Apart from this, am at a loss. Any ideas?

Cautionary bit - Needed to use a nut puller to remove windscreen wiper arms (see 1 above). No amount of rocking or pressure would free them. If anyone has cause to do this job, before replacing, smear splines with coppaslip or similar. When replacing arms, DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! I did and split the wiper arm :( .

When removing the scuttle plates, a plastic scraper as supplied for de-icing freezers is ideal. Push between the flexible scuttle plate seal and the windscreen, and lever GENTLY. (Don't forget to remove the long rubber b'head seal for'd of the scuttle plates before proceeding). Should then pop off nicely.

Thanks to all those who have put their experiences down here for people like me to profit from.

Cheers

Timbo

I would suggest checking your doors.... mine has had the speakers changed and now is leaks in heavy rain.... I think that the plastic membrane in the door has been cut and then this means the water is not corrected ducted out of the car, but inwards instead. However I would expect the water mass to be nearer to the door edges then - was the car parked on a slope or a nice level surface?

Normally when I openm my drivers door after heavy rain I can see see water on the black plastic at the bottom of the opening, when it joins onto the carpet.

It's a long shot but have you read this -

Fabia-vrs.com - Repairs to Rear Washer Pipe - Fabia and Octavia (A4 / A5).