The general belief among many vehicle owners is that OEM parts of the vehicle do last longer and without any issue than their aftermarket counterparts.
Therefore, they spend more money to get OEM parts, believing that they will have peace of mind with what they have spent. Well, this might be relatively true but you can also experience issues with OEM parts. This article will highlight one of the problems of the Avalanche tonneau cover. Keep reading for more information.
Avalanche Tonneau Cover Leaking (Causes & Solutions)
It is always disheartening after spending much money on getting an OEM truck bed cover and you notice traces of water in the truck bed. The knowledge of the causes of the problem could help you if you are in such a situation. Below are some of the causes and things you can do to resolve the issue.
Heavy rain
It is an irony that the cover you have spent money on to protect the truck bed from rain also leaks water during heavy rainfall. Just like other types of cover, the Avalanche tonneau cover could also leak water when there is a heavy downpour. Though it might not be as severe as it would have been if the cover is not OEM.
Most of the time, when the Avalanche tonneau cover leaks water during a heavy downpour, it could be due to the position of the panels or when there is an issue with the gasket. Below are some of the things you can do to resolve the issue.
Adjust the panels
After some period of using the Avalanche tonneau cover, likely, the panels are no longer in the right position. When you notice water leakage in the truck bed, you should gently adjust all the panels.
Replace the seals
Another reason why the Avalanche tonneau cover could leak water into the truck bed when it rains is when the seals are no longer effective or missing. Once you notice water in the truck bed after a heavy downpour, you should inspect the cover for missing seals. If there is any, you can contact Chevy for a replacement kit or you get a new one in your vicinity.
Replace the gasket
One of the functions of the rubber silicone gasket on the Avalanche tonneau cover is to prevent the entry of water into the truck bed. In a situation where the cover begins to leak water, you should replace the rubber gasket.
Pressure washer
One of the ways you can care for the Avalanche tonneau cover is to wash it regularly. While washing the Avalanche tonneau cover with the use of a pressure washer, the cover will likely leak water into the truck bed. This could be due to the pressure coming from the machine. Below are the things you can do to resolve the problem.
Dry the truck bed
Once you are through with the cleaning process, you should inspect the truck bed. Pick your wet valuables, dry them, and then clean the truck bed also. You need to do this to protect the cover from being damaged by water.
Seek help
There are instances where you might not be able to resolve the issue yourself. You need the help of professionals or the manufacturer to resolve the issue. Once you experience leakage during pressure washing or regular wash, you should contact the manufacturer or any professional in your vicinity.
Blocked water drain
The Avalanche tonneau cover is designed to drain water with ease. The water draining system does not allow water to stay on the cover for a longer duration. However, the system could be blocked after a while due to the presence of dirt residual on the cover.
When the system is blocked, there will likely be a pool of water on the cover. This implies that the cover could leak from the sides and the tailgate. The following are some tips on how you can resolve the issue.
Dry the cover
If the draining system of the Avalanche tonneau cover is blocked, there is a high chance that the cover would retain water when it rains or when you wash the cover.
This will then cause leakage if you leave it there for a longer duration. You can use a dry towel to get rid of the water on the cover. You should also dry the cover before you open the cover to prevent water leakage.
Clear the blockage
Once you notice that the Avalanche tonneau cover does not drain water the way it should, you should inspect the cover for potential blockage of the draining system. If there is any, you should carefully attempt to clear it.
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Some of the factors that could ruin a tonneau cover quickly
The Avalanche tonneau covers can last for many years on your Chevy when you care for them. However, some factors could prematurely ruin the cover. The following are some of the factors that could ruin the Avalanche tonneau cover quickly.
Lack of maintenance
The truth is you need to take proper care of your Avalanche tonneau cover if you want to get the best of the cover for many years. Lack of maintenance could lead to different issues that ruin the cover quickly. Some of the things you can do to maintain the cover properly will be highlighted later in this article.
Unresolved issues
You will likely have issues with the Avalanche tonneau cover. One among other issues that you can have with the cover has been highlighted in this article. Your action when these issues happen will determine the lifespan of the cover. In a situation where you do not resolve any of the issues in time, there is a high chance that the cover will get ruined quickly.
Exposure to UV
You cannot hide the truck from sunlight for a longer duration, except you will not go out during the daytime. However, driving the truck during the daytime is not a bad idea but parking the truck under direct sunlight for a longer duration could ruin the Avalanche tonneau cover. The color of the cover will fade quickly.
Cleaning material
Apart from exposure to UV, another factor that could ruin the cover of the Avalanche tonneau cover is the type of cleaning material that you use. If you clean the Avalanche tonneau cover with a cleaning material that is not recommended by the manufacturer, there is a high chance that the color will get ruined quickly.
Ownership
Different users of the same Avalanche tonneau cover could have a different experience. This is because of the separate treatment of the cover. In a situation where you handle your Avalanche tonneau cover recklessly, it would likely get ruined quicker than the one that is carefully handled.
Type of cargo
The nature of the items you put under the cover is very important to the durability of the cover. For instance, if you run a generator under the Avalanche tonneau cover and you do not ensure safety precautions, the cover could likely get ruined quickly.
Vandalism
Irrespective of the amount of care you show for your Avalanche tonneau cover, it could get ruined quickly by the vandals. It could occur in an attempt to steal the valuables under the cover. It is recommended that you always park your truck in a safe location.
Accident
The truck could be involved in an accident for many reasons. When it happened, the Avalanche tonneau cover, just like other components of the truck, could be affected.
Maintenance tips for the Avalanche tonneau cover
Caring for the Avalanche tonneau cover is very important. You need to care for the cover to avoid some of the issues that have been highlighted earlier. Not only that, caring for the cover can also increase its lifespan. Here is a list of some of the tips you can follow to care for the Avalanche tonneau cover.
Construct a garage
It has been stated earlier that the color of the Avalanche tonneau cover could be ruined when you park it over time under direct sunlight. When you construct a garage, you will have a safe place where you can park the truck. Doing this will also protect the paint of the truck and potentially shield the truck against vandals.
Regular washing
The presence of dirt on the Avalanche tonneau cover for a longer duration will not only make the cover look unattractive, but could also block the draining system. It is recommended that you wash the cover often with recommended cleaning materials.
Prevent pool of water
When the draining system is blocked or there is an issue with the proper positioning of the cover, the cover will likely retain water when it rains. Leaving the pool of water there could leak water into the truck bed or make the cover sag. Once you notice water on the cover, ensure that you get rid of it.
Conclusion
Unlike other tonneau covers that you get from the market, the Avalanche tonneau cover is durable. In a situation where you have any issue with the cover, you should seek help.