The Miata is a great car - but it
does have its Achilles heel. It seems the designers decided that instead of deflecting
water off the soft top, they would channel it to two drain holes INSIDE the car. These drain holes are
located just behind the seatbelt pillar. They are about inch in diameter, under
the carpet and very hard to find. Basically you find them by feel.
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This is the drain hole looking straight down with carpet pulled back
and the top removed. On a 1992 Miata
(The only way we could photograph it).
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Well most of the time these work
great. BUT - if you park your Miata outside very much, leaves and other debris find
their way into these drain holes and plug them. Generally, your first clue that
something is wrong is that your floor boards are soggy, your trunk has water in it, or you
hear water sloshing around on the turns.
On several occasions, at club meetings, people have said that
there was water in their car. Upon clearing the drain holes - LOTS of water was seen to
drain out the holes.
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So - What can you do?
Never park your car outside - especially during the fall.
Not very practical for many people.
Wait until you have water in your car - get a coat hanger and
clear out the hole.
Problem with that is a coat hanger could punch a hole in your
soft top and will scratch up the drain tube so it will start to rust. OK - if you
aren’t planning on keeping your Miata.
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The solution - The TM
Drain Hole Brush
This 34 inch long brush is perfect for clearing out that drain
hole and won’t promote rust.
With its nylon brush, it safely clears the drain hole of debris
that leads to a water logged Miata.
Regular use of the brush during the fall and early winter months
will keep your drain holes from becoming plugged and your Miata from becoming a pond on
wheels.
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