Can Cars Be Parked in Underground Garages During Heavy Rain?
2 Answers
It is advisable to avoid parking in underground garages. Here are some parking precautions: Signal waiting parking: For signal waits exceeding one minute, the engine should be turned off to save fuel and be environmentally friendly. For waits under one minute, you may keep the engine running, shift to neutral, and engage the handbrake, but never leave it in gear. Maintain distance when pausing on the road: During traffic jams or when waiting at traffic lights, always leave enough space to maneuver out in case the car ahead breaks down, preventing you from being stuck in the middle. Use turn signals when starting from the roadside: Before resuming driving after a roadside pause, thoroughly observe the road conditions. Check not only the rearview mirrors but also turn your head to look. Once everything is clear, turn on the signal, honk, and proceed. Use turn signals for roadside pauses: When temporarily stopping by the roadside, always activate the turn signal in advance and check the rearview mirrors to ensure there are no cars or pedestrians before pulling over.
I've been driving for decades, and parking in an underground garage during heavy rain is generally reliable, but you need to be cautious. Underground garages have sloped entrances designed to direct water flow into drainage ditches, preventing flooding. I learned this the hard way a few years ago during an extreme downpour—the garage entrance was too low, causing water to pool and flood the engine, costing hundreds in repairs. Now, I always check for drainage pump signs or ask the property management to ensure the system is working before parking. If I spot puddles inside, I’ll park elsewhere, like on higher street ground—older cars can’t handle the stress. Regular maintenance of garage drainage is key; safety comes first.
