How Much Water in the Passenger Compartment is Considered Serious?
3 Answers
Water reaching the vehicle's floor area is very serious. Once water enters the interior of a motor vehicle, it can cause various issues. The wiring harnesses of motor vehicles are all fixed on the floor, and water ingress can lead to dampness in the floor and affect the wiring harnesses. In severe cases, it may even cause rotting. Below is relevant information: Precautions for using water-damaged vehicles: When repairing a water-damaged motor vehicle, it is essential to clearly identify the repair areas and have a thorough understanding before driving the vehicle. Although a water-damaged vehicle can operate normally after repairs, there are still many uncertainties that may prevent the motor vehicle from functioning properly, leading to malfunctions during operation. Procedures for water-damaged vehicles: Water-damaged motor vehicles do not affect the transfer of ownership. All necessary procedures can be completed at the vehicle management office. Water-damaged motor vehicles only have issues with their quality and do not affect the vehicle's documentation. There is no problem in completing the transfer procedures. Vehicles that cannot be transferred should not be purchased.
Water ingress in the front passenger seat is indeed a serious issue, with the severity directly related to the amount of water. I think if it's just a few drops or slight condensation—like water splashing in when opening the door after rain—it's not a big deal. Simply wiping it dry with a cloth should suffice, and it won't cause any real damage to the car. However, if half a cup of water or more gets in—due to a leaking air conditioner or an improperly closed window—it needs immediate attention. Otherwise, the water can seep under the carpet, soaking the front passenger floor mat, potentially damaging electronic components controlling the seat or the air conditioning wiring. Over time, this can lead to rust and unpleasant odors. The worst-case scenario is the entire seat being submerged, such as when water rises above a certain level during deep water driving. This is extremely dangerous, and the car must be stopped immediately for inspection to prevent electrical shorts or even circuit fires. Additionally, waterlogged seats and upholstery are prone to mold, which can affect health. I always remind my friends to regularly check the sunroof seals and, if water does get in, to promptly take the car to a professional repair shop for inspection.
From my experience, the severity of water ingress in the front passenger seat depends on where the water has penetrated. A small amount of water, such as sweat stains or spilled drinks, may only wet the surface and can be cleaned easily. However, if there's a significant amount of water, like enough to submerge the floor mats, it becomes problematic. Water can flow under the chassis, potentially causing the electric motor of the front passenger seat to malfunction due to water ingress or damaging the modules controlling the audio and air conditioning systems, which can be costly to repair. The severity also depends on the source of the water. For instance, leaks from the air conditioning system are more dangerous than rainwater because they create persistent moisture, leading to mold and corrosion of metal parts. I recommend immediately soaking up any water ingress and avoiding the use of hot air to dry it, as this can spread moisture faster. It's best to have a repair shop inspect the carpet and wiring harness connections to ensure there are no hidden issues. Remember, if you notice a musty smell or any functional abnormalities, it's time to send the car for repair.
