Is It a Big Problem If Water Gets Inside the Car When Forgetting to Close the Window on a Rainy Day?
4 Answers
Forgetting to close the window on a rainy day and allowing a small amount of water to enter the car generally does not cause significant issues. However, as a precaution, it is advisable to avoid turning on any electronic devices inside the car, such as lights or starting the engine, to prevent short circuits caused by water exposure. Additional information is provided below: 1. Scientific and reasonable car maintenance: The car maintenance cycle refers to the interval or time between car maintenance sessions. High maintenance frequency is not a bad thing; it can more effectively protect the vehicle's performance. The vehicle primarily requires normal maintenance in the early stages, which is relatively low-cost. However, when the vehicle has been used for a certain number of years or has traveled a certain mileage and enters the maintenance period, the costs will be higher. 2. Regular cleaning and filtering: It is essential to pay attention to cleaning the car's filters. During the use of the car's internal combustion engine, dust and other impurities continuously mix into the oil. At the same time, the oxidation of the oil by air and combustion exhaust gases can gradually cause the oil to form colloids or sludge.
I just experienced this last week. It was pouring rain, and I forgot to close the sunroof, causing water to seep into the car. Everything was soaking wet—it was incredibly frustrating. The real issue isn’t just the wet seats; if water accumulates under the floor mats for a few days, it can breed mold and bacteria, leading to a terrible odor and even triggering allergies or respiratory issues, especially dangerous if you have kids at home. Additionally, rainwater can seep into electronic components like door control modules or the audio system. In the short term, it might just cause malfunctions, but over time, it can corrode the wiring, costing hundreds to repair. At the time, I used towels and a vacuum to dry it as much as possible, then placed a dehumidifier bag and used a hairdryer to ventilate the car for 24 hours before things improved. To prevent this, I recommend developing a habit of checking before parking or setting a phone reminder to close the windows. In short, a small amount of water is manageable, but if it’s a lot, you must act fast—otherwise, the consequences can be serious.
I remember making this mistake often when I was younger, which resulted in the car being full of water and the carpets getting moldy. It was only later that I learned to take precautions. That time, the large amount of water that got in caused rusting on the car's underbody, and the acidic rainwater corroded the seat materials, leading to costly repairs. Now, when I drive my new car, I make sure to check that the windows are tightly closed before rainy days. Even if I forget, I immediately turn on the air conditioning's dehumidification mode, which can absorb some moisture and prevent mold. I advise all car owners not to take this lightly, especially during the rainy summer season. If water does get in, don't delay—use a small fan or desiccant to speed up evaporation and avoid long-term damage that could affect driving comfort.
Water ingress is no small matter. It can damage the vehicle's electrical circuits, such as the central control screen, leading to short circuits and malfunctions, which are complex and time-consuming to repair. Interior components like carpets and seats can absorb water, leading to mold and unpleasant odors, requiring professional cleaning at a high cost. It is recommended to immediately absorb the water, wipe it dry, and ventilate the interior to dry it out. If the situation is severe, it's best to take the car to a professional service center for treatment.
