Is it harmful to the car if the window is left open and it rains?
3 Answers
Leaving the car sunroof open during rain can indeed be harmful to the vehicle. Here is the relevant information: 1. Interior moisture: This can lead to dampness inside the car, making the interior upholstery prone to mold and mildew, and damaging leather seats. 2. Significant water ingress: If a large amount of water enters, the excessive moisture can cause electrical circuit short circuits. If water enters the engine, it may render the engine unusable. When driving in the rain, ensure all doors, windows, and the sunroof are tightly sealed to prevent rainwater from entering and causing dampness inside the vehicle. 3. Rainy driving precautions: (1) If you forget to close the sunroof and rainwater enters, the first step is to dry the interior. Wipe up any standing water and ventilate the car. Replace seat and floor mats, and dry them in the sun when possible. You can also place a dehumidifier box inside the car to absorb moisture. (2) For leather items that get wet, use towels or paper towels to dry them as much as possible. However, avoid exposing leather items to direct sunlight; let them air dry naturally. Also, wipe away any water near electrical circuits to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture, which could lead to short circuits or even electric shocks. After the car has been exposed to rain, ensure good ventilation inside the vehicle once the weather clears, and check if the drainage channels on the windshield are clear.
I think leaving the car window open in the rain is definitely harmful to the car. The carpets inside the car will get soaked, and if not treated promptly, they can easily become moldy and deformed. Especially in some areas where water accumulates, it may cause the floorboard to rust. The electronic wiring is hidden under the seats or in the center console, and if water seeps in, it could be troublesome, potentially causing the stereo to malfunction or window switches to fail. Once, I didn’t close the rear window tightly, and it happened to rain heavily. When I got in, I found the carpet wet with a strange odor. It took me a whole day using a hairdryer and a small vacuum to dry it out before things were okay. Now, I set an alarm on my phone to remind myself to check the windows when locking the car, as rainwater may carry dirt that can cause corrosion more easily. Overall, it’s best not to delay in such situations—clean and ventilate the car as soon as possible.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've seen too much damage caused by rain entering through unclosed windows. The most immediate impact of rainwater inside the car is on the interior: seat fabrics fade and become stiff or cracked after soaking, while wet carpets can grow mold and develop unpleasant odors if not dried promptly. The electronic components are also at risk, such as rusting wire connectors or malfunctioning air conditioning control panels. If this happens, I recommend immediately wiping off the water stains with a dry towel, then opening the windows to ventilate and sun-dry the interior. If necessary, visit a professional shop for dehumidification equipment. For prevention, installing an automatic window closer is sufficient. Although this issue is common, it should not be underestimated—delaying repairs can lead to costly expenses.
