Is It Normal for Car Doors to Let in Water When It Rains?
3 Answers
It is normal for car doors to let in water when it rains, as doors are equipped with drainage holes that allow water to exit quickly. Below are some precautions for driving in the rain: 1. Reduce speed: Regardless of road width or condition, drive slowly in the rain and always be aware of the distance between your vehicle and others, preparing in advance for any emergency measures. 2. Maintain distance: Rain can obstruct visibility, so it's important to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and constantly monitor the space between cars. 3. Use fog lights: Make full use of fog lights to enhance driving safety in the rain. If necessary, turn on hazard warning lights to alert vehicles behind you to your movements. 4. Do not restart if the engine stalls: During heavy rain or storms, some areas may flood quickly. If you must drive through water, do so at a steady speed in a low gear. If your vehicle stalls, do not attempt to restart it immediately, as doing so could severely damage the engine.
Last time I went to the repair shop to pick up my friend's car, I happened to hear the mechanic mention this. It's actually quite normal for water to seep through the door seams when it rains, as car doors are designed with drainage channels. If you look at the bottom edge of the door, you'll notice there are slender drainage holes. Rainwater that flows into the door lining through the window gaps will drain out through these small holes. My decade-old car always drips a few water droplets from the door seams after rain, but the carpet never gets wet. It's especially important to regularly clean leaves and debris near the drainage holes. Not long ago, a colleague's car had its drainage holes clogged with dead leaves, causing rainwater to soak and damage the window regulator motor, costing several hundred dollars in repairs.
When I first bought the car, I was startled too! While washing the car, I noticed water marks in the door panel gaps and rushed to the 4S shop in a panic. The technician just smiled, used a key to poke open the rubber plug at the bottom of the door, and water gushed out. Now I understand—the door has a double-layer steel structure, and the drainage channels in the sandwich layer naturally collect and drain rainwater. But if you find the carpet damp or water pooling at the door sill, it’s time for a check—most likely due to detached waterproof film or aged seals. Handling it yourself is simple: use a towel to soak up the water in the sill, and when air-drying, remember to open all four doors for ventilation.
