Is It Okay to Leave a Car Outside During a Heavy Rainstorm for a Day?
2 Answers
Generally, if a car is parked outside during a heavy rainstorm, there should be no major issues for a normal car, as the sealing of a standard vehicle is quite good. Below is an introduction to water-damaged vehicles: Definition of a water-damaged vehicle: A vehicle begins to accumulate water, and internal components suffer damage due to the water. Water-damaged vehicles also have corresponding flood levels. Classification of water-damaged vehicle flood levels: Flood level 1 is when water just reaches the vehicle's chassis, flood level 2 is when water reaches halfway up the wheels, flood level 3 is when water almost completely submerges the tires, flood level 4 is when water reaches the engine hood, flood level 5 is when water completely submerges the engine hood, and flood level 6 is when water submerges the roof of the car.
I just bought a car last month and left it in an open parking lot during a heavy rain for a day. Later, I noticed the carpet was a bit damp and had a musty smell, which really startled me. Actually, new cars generally have decent sealing, but if areas like the edges of the sunroof or door gaps aren’t closed properly, rainwater can seep in, leading to water accumulation and mold inside the car. Electronic components like door locks or audio systems might also short-circuit and malfunction. A friend later told me that after rain, it’s best to check if the wiper drainage holes are clogged, as this can cause water to accumulate in the engine compartment. Even more troublesome is rust on the chassis and brake discs—if the road is wet, you might hear loud brake noises when starting the car. In short, occasional exposure might not be a big deal, but frequent exposure to rain can accelerate aging. It’s recommended to use a car cover or waterproof tarp for protection.
