Is It Safe to Park a Car in an Underground Garage During Heavy Rain?
3 Answers
Parking a car in an underground garage during heavy rain is not safe. Here are some relevant introductions about driving in the rain: 1. Precautions: When driving through water, you must carefully check the depth, flow speed, and nature of the water, as well as the width of the entry and exit areas and the road conditions. Check if the tires are excessively worn. If the tires are too worn or have insufficient tread, it is easy to form a water film between the tire surface and the water, causing the car to drift, fishtail, and have longer braking distances. 2. Inspection: Check whether the wipers and the defogging devices for the front and rear windows are functioning properly. Carefully check if the fog lights are working well; otherwise, if they are broken, it can easily lead to rear-end collisions in rainy conditions.
I've been driving for 20 years and parked in underground garages many times. It's generally safe to park underground during heavy rain, but it depends on the garage design. Modern garages have waterproof layers and drainage systems to prevent rainwater leakage; ventilation equipment prevents moisture buildup that could damage interiors; garage structures are sturdy and usually don't accumulate water. However, older garages in cities or low-lying areas may have issues, like water pouring in when drains are clogged. I suggest choosing spots near the entrance or on elevated platforms when parking, avoiding low-lying areas. Check for obvious signs of water leakage at the garage entrance before parking, and keep an emergency kit in the car just in case. Regular maintenance focusing on the condition of sealing strips can significantly reduce heavy rain risks.
I live in the city and often park my car in an underground garage. During heavy rain, it's generally safe there as well-designed garages have strong waterproofing, but don't rely on it too much. The risks include water backflow at the garage entrance; poor ventilation leading to moldy car mats; or encountering floods where water levels rise quickly in lower floors. I recommend observing weather warnings and parking in elevated garages; checking if drain covers are clear when parking; avoiding long stays there, and driving away promptly after the rain stops to reduce moisture damage. Regularly clearing leaves and debris around the garage improves drainage efficiency, keeping your car safe and your mind at ease.
