Is It Serious If a Little Water Gets In After Forgetting to Close the Car Window in the Rain?
4 Answers
If you forget to close the car window in the rain and only a small amount of water gets in, it indicates minimal impact. However, as a precaution, it's best not to turn on any electronic devices inside the car, such as lights or starting the vehicle, to prevent short circuits caused by water exposure. You can use the key to open the door, and if it's still raining, cover the car with an umbrella or waterproof cloth. Below is additional information: 1. Cars are equipped with drainage holes: It's now rare to see water accumulation inside cars mainly because they are equipped with drainage holes. Generally, if a large amount of rainwater gets into the car, it won't damage the vehicle or affect its mechanical systems, nor will it pose a threat to the electrical system. This is because car circuits are protected by sheathed wires. Comparatively, the car's speakers might be affected depending on their location and whether they get wet. If you find the speakers are damp, promptly take them to a professional service center for repair. 2. Have the wiring checked at a 4S shop/repair shop: In cases of heavy rain or storms, water may accumulate on the car floor, seats may become soaked, and some wiring might be affected. In such situations, it's advisable to have the wiring checked at a 4S shop or repair shop to avoid potential long-term issues.
I remember once when it was drizzling, I forgot to close the sunroof, and a small amount of rainwater dripped into the car, forming a small puddle on the seat. At the time, I thought about being lazy and didn't deal with it immediately. As a result, stains appeared on the seat fabric, and a musty smell started to spread. My wife complained about it for days. I quickly used a dry towel to soak up the water and turned the heater to the highest setting for half an hour. I also discovered that the wiring harness for the control panel was hidden under the carpet, and if it got wet, it could corrode and short-circuit, potentially causing the power windows to jam. Since then, I've made it a habit to manually check all windows are tightly closed before parking. Even a small amount of water requires quick action to prevent moisture from lingering. Otherwise, the interior can discolor, and repairs can be time-consuming and expensive. It's advisable to keep an absorbent mat in the car for emergencies to avoid similar awkward situations.
Even a single drop of water requires vigilance, as rainwater may seep into electronic modules beneath the carpet, such as the body control module, which can short-circuit and catch fire if wet. First, use a towel to dry visible water stains, then use a hairdryer on low heat to blow air into seat seams and floor areas, avoiding damage to plastic parts. Open windows for ventilation for several hours—don't rush to drive. Check the fuse box for moisture; replace it if damp to prevent malfunctions. If water enters the air vents, abnormal AC operation may require thorough drying. Over time, mold can grow inside the padding, making it difficult to remove and potentially causing respiratory issues. A simple delay can turn into a major problem, with circuit board repairs costing thousands. Taking quick action after every rain is the most hassle-free solution.
That time I forgot to roll up the windows when getting out of the car, and a light rain got in slightly. I just used an old T-shirt to soak up the water, turned on the AC to dehumidify for fifteen minutes, and it was done. As long as the water didn't reach the dashboard wiring, there's no issue. For the wet seats, I wiped them dry with a damp cloth to prevent odors. Placing some bamboo charcoal bags helps absorb moisture, avoiding drying in a damp garage. Don't panic over small things—just handle them promptly, and the car will still work fine, saving you unnecessary hassle.
