Is It Serious If the Car Window Was Left Open and Got Rained In?
3 Answers
If the car window was left open leading to rainwater entering the interior, timely measures should be taken. Here are the specific steps: 1. Avoid turning on electronic devices in the car: For safety reasons, it's best not to activate any electronic devices in the car, such as turning on lights or starting the vehicle, to prevent short circuits caused by water exposure. 2. Address the water accumulation issue: If electronic devices remain unaffected, simply take the car to a 4S shop for interior drying. If rainwater has soaked into the carpets or floor mats, remove them for cleaning and air-drying. After dealing with the water accumulation, it's necessary to disinfect the car interior to prevent lingering odors.
Once I forgot to close the rear window tightly when getting out of the car, and it rained heavily, soaking the car completely. The carpets and seats inside were all wet, and there was a strange smell. I quickly used dry cloths to absorb the water and left the car doors open for ventilation, but I knew this wasn’t a long-term solution, so I went to a repair shop. The mechanic took it apart and checked, saying rainwater had seeped into the circuits and metal parts, which could cause rust, short circuits, and mold growth if left untreated, and it’s bad for the respiratory system. In the end, I spent a few hundred dollars replacing the soundproofing cotton and fixing the seals. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to walk around the car before getting out to ensure all windows are closed. Especially during the rainy summer season, such a small oversight can really ruin a good car.
For frequent car repairers, immediate action is required when windows get wet from rain. Rainwater intrusion not only dampens seats and floors but can also corrode the metal frame, weakening the car's structural integrity. More seriously, electronic devices like audio control panels can short-circuit when soaked, risking burnout or even fire hazards. Immediately open all car doors to air-dry; you can use a household fan to speed up the process or park in direct sunlight for exposure. If the floor mats are severely waterlogged, it's advisable to remove and clean them to prevent mold. If you detect strange odors or malfunctioning electronics, promptly visit a professional repair shop. Prevention is simple, such as installing automatic window lifters or regularly checking window seals.
