Should I Dry My Car After Parking It in the Garage When It's Rained?
3 Answers
It is advisable to dry your car, otherwise the body is prone to accumulate dust and other debris. Additionally, drying the car serves as a form of protection, reducing the risk of rust caused by moisture. Here are some methods to protect your vehicle during rainy days: Timely Cleaning: After driving in heavy rain, it's essential to wash your car promptly to prevent mud from accumulating in the gaps underneath the vehicle. Paint Protection: The acidic components in rainwater can severely corrode the car's paint. Over time, this can damage the paintwork. Therefore, during seasons with frequent rainfall, it's best to give your car a paint restoration treatment.
I always take a few minutes to dry my car before parking it in the garage after rain. Years of car maintenance experience have taught me that rainwater is more harmful than imagined. If water accumulates on the car body and is not dealt with promptly, evaporation under sunlight can leave unsightly water spots, which over time can make the paint look faded. Extra caution is needed for water trapped in door seams and window frames, as these areas' rubber seals are most prone to aging and cracking. Once, I neglected to dry the car, and a few weeks later, I noticed the edges of the sunroof seal starting to turn white—the mechanic said it was due to prolonged exposure to rainwater. Now, I make it a habit to keep a microfiber cloth in the trunk. After the rain stops, I quickly dry the roof, hood, and door handles—flat surfaces where water tends to pool—and check if the drainage holes are clogged with leaves. Special attention is given to drying water off the headlight covers, as moisture can affect nighttime visibility. I also rinse off mud splashes on the tires, as acidic dirt can corrode the rims.
As the son of an auto repair shop owner, I've seen too many maintenance cases caused by water accumulation. Rainwater is an invisible killer of car paint, especially acid rain near industrial areas, which can corrode the clear coat layer and create swirl marks when dried. Water trapped in the seal grooves is even more troublesome, as it breeds mold that produces musty odors and causes the rubber to harden and deform. I have my own routine for drying cars: first, open all four doors for ventilation, use a squeegee to push water off the roof, and pay special attention to curved areas like side mirrors and emblem recesses—these spots are most prone to retaining water droplets. Remember to lift the wiper blades and dry the rubber strips, otherwise, sticking to the glass can shorten their lifespan. During the rainy season, it's advisable to apply a paint coating monthly to effectively resist water stain formation.
