What are the effects of a lot of rainwater entering through the car window?
2 Answers
When a significant amount of rainwater enters through the car window, it can have several negative effects: First, it may damage the vehicle's electronic systems, causing short circuits. Second, it can corrode the car's paint. Third, it may damage the seat cushions. Fourth, the resulting dampness inside the car can breed bacteria. Below are some post-rain car maintenance tips: 1. Wash the car promptly: Urban rainwater is typically acidic and may carry sticky substances that adhere to the car when the water evaporates, making them difficult to remove. Therefore, car owners should not be lazy after rain and should send their vehicles to a 4S shop or a professional car detailing shop as soon as possible for thorough cleaning. Pay special attention to cleaning the gaps under the doors and the mud inside the wheel hubs, ensuring these areas remain dry. Also, clean any dirt on the car's chassis. 2. Paint care: Rainwater often contains acidic substances that can corrode the outer glossy layer of the car's paint. Additionally, rainwater carries invisible dust particles that, when exposed to sunlight, can produce a large number of oxides. Therefore, it's best to perform a paint treatment after rain, with waxing being a simple and effective method. 3. Brake system maintenance: Most car braking systems use a dual-circuit vacuum-assisted hydraulic system, and the brake fluid, which transmits braking force, is highly hygroscopic. If rainwater enters the brake fluid, it can cause braking failure or even complete loss of braking. During maintenance, it's essential to check the brake fluid and any water marks on the brake discs to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. 4. Chassis maintenance: The chassis is prone to being hit by splashed mud and stones, which can lead to rust due to moisture. The wheel housings may even become loose or develop holes. Therefore, it's crucial to perform regular cleaning and rust-proofing treatments on the car's chassis. A single rust-proofing treatment can last up to three months.
Once I parked my car in a heavy rainstorm with the window slightly open, and rainwater poured in, completely soaking the carpet. After two days, it still hadn't dried, and mold started growing inside the car, emitting a sour smell. I ended up spending over 500 yuan to clean the interior. Even worse, the electrical system short-circuited, causing the AC fan to stop working, and I had to replace parts at the repair shop, costing over a thousand yuan. Since then, I frequently check the window seals to prevent aging and leaks. Rainwater can also corrode metal components, like rusting inside the door, causing window mechanisms to jam and shortening the car's lifespan. If not addressed promptly, it could even affect safety systems. So, I recommend drying any leaks immediately and applying anti-corrosion treatments.
