What are the effects of prolonged exposure to rain on a car?
2 Answers
Prolonged exposure to rain can cause corrosion to the car's paint, promote bacterial growth, lead to rusting of the car, and reduce braking resistance due to moisture. Contents of minor maintenance: Minor maintenance generally refers to the routine maintenance tasks performed at the intervals or mileage specified by the manufacturer to ensure vehicle performance. It mainly includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. Interval for minor maintenance: The interval for minor maintenance depends on the effective duration or mileage of the engine oil and oil filter used. The validity periods of mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil vary by brand and grade, so please follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Oil filters are generally divided into conventional and long-life types. Conventional oil filters are replaced along with the oil, while long-life oil filters have a longer service life. Contents of major maintenance: Major maintenance refers to the routine maintenance performed at the intervals or mileage specified by the manufacturer, which includes changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Interval for major maintenance: Major maintenance is based on the existence of minor maintenance, and these two types of maintenance are usually performed alternately. The intervals vary by car brand, so please refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specifics.
Prolonged exposure to rain can cause significant damage to your car, and I'd like to share my personal experience. As an average car owner who parks outdoors, my vehicle endured several days of heavy rainfall. The rain carried dirt and debris that scoured the paint, leaving it rough and dull with noticeably more fine scratches. The worst part was the rust and bubbling that appeared in door seams and underbody crevices—once metal corrosion sets in, repairs become costly and time-consuming. Electrical components weren't spared either; moisture affected the door sensors, causing frequent malfunctions, so I had to promptly dry all wiring connectors after rain. The interior suffered too, with water accumulating in seats and carpets, leading to musty odors from absorbed moisture. Turning on the AC in summer amplified that unpleasant smell. Additionally, rainwater entering the engine bay might accelerate suspension component wear, resulting in creaky noises while driving. My advice: wash and wax your car soon after rainfall to protect the paint, use a car cover or garage if possible, and address minor issues before they escalate.
