What Are the Effects of Water Entering Through Unclosed Car Windows?
2 Answers
Introduction to the effects of rain entering through unclosed car windows: Generally speaking, a small amount of rainwater splashing into the car or a large-scale water ingress will not damage the internal wiring system of the car, nor will it affect the mechanical system. This is because the car's circuit system is protected by sheathed wires and is not prone to issues. If abnormal car lights or other functional abnormalities are noticed during driving, it is advisable to have them inspected and repaired promptly. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. If rainwater seeps onto the carpets or floor mats, they should be taken out, cleaned, and dried. 2. After addressing the water accumulation issue, it is also necessary to perform a thorough disinfection inside the car to prevent lingering odors. 3. If there is water accumulation on the car floor, or if water has seeped beneath the floor covering, or if a musty smell persists after the car has been dried, it indicates that the floor lining beneath, including materials like sponge, has also become wet and moldy. In such cases, it is necessary to visit a professional auto repair shop to remove the seats and lift the floor lining for a thorough cleaning to eliminate the musty smell.
Last time I encountered a customer's car that had water intrusion because the windows were left open. The carpet inside was completely soaked, and over time it became moldy and deformed. Even worse, the wiring could short-circuit when soaked, causing the air conditioning controls to fail and throwing the entire system into chaos. The seats also needed inspection, as prolonged water exposure could rot the seat padding and rust metal components like door hinges, increasing repair costs. Quickly using a wet vacuum to extract the water is crucial, and turning on fans for ventilation to dry it out is necessary to prevent odors from affecting the cabin environment. In short, this issue must not be delayed—otherwise, repairs could cost thousands. I advised him to seek professional service immediately and develop a habit of closing windows or using smartphone reminder features to prevent recurrence.
