What to Do If a Bucket of Water Is Spilled in the Car?
2 Answers
If a bucket of water is spilled in the car, don't panic. If possible, scoop out the water first, then wipe up the remaining water. Open the car doors and, when the sun is strong, remove the seat covers and cushions to dry them. Generally, the rear seats can be pried open, and then use a towel to absorb any water underneath the seats. Since there is nothing under the rear seats, they can be safely used once dried. More details are as follows: 1. Water inside the doors: Summer brings more rain, so car owners should check if there is any water accumulation inside the doors. Water entering through deformed window seal strips is quite common, as many older vehicles have seal strips that are warped. Water inside the doors mainly affects the window control circuits, door locks, and window regulators. Rainwater can wash away the lubricant on these components, causing them to malfunction, and in severe cases, it can damage the window switch. 2. Water in the trunk: Water in the trunk is the least noticeable for car owners. Poor sealing of the trunk's seal strips or rear taillights can lead to water accumulation inside the car. Older cars and those that have had rear-end accidents should be checked for water accumulation in the spare tire area. If water is found in the trunk, the seal strips should be replaced promptly, and the taillight seals should be inspected.
Last time I accidentally spilled a bucket of water in the car, which gave me quite a scare. I immediately grabbed a towel to repeatedly soak up the water, starting with the seats and floor mats where water seeps in quickly and can leave stains. Then I opened all the car doors and windows to let the wind assist in drying, and even used a small fan to blow air for two hours. Later, I checked under the carpet and found it was still wet. Luckily, the water didn’t reach any electronic devices, otherwise it could have caused a short circuit and serious damage. If the weather is sunny, parking the car outside for a whole day can help evaporate the moisture, but be cautious of potential heat causing plastic deformation. Finally, I bought a car dehumidifier box and left it for a few days, which completely solved the problem without any mold. This incident reminded me to always keep a towel in the car for emergencies, especially since having kids at home makes spills more likely.
