What to Do If the Rear Window Was Left Open During Heavy Rain and Water Got Inside the Car?
2 Answers
If water got inside the car due to heavy rain with the rear window left open, the first step is to assess the severity of the situation before taking action. Here are the detailed steps: 1. Severe Water Intrusion: Check the extent of water intrusion. If it's severe, it may involve water entering the electrical circuits. Avoid turning on any electronic devices if possible. Use a mechanical key to open the door and call a tow truck to take the car to a 4S shop for drying treatment. 2. Moderate Water Intrusion: If the water intrusion is not too severe, remove and clean items like floor mats and seat covers, then let them dry to prevent odors later. 3. Slightly Severe Water Intrusion: If the water intrusion is slightly severe and the car seats are soaked, drive the car to a detailing shop to have the seats removed and dried. Since car seats contain sponge material, failing to dry them properly may cause them to rot.
Oh, this situation is really annoying. I've encountered it before too—after a heavy rain, quite a bit of water accumulated in the trunk. You need to act quickly. First, dry the accumulated water, using towels or sponges to soak up as much moisture as possible, otherwise the carpets and interior could mold and get damaged. Then, check the electronic systems, like the audio system and wiring connections—they might already be short-circuited. It's best to unplug the power and avoid using the car temporarily. Next, find a dry place to let the car ventilate and air out. In summer, you can turn on the air conditioning to dehumidify. If the water intake is significant, you'll need to remove the seats and carpets for thorough treatment, and if necessary, take it to a repair shop for professional drying. Develop good habits, like confirming all windows are tightly closed before parking, setting phone reminders, or buying an automatic window closer to avoid such mishaps in the future. Regular maintenance of the car's drainage holes is also useful—it can reduce the risk of accidental water ingress.
