What to Do If You Forget to Close the Car Window in Heavy Rain and Water Gets Inside?
3 Answers
If a small amount of water enters the car due to leaving the window open in the rain, the impact is generally minimal. However, as a precaution, it's best not to turn on any electronic devices inside the car, such as lights or starting the engine, to prevent short circuits caused by water exposure. You can use the key to open the car door. If it's still raining, cover the car with an umbrella or waterproof cloth. Precautions for handling water inside the car in the afternoon: 1. Note 1: Wet seats may develop mold. Avoid using a hot air blower to dry them. If the seats have a heating function, you can use it to speed up water evaporation. After air-drying, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. For sponge seats, you can remove the entire seat and air-dry the sponge inside. 2. Note 2: Do not completely soak the carpet in water for scrubbing. On one hand, this can damage the adhesion between different layers of the carpet material. On the other hand, it may take a long time for the carpet to dry completely, affecting its usability and causing dampness inside the car.
If the car windows are left open during heavy rain and water gets inside, the first thing I do is cut off the power to prevent short circuits in the electronic devices. I use a large cloth to soak up the water on the seats, open all the doors for ventilation, and move the car into a garage if possible. Avoid turning on the air conditioning immediately, as the moisture can worsen the electrical issues. Remove and dry the seat cushions if possible, and lift the floor mats to wipe them dry. Don’t forget to check the carpets and the drainage holes under the car, as trapped water can lead to mold and odors. This can’t be delayed—the next day, I take it to the repair shop for a thorough inspection of the electrical system and seals.
Once I made the same mistake, and water accumulated half a finger deep in the car. I immediately turned off the engine and cut the power to avoid a more shocking repair bill. I removed the floor mats and wrung them out thoroughly, using old towels to press against the cloth seats to absorb water. For leather seats, it's crucial to quickly dry the folds and crevices to prevent bubbling. I parked the car in a shady, ventilated spot to dry for three days and even used a dehumidifier to blow air directly inside. I carefully checked the wiring and switches inside the door panels, and luckily, nothing was burnt out. Later, I stuck a prominent label on the window to remind myself and developed the habit of walking around the car before locking it.
