Will a Car Get Damaged If Left Outside in the Rain?
3 Answers
Prolonged exposure to rain can corrode the car's paint and electrical circuits. Extended information on vehicle maintenance is as follows: 1. After a car gets wet in the rain, it needs to be washed immediately: The reality is that rainwater is acidic and can erode the car. Rainwater also contains many impurities. Therefore, car owners must remember to wash their cars again after they have been exposed to rain. 2. Do not leave the car in direct sunlight after washing: If the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, leaving a car with water droplets in direct sunlight can cause the high temperature to burn the paint. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the car in the morning or evening during summer. 3. Do not use laundry detergent or dish soap as car wash liquid: Avoid using laundry detergent or dish soap as substitutes for car wash liquid. Long-term use of such cleaning products can corrode the car's paint and cause it to lose its shine. 4. Pay attention to cleaning details: When washing the car yourself, areas such as the chassis, windshield wipers, and window gaps often accumulate dust, impurities, and leaf debris. Use specialized cleaning agents on these stains, let them soften, and then wipe them away.
After driving for more than a decade, I've found that occasionally getting caught in the rain isn't a big deal for cars. Modern car paints have protective coatings, so short-term exposure to rain won't damage the paint. However, long-term parking in the rain is a different story—especially for white paint, which tends to yellow. Parking under trees can also lead to a buildup of tree sap and bird droppings, which are highly corrosive. Once, after a two-week business trip with my car parked under a tree, I returned to find the sunroof drainage holes clogged and the carpets moldy, costing me thousands in repairs. Now, I always check the sunroof seals for cracks before parking. If I'm leaving the car for an extended period, I make sure to use a car cover—otherwise, the musty smell from damp interiors is really hard to get rid of.
It rains frequently in our area, and we've summarized some practical tips: Occasionally getting caught in the rain is really no big deal, cars aren't that delicate. However, be cautious if it's continuously exposed to rain for a week, especially for older cars where rust spots on the chassis can accelerate corrosion. After the rain, remember to promptly take it to a car wash to rinse off any acid rain residue, and avoid using automatic car washes that might harshly brush the paint. Pay special attention to checking the drainage holes in the engine compartment; a colleague's car once had its ECU module short-circuit due to willow catkins clogging the holes. When parking, covered spots are the first choice. If that's not possible, use a sunshade to cover the windshield, which at least can reduce rubber seal aging.
