Will a Car Parked Outside During a Heavy Rainstorm Get Water Inside?
2 Answers
Generally, a car won't get water inside during normal rain, but it might during a heavy rainstorm. A car parked in a garage during a heavy rainstorm or driven through deep waterlogged areas may get flooded, or water may enter the car if the windows are not properly closed during the rain. Driving a car through water can have adverse effects. Below are the relevant details: 1. Engine Flooding and Stalling: Driving through water may cause the car's engine to flood and stall, and it could also damage the vehicle's electronic systems. 2. Electronic System Damage: If the electronic systems are damaged, it will affect the normal operation of the car. Driving through water can also lead to rusting of the car's chassis. If water is sucked into the engine while driving through water, the engine will stall. If the electronic systems are damaged, they must be replaced immediately; otherwise, it will impact the car's normal operation.
Parking your car outside during heavy rain can indeed lead to water ingress, which I’ve personally experienced. Last summer, my car was parked in an outdoor lot, and after a heavy downpour, I found water pooling under the passenger seat and noticed a musty smell. The usual culprits are aging door seals or gaps around the windows that aren’t tight enough, allowing rainwater to seep in. Additionally, if the parking spot is in a low-lying area, water can more easily enter from underneath. This can damage interior carpets and seats, and even affect electronic systems, such as causing the radio or air conditioning to malfunction. I recommend regularly checking the condition of the seals, especially in older cars. If you must park outside, choose a slightly elevated slope or use a car cover, and check the interior for dampness immediately after the storm.
