Will leaving the sunroof open in the rain cause any damage?
2 Answers
Yes, it will cause damage. It can lead to moisture inside the car, making the interior upholstery prone to mold growth, and leather seats can be damaged. If a large amount of water enters, excessive moisture inside the car can cause electrical short circuits. If water enters the engine, it may render the engine unusable. Precautions for rainy days: Close windows: When driving in the rain, it is best to completely seal the doors, windows, and sunroof to prevent rainwater from entering and causing moisture inside the car. Drying treatment: If you forget to close the sunroof and rainwater enters, perform drying treatment. Try to wipe dry any accumulated water inside the car and ventilate it. You can replace the seat cushions and floor mats and dry them in the sun when it's out. You can also place a dehumidifier box inside the car to absorb moisture.
A while ago, I forgot to close the sunroof when it rained, and the car interior turned into a swimming pool—the carpets and seats were completely soaked, with a musty smell lingering for days. I even spent hundreds to have it cleaned and disinfected. If left untreated, mold could grow under the seats, affecting respiratory health, and water entering electronic components could corrode connectors, causing issues like speaker or sunroof switch failures. My advice is to dry it immediately—use a hairdryer or let it air out for a few hours, but don’t just tackle the surface; lift the carpets to check for hidden water. Next time, make it a habit to double-check the sunroof is fully closed before leaving the car. Cutting corners isn’t worth the hassle and repair costs—I’ve learned this oversight really isn’t worth it.
