Will the car parked outside get flooded in a heavy rainstorm?

[SpencerDella]

If the water rises and submerges more than half of the tires, the engine may get flooded. Below is relevant information about starting the car after it gets flooded: 1. Water level height: If the water level does not exceed the engine, because the engine's cylinders from the oil pan and the cylinder block have very tight sealing performance, water damaging the engine can only enter the interior if the water level remains higher than the engine for a long time. 2. Hazards of car flooding: The air resonator box is located between the air intake and the intake hose. Its function is to reduce intake noise, stabilize and smooth the airflow, and prevent a small amount of rainwater from entering the combustion chamber. This component is generally positioned between the front wheel and the front bumper, where water can easily reach. Once the resonator has water, a large amount of water will be sucked into the combustion chamber when starting the engine. The incompressibility of water can cause devastating damage to the engine connecting rods, which is the fundamental reason why starting the engine is strongly discouraged in flood conditions. The starter is usually installed at the bottom end of the engine block and is easily submerged in water. Since the starter does not have the high airtightness of the engine, water can quickly penetrate its interior. Starting the engine under such conditions may cause an internal short circuit in the starter, leading to burnout.

[DeMargaret]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I remember one time when I parked my car outside during a heavy rainstorm. The next day, the interior was completely flooded, costing me hundreds to clean the seats and carpets. The reason was simple: the drainage holes at the bottom of the doors were clogged with leaves, allowing rainwater to seep in through the gaps. Additionally, the drainage channels under the wipers were a bit aged. Modern car designs take waterproofing into account, with sturdy sealing strips, but if the rubber strips harden or crack over time, or if the windows aren’t closed tightly, water can still seep in under heavy rain. It’s advisable to check the seals on doors and sunroofs before heavy rain and regularly clean the drainage holes to significantly reduce the risk. When parking, try to choose higher ground where water can easily drain. If water does get inside, don’t rush to start the car—first ventilate and dry the interior to prevent short circuits or mold.

[VonNolan]

Having worked in an auto repair shop for many years, I've seen numerous cases of cars suffering water ingress due to heavy rain. The vehicle body itself has waterproof designs, such as rubber seals around door frames and sunroof drainage channels, which generally hold up well during heavy downpours. However, if the car is older, with aging or deformed seals, or if the sunroof drainage pipes are clogged (e.g., by debris), rainwater can easily seep into the interior, soaking the carpets and even damaging electronic components. A handy tip: After each rain, check for water stains inside, especially in the trunk and wheel arch areas. You can also use a high-pressure washer to test for leaks yourself. For prevention, it's advisable to inspect the sealing system annually or temporarily cover the roof with a rain shield. The key is not to ignore the issue—untreated water ingress can lead to mold and rust, compromising driving safety.

[LeRemington]

Buddy, normally if you park your car outside and it rains a little, it's usually fine—new cars have good sealing. But if there's a heavy downpour with a lot of water, rain might seep in through the gaps around the windows or door handles, especially in older cars where the rubber seals are worn. I remember last time my car was parked in heavy rain for half an hour, and the floor mats got a bit damp—had to quickly wipe them dry and turn on the fan to air it out. Make it a habit to double-check that all windows are tightly closed before parking, and don’t leave any gaps in the sunroof. If you have a garage, use it. If not, try parking on higher ground to reduce the risk of flooding. In case water does get in, check the floor drain valves and make sure the motor area doesn’t get soaked. Basically, it’s safe most of the time, but don’t be too careless—just take a quick look regularly.

[DakotaLynn]

I'm particularly concerned about my family's health. Previously, during heavy rain, I parked the car in the yard, and due to poor door sealing, water seeped into the car, causing high humidity and mold growth inside, which isn't good for my child's breathing. Indeed, when parked outside during heavy rain, water can enter the car, especially if the drainage holes at the bottom of the doors are blocked or the rubber seals have aged, causing rainwater to accumulate inside. Modern cars have good rain protection designs, but prolonged exposure to sun and rain can make the rubber seals brittle. It's advisable to temporarily cover the windows with plastic bags or use professional rain covers before heavy rain arrives. If water ingress is discovered afterward, immediately ventilate and dehumidify the car, or even seek professional cleaning to prevent bacterial growth and health impacts. The key point is to regularly check the car's sealing components and choose dry parking spots to reduce risks. This makes me feel much more at ease.