Will there be any impact if the engine hood is not closed tightly during rain?
2 Answers
If the engine hood is not closed tightly during rain, there will be impacts. When it rains, if the hood is open, rainwater can enter the air filter through the gaps between the car's hood and headlights. If the drainage valve's function is compromised, rainwater may enter the engine through the intake pipe, causing the engine to fail to start. In minor cases, you can remove the distributor cap, dry it with a tissue, and reinstall it. If there is severe water ingress, professional repair is needed. When the car's hood is properly closed, the engine's air filter provides some waterproofing. A small amount of rainwater entering the engine's intake pipe will be blocked by the air filter, preventing direct entry into the engine. If the car stalls in water, ensure the engine intake does not inhale more water while prioritizing personal safety, and park the car in a safe location. If the car stalls in water, never attempt to restart it, as this can cause irreversible damage to the engine. Instead, push the vehicle out of the deep water area immediately while ensuring safety, and park it in a secure place. If water enters the intake tract, the air filter must be replaced, and the water in the combustion chamber must be drained by removing the spark plugs. The specific steps should be: Open the engine hood, disconnect the cylinder wires, remove the spark plugs, then start the engine. The water in the engine cylinders will be expelled through the spark plug holes. Hold the key in the start position for 5 seconds, release it, wait 10 seconds, and then start the engine again for 5 seconds. Repeat this process three times to effectively drain all water from the engine.
A few days ago, I also forgot to close the hood properly while driving, and it happened to rain heavily, causing significant issues. Water directly poured into the engine bay, potentially wetting the battery terminals first, leading to short circuits or poor contact, and in severe cases, difficulty starting or even failure to ignite. Worse, if water enters electronic modules like the ECU or fuse box, it could damage these sensitive components, resulting in expensive and troublesome repairs. When I dealt with it myself, I immediately pulled over and used a cloth to absorb the water, but I still had to send it for inspection later, only to find signs of rust. In the long run, impurities in rainwater can accelerate metal corrosion, affecting engine lifespan. So, on rainy days, it's essential to develop the habit of checking to ensure the hood is securely closed, avoiding these unnecessary losses.
