Car parts that need to be checked immediately after driving in heavy rain for many days

After many days of driving in heavy rain, your car can still have many potential risks of damage that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. Even if you do not go through deep flooded areas, cars are not completely waterproof, rainwater can seep through gaps, rubber seals, and even seep into important parts in the engine compartment and interior.

Therefore, checking your car after several days of heavy rain is an important step to ensure safety and maintain the durability of your car. Below are the items you should pay attention to check, compiled from practical experience in the auto repair profession.

Check the outside of the car

Body and rubber gasket:The body of the car is the first line of defense against rain and wind, but water can still seep through aging rubber seals. So check the door, trunk, and hood seals for cracks, hardening, or tears, or the door sills for signs of water stagnation or mold. If the seals are damaged, water can penetrate and cause rust on the chassis and damage the interior.

Lighting system:Turn on all headlights, taillights, and turn signals to make sure they are working properly. Check carefully for condensation or water in the headlight housing. This is a sign of a damaged headlight gasket or cracked housing, which should be addressed promptly to avoid short circuits, reduced lighting efficiency, and bulb damage.

Unusual sounds during operation:If you hear screeching, grinding, or other unusual noises coming from the undercarriage of your car or when you brake after several days of heavy rain, this could be a sign that your suspension or brakes are compromised. In this case, take your car to a professional mechanic to have it checked out to avoid further damage.

Check the car interior

Floor mats and liners:Damp floor mats are a breeding ground for mold. Remove the mats, let them dry in the sun, and check the lining underneath for signs of water seepage. If there are signs of prolonged moisture and mold, it is likely that water has leaked from the door seals or the floor of the car.

Seats and door panels:Musty smells or water stains on the seats and door panels are signs of moisture intrusion. In this case, use a cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to clean it, and treat it early to prevent mold growth because it will affect the air quality in the cabin.

Power window switches and systems:Rain can easily get into the door compartment, affecting the motor and wiring. Try to operate all the glass doors, electric locks and rearview mirrors. If there is a slow operation or signs of jamming, water may have entered the motor or circuit. So the thing to do is to check the electrical system of the glass door early, you can use silicone oil sprayed into the glass groove to reduce friction and protect the gasket.

Check the engine compartment

Engine oil and transmission oil: Pull out the dipstick to check, if the oil is milky white or cloudy, the engine oil may be contaminated with water. If the oil is too thick, black or has a lot of residue, you should change the oil even before the maintenance period. With automatic transmissions, check the transmission oil as well because this part is often located low, easily affected when driving through flooded roads.

Cooling system:Check the radiator, fan, and condenser for leaves, debris, or dirt. Leaves and dirt can get stuck, blocking the cooling airflow and causing overheating.

Engine air filter:Remove the air filter and check for moisture or dirt. A wet air filter needs to be replaced immediately, as a wet air filter will reduce airflow to the engine and may even cause “hydrolock” if water gets into the combustion chamber.

Drive belt:When starting the car, listen carefully. If you hear unusual squealing or rattling noises, the belt or pulley may be contaminated with water or mud. This problem needs to be addressed promptly to avoid damage to the alternator, power steering pump or air conditioning.

Cleaning the engine compartment:After driving through flooded areas, you should thoroughly clean the engine compartment to remove mud and moisture. This helps prevent corrosion and protects electrical connections, ensuring stable engine operation.

In short, if you detect any unusual signs from strange noises, flickering lights to moldy interiors, take your car to a reputable garage for a thorough inspection by a mechanic.

Remember that regular inspections are not only important during the rainy season, but should become a year-round vehicle maintenance habit, helping your vehicle stay durable, safe and reliable on every journey.