On a rainy day, most people breathe a sigh a relief, thinking that the rain will wash off their car and make it clean. However, rain surprisingly does way more harm than good to your vehicle. If you’re a car owner, you should know the repercussions of leaving your car out in the rain.
Here are some of the ways your car can be affected by rainwater:
Rainwater Contains Harmful Pollutants
As the rain falls, it collects pollutants and contaminants in the air. Most people like to believe that rain makes their vehicles clean. However, it actually makes your car dirtier.
After a rainfall, the pollutants and contaminants that the rain collects stick to your car and potentially damage your car’s paint. It’s always suggested to wash your vehicle after it rains to avoid harmful effects.
If you can, park your vehicle inside your garage. There are also outdoor car canopies available that will help keep your car protected from the rain.
Rain Can Cause Mildew Growth In Vehicles
Even if your windows remained closed during a rain shower, the dampness and mildew could still make their way into your car. Mildew and mold in your vehicle can be harmful and cause reactions to the body such as inflamed airways, nasal congestion, chest tightness, coughing, and more. In extreme cases, a high level of enclosed dampness can cause health problems like asthma.
If you notice moisture in your vehicle after it rains, make sure you clean it immediately to avoid harmful effects.
Headlight Malfunctions Caused by Rain
Your headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal. However, your vehicle’s age, and natural wear and tear, can weaken or damage your seal. If this happens, condensation can begin to form inside of your headlights, which can severely impact your visibility during a rainstorm. If you notice water droplets inside of your headlights, you should get it addressed immediately.
Rain can Affect Your Engine.
Have you ever been told not to drive through large puddles? Well, there’s a reason for that. While it’s raining, rainwater enters into the most critical parts of your car, and your vehicle’s electrical parts get affected. If water makes it to your engine inlet air tubing, you may notice that your engine is giving you trouble starting, is slower than usual, or in extreme cases, permanently damaged.
Always avoid driving through puddles, because it can easily lead to an engine flameout or scrapping.
Rain Often Leads to Accidents
There is often a peak in the number of traffic accidents during rainy seasons because visibility is often very difficult in the rain. Make sure your car has the right equipment it needs to help keep you safe on the road.
Here are some of our tips for driving in the rain:
Double Check Your Vehicle’s Equipment
Before you head out on the road, make sure your car’s equipment is working. Check areas like your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers because you will need these features to help you drive safely on the road. Also, double-check the tread of your tires because it can severely impact traction on slick roads.
Use High-Quality Windshield Wipers
Using high-quality windshield wipers will significantly help you navigate the roads better during a rain shower. Even in light rain, your windshield wipers should always be on, and they’ll help clear moisture from the glass!
Avoid Harsh Braking
Keep in mind that stopping your vehicle in the rain will be a lot more complicated than usual. Always make sure you are giving the car in front of you more distance than usual so you can brake safely.
To safely slow down your vehicle, take your foot off the accelerator earlier than you usually would before you hit the break. Also, avoid using cruise control during these conditions.
Contact An Expert for Your Vehicle Repairs
If you notice something isn’t right with your vehicle before or after a rain shower, make sure you get your vehicle serviced with trusted experts. At AV Bumper to Bumper, our skillful mechanics and machinists will quickly diagnose your problem and get your vehicle returning to running smoothly.
Contact us today for more information on our quality repairs and superior services!
