Car parts to check 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 drive through deep flooded areas, cars are not completely waterproof, rainwater can seep through gaps, rubber seals, and even seep into important parts of the engine compartment and interior.

W-rainy day.jpg — *Drivers should get into the habit of quickly checking their vehicles after driving for several consecutive days of heavy rain. Photo: Ngo Minh*

Therefore, checking your car after many 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 seals: The body 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 seep in, causing rust on the chassis and damage to 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 headlight housing, which should be addressed promptly to avoid short circuits, reduced lighting efficiency, and bulb damage.

Unusual sounds when operating: When driving after several days of heavy rain, if you hear a squealing, grinding or strange sound coming from the undercarriage of the car or when braking, it may be a sign that the suspension or braking system has been affected. In this case, take the car to a repair shop for a professional mechanic to check it to avoid more serious damage that may occur.

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 water seepage. If there are signs of long-term moisture and mold, it is possible that water has leaked from the door seals or the floor of the vehicle.

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

Switches and electric window systems: Rain can easily get into the door compartment, affecting the motor and wiring. Try operating all the windows, electric locks and mirrors. If there is a slow operation or signs of jamming, water may have entered the motor or circuit. So it is necessary to check the electric system of the glass door early, you can use silicone oil to spray 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, the oil should be changed even before the maintenance period. For 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 for leaves, debris, or dirt on the radiator, evaporator, or fan. Check the radiator, fan, and condenser. Leaves or 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 should be replaced immediately, as a wet air filter will reduce airflow to the engine and may even cause “hydro-lock” if water gets into the combustion chamber.

Drive Belt: When starting the vehicle, listen closely. 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.

Clean 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 maintenance habit to keep your car durable, safe and reliable on every journey.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nhung-bo-phan-o-to-can-kiem-tra-ngay-sau-khi-lai-xe-duoi-troi-mua-lon-nhieu-ngay-10305320.html