In today's unpredictable weather, it is inevitable that our cars will be affected by rain, especially prolonged heavy rain. Every part of the car, from the exterior to the interior, is susceptible to negative effects when exposed to continuous rain.
This not only affects the appearance and appearance of the vehicle, but can also lead to damage to important systems, threatening the safety of the driver and passengers. Problems such as rust, tarnish, mold, and electrical damage can appear if timely prevention and treatment are not taken.
Therefore, understanding the effects of rain on cars, as well as ways to protect cars in bad weather, becomes extremely necessary for every car owner. Knowing how to properly care for and maintain your vehicle will help prolong the vehicle's lifespan, while ensuring the safety and aesthetics of the vehicle throughout the driving journey.
This article details four important steps every driver should take after their vehicle has been exposed to prolonged rain, backed by expert advice and statistics from the industry. car.
Washing your car immediately after driving in heavy rain isn't just a matter of keeping it clean – it's an important step to prevent long-term damage.
According to a study by the Automotive Corrosion Prevention Council, vehicles exposed to prolonged moisture without proper cleaning are 5% more likely to develop rust within the first five years of use.
Why is car washing important:
Compare self-cleaning and professional car washing:
Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Self-wash | - Cost savings – Can be done immediately – Can be done regularly |
– Hard-to-reach areas may be missed – Limited equipment |
Professional car wash | – Clean thoroughly - Specialized equipment – Pay attention to the undercarriage |
– Higher costs – Appointments may be required in advance |
Checking under the hood, especially the belt system, is important to maintain vehicle performance and prevent unexpected damage.
A survey by the Car Care Council found that 23% of vehicles need belt replacement, and many owners don't realize the problem until it occurs.
Key areas to check:
Warning signs:
Brake systems are especially susceptible to water damage, making inspection and maintenance after rain extremely important for your safety.
According to the Vietnam Road Traffic Safety Administration, about 18% of vehicle accidents are brake-related, with wet and corroded brake parts being a significant factor.
Comprehensive brake check:
DIY brake maintenance:
Professional maintenance recommendations:
The Vietnam Automobile Maintenance and Repair Association recommends a comprehensive inspection of the brake system every 15.000 km or annually, whichever comes first. This period should be shortened for vehicles frequently exposed to wet conditions.
Well-functioning windshield wipers are essential for visibility during and after rainy conditions.
A study by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association found that faulty windshield wipers contribute to about 5% of weather-related accidents.
Wiper blade lifespan:
Signs of wear and tear:
Material comparison:
Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Longevity |
Natural rubber | – Clean well - Low cost |
– Quickly degrades under sunlight | 6 - 9 months |
– Long lasting – Good heat resistance |
– Higher costs – May cause noise |
12 - 24 months | |
Mixture | – Good all-round performance - Average life expectancy |
- Average costs | 9 - 18 months |
By following these 4 essential steps after driving in heavy rain, you can significantly extend the life of your vehicle, ensure optimal performance, and maintain safety on the road. Regular maintenance and timely attention to car care after the rain will help protect your investment and provide peace of mind in all weather conditions.
You should wash your car immediately after each driving in heavy rain or at least within 24 hours. Research from the Vietnam Automotive Research Institute shows that washing the car within 12 hours after exposure to rain can reduce the risk of corrosion by 85% compared to leaving the car for 3-4 days before washing. See detailed instructions How to wash your car at home Fast, simple, garage standard shared on the website.
To check the drainage system, look at the drainage holes at the bottom of the vehicle's doors and under the chassis. Pour a small amount of clean water into these areas and make sure the water flows out easily. If the water does not drain, the holes may be clogged. Statistics show that 30% of vehicles have drainage problems after 2 years of use, especially in humid climates.
Yes, checking the electrical system is important. Prioritize checking the battery, fuses, and electrical connections. According to data from the Vietnam Automobile Repair Association, about 15% of vehicle electrical incidents are related to damage caused by moisture after driving in heavy rain.
To protect the paint, wash the car immediately with clean water and a neutral pH car wash solution. Then, apply a layer of protective wax or ceramic coating. Research shows that vehicles protected with ceramic coating are 70% more resistant to acid rain than unprotected vehicles.
It is not necessary to change the oil sooner, unless the vehicle is flooded. However, it is recommended to check the oil level and viscosity more frequently. According to manufacturers' recommendations, the oil should be checked every 1000km for vehicles that frequently operate in wet conditions.
To prevent mold, do:
Research shows that keeping the humidity in your car below 60% can reduce the risk of mold growth by 90%. Watch now How to clean/deodorize a car Fast, simple and effective, applied by many car owners today.
Check the following areas:
Use a UV light to detect signs of water leaks. According to statistics, 40% of vehicles over 5 years old have waterproofing problems in at least one area.
It is not necessary to change the oil filter sooner, unless the vehicle is flooded. However, the oil filter should be checked more frequently to ensure there are no signs of water contamination. According to recommendations, the oil filter should be checked every 5000km for vehicles that frequently operate in wet conditions.
To protect sensors and electronic systems:
Research shows that regular maintenance can reduce sensor failures caused by moisture by 70%.
Yes, tire pressure should be checked after driving in heavy rain. Temperature and humidity can affect tire pressure. According to data from the Vietnam Road Traffic Safety Association, tires with the correct pressure can improve braking performance on wet roads by up to 20%.
To check the rust prevention system:
Research shows that vehicles that are regularly maintained and have a high-quality anti-rust coating can prolong chassis life by up to 30% compared to vehicles that are not properly protected.
Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:
* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.
To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.
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