Can Heavy Rain Damage a Car’s Engine? Here's the Truth!

When it rains, and it pours hard, commuting can be quite a challenge. Despite the traffic, rainy days may just be one main reason why some car owners who usually travel via public transportation opt to drive instead. Convenience and accessibility are some of the things commuters prioritize. But are these enough to bring your vehicles to the battlefield that is the wet roads during the rainy season? 

Sure, cars are primarily built to withstand any road type, no matter the weather. Many people think that rain is just water, with the idea that driving your car under the rain won’t really cause immediate damage to your car. But that doesn’t guarantee your car’s safety and exceptional condition in the long run. It still pays to check how rain can affect your car’s overall performance and condition to prevent any major damage in the future.

Why is driving in heavy rain dangerous?

1. Heavy rain can cause car breakdowns

It's inevitable to experience a car breakdown, especially in the midst of driving under strong, heavy rains. Most car breakdowns, especially for vehicles that are already old, take place during periods of wet weather because the damp causes problems with engines and electrical systems. 

No matter how high-tech and advanced your car is, cars are still not proven to be waterproof. Driving through puddles of deep, standing water causes water to get sucked into the engine which can cause car breakdowns or long-term damage to your car.

2. Prone to car accidents

It's no new thing that rain can be one of the biggest culprits for car breakdowns, which may domino into a bigger, more serious situation such as the occurrence of a car accident. Apart from the wet roads which already make driving a challenge, frequent car accidents occur due to the blurred line of sight caused by the hydrophobicity of the windshield – making it difficult to see through.

3. Rainfall is made up of harmful pollutants

Did you know that rainfall collects pollutants and contaminants from the air? The moment these droplets touch your car until it dries up, rainwater and pollutants will stick to the car and might even leave marks that can be difficult to remove.

Vehicles are mainly made of metal, and iron that’s present in the metal is not built to survive in water. Iron, when mixed with water will then produce rust that can cause deterioration and possibly greater damage in the future. This may bring a significant effect on the exterior of your car, but can also contribute to the decline of your car’s overall condition.

4. Rainfall can affect your car’s overall health

When driving during rain, rainwater enters critical parts of the car which can be beyond one’s control. If water enters through the engine inlet air tubing, the engine and other essential parts can be permanently damaged – making the car unstartable or slower than usual.

Other essential car parts that play a very vital role in safe driving might also be impacted by rainfall in ways you can’t imagine. You might not be giving it much attention but one of which is your headlights. Headlights are basically manufactured with a watertight seal, but wear and tear can damage this seal. Water droplets from the rain are at risk of being trapped at the headlights, caused by condensation that scatters around your headlights. This can affect the quality of light produced by your headlights, which may lead to road accidents.

How can I save my car engine from possible damage caused by the rain?

Plan routes ahead of time. 

Road closures and constructions are inevitable. Make sure you create a strategic plan of action in case this happens during your drive.

Assess the importance of driving during inclement weather.

If heading out can be postponed until after the rain, do so. This can help prevent possible complications your car might encounter.

Never skip your regular car checkups.

It helps to inspect your car before and after using it to see possible issues and have them resolved from the get-go.

Make sure to always pack an emergency kit in your car.

There can be unexpected turns of events along the road and you don’t want to be unprepared for last-minute issues.

Safety driving at all times.

Be mindful of the speed limits and road signs when driving. Ensure that you are comfortable with your driving speed and well-distanced to see far enough in front of you to appropriately make driving decisions.

Invest in quality protective gear that can safeguard your vehicle from rain and other accidents.

Prevention will always be better than cure, which also applies to your car’s overall health. Natural disasters are just around the corner. While one can never be truly prepared for it, at least you can protect your car from the impending major damage that might await you. 

If you think having your car washed by rain and rain alone is a smart thing, you might want to rethink that again. Maintaining your car shouldn't have to be so hard, or expensive as long as you know well how to best address your car’s care needs. 

A driver’s responsibility doesn’t just begin and end with safe driving. Maintenance and repair must be part of your priorities to ensure that your driving experience remains smooth and safe at all times. You don’t even need to be a pro or an automotive technician in order to do that. With enough knowledge and information about your car needs, you can surely keep your vehicle running safely for years to come.

Invest in your car’s safety and security with ClimaGuard

Start off by getting the right protective gear for your vehicle that’s built to withstand any weather condition. ClimaGuard is made with a military-grade, waterproof, snow-proof, recyclable material, offering the ultimate extreme weather protection against flood, rain, snow, UV, and dust. Aside from being durable, its lightweight and compact finish make it easier to store and use, which can easily be installed by only one person.

Order ClimaGuard HERE, To check out more car safety tips, make sure to visit our blog site.