If you’ve ever left the top down – or a window open – during a rain storm, you know that drying out a car can take an eternity. Drying rugs, clothes, even home carpets; none of them even compare. What makes it so hard for cars to dry? There is no single answer, but a collective of factors behind the scenes.

Air Flow

Probably the most apparent factor is the shape of cars in general. They are built to be secure enclosed spaces, which makes it hard for air to circulate and moisture to escape. Even with all the doors and the sun roof (if you have one) open, areas below the seat and under the dashboard still won’t have optimal ventilation.

Weather

The weather is a near absolute factor in determining how quickly a car will dry out. Unlike in a house, where the inside as a whole will stay dry, even if the floor of one room is wet, cars are much smaller. One soaked seat will create a humid atmosphere that will affect the entire vehicle. Therefore, drying a car must normally use the outside air in order to be effective. Humid environments outside do not bode well for removing moisture. In such cases, it’s often better to rely on a dehumidifier until the weather changes.

Location and Safety

Not everyone can leave their car outside with the doors open and expect it to stay put for long. We often resort to trying to dry them out in garages. The reduced air flow will lead to longer drying times.