Driving in the rain...yes or no?

[Vette Hunter]

I'm a new Vette owner, so bear with me. I know enough not to drive in the winter with the snow/salt, but will rain/wet roads in the spring/summer/early fall months have a seriously damaging impact on the undercarriage of my new car?

By the way, it's a white '02 convertible with black top, brand new. It's still at the dealership, as I got them to keep it inside until April sometime. Also, I "only" paid dealer's cost because they wanted to move this apparently old relic. :eyerole :cool

Thanks!

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Welcome to the CAC Vette Hunter! There are lots of Vette owners that drive their Vettes year round, including snowy winters. My 02 Coupe is in hibernation until at least March. I refuse to drive when their is salt, sand, pebbles, etc... flying around. After the winter and some good rains, I mean road cleaning type rains, there is no hesitation on my part to drive it. I will confess that my Vette has never been driven when I know it is going to rain. The rain will not hurt the undercarriage; just keep it clean!

Congrats on your new ride

 

[les]

I use to never think about it . Now since I do show the car almost every weekend during the Spring--Fall season. And having just replaced the hood insulator with custom painted one. I am trying to avoid getting caught in the rain.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Drive it!

But do try to avoid sand and salt. Rain water shouldn't hurt it a bit.
Heidi

 

[Crewzer]

Driving in the Rain!!!

Contrary to popular belief, Corvette's DO NOT melt in the rain!!! Drive it when ever you feel the urge!

 

[GS Diva]

I use to never think about it . Now since I do show the car almost every weekend during the Spring--Fall season. And having just replaced the hood insulator with custom painted one. I am trying to avoid getting caught in the rain.

This is also why we never intentionally drive our Corvettes in the rain...

Elaine

 

[Quicksilver2]

Driving in the Rain

What many people fail to seriously consider about this topic is their location. Like it or not, some highly industrialized regions experience rains that carry considerably higher levels of contaminants than non-industrialized (rural) regions. Some of these contaminants can be caustic to metals and plastics. The extent of potential damage they may cause depends on frequency and duration of repeated exposure.

At the end of the day, though, it all depends on what you want and expect from your Corvette. Mine's an all original model with low mileage. I expect a modest value appreciation over time. I drive it and enjoy it, but living in a town with a large chemical plant nearby, I don't drive it in the rain. That's the conventional wisdom in our local "club." Besides, I can't take the roof off if it's raining!!

Congrats on your new baby. You won't regret it.

 

[RubyDropTop]

Driving the car in the rain will not have a "damaging impact" on the undercarriage, it's just not going to keep it as clean as if you drive it only in dry weather conditions.

Since I show my car, I try very hard to avoid any chance of rain as it makes too much of a mess within the wheelwells, rims, undercarriage, etc. I will say that I did get caught in the rain once and it took me a few weeks to cosmetically get the car back to where I like it (even pulled all the wheels off).

But ultimately it's your car, so it's your call. Enjoy it as you wish and good luck with it.

 

[Phenom]

My Engine is immaculate, if I drive it in the rain, Im sure water and mist makes it into the engine compartment, and causes the engine to start soiling and looking dirty. Dry weather for me only, its safer also.

 

[c4ever]

Drive it like you stole it. Life's too short and washing and waxing is a good workout

But never ,never in the snow and salt.:nono

Carlo

 

[VAmagred01]

Driving in the rain isn't going to damage the car (unless it's acid rain of course) but it's not as pleasurable IMO.

Personally, I don't drive mine unless there's pure sunshine and no rain in the forecast. The ground has to be completely dry or my baby is staying in the garage.

I still cringe whenever I see a Vette out in bad weather but that's just my personal feelings......we sometimes have to remember it's just a car. I still treat mine like a new-born child.:cu

It's up to you....all I can say is "enjoy your Vette!" Congrats on your purchase!

 

[DkBG]

I don't take mine out on rainy days but liveing in Indiana , mine does get rained on . I'm not staying home worrying that it might rain . Life is full of things to do and see and I'm going to do and see them . Rain or shine . God DID make little green apples and it DOES rain in Indianapolis in the summertime ! Cliff

 

[Corvette-Pilot]

It's a car.
Cars are made to drive. It wont melt

 

[Daryllawman]

I agree with Corvette-Pilot.......drive the Vette......but if you drive it in the rain.....Have plenty of energy to clean it again.....They look great clean......

 

[kingman]

Just Enjoy!!!!!!

Don't lose your mind, we are not talking about anything exotic here, it's just a car. Now if you were talking about a Lambo or a Ferrari, or even a twin turbo Porsche, l would be concerned.

This is not a historic vehicle, or something rare, drive it and enjoy it before the depreciation socks it to you.

You do not get points or atta boys for keeping a clean, low mileage vette. Drive it!

The only reason l don't take mine out in bad weather is because the tires are made for dry roads only.

Oh! and l almost forgot, l hate to clean it more then once a week.

 

[JohnnyC]

I drive my vette year round, sadly in all weather. Its only a car. The only real problem is in the rainy conditions is with handling and acceration. Both are drastically reduced! You become much more hesitant. Its alittle more work, watching for hydroplaning, water filled pot holes, and patches of water. The vettes hydroplane easily. Just take it easy on turns and dont do anything stupid, and your fine. Also be prepared to experience leaks where the door, windshield and roof panel come together.

I can see for those that have show cars, etc... but for the rest of us, just drive it. I have seen plenty of vettes out on the same rainy days i am out. I feel bad for those that can only enjoy their cars 3-4 months out of the year.

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

I drive year 'round too.

With my first vette, a '78 PC, I drove it all year in Colorado. Including the snow! I only got stuck once. On the street that I lived actually.

With my new one, I have driven in all conditions though snow and ice scare me with those big old ski boat sized tires. However, with traction control and active handling I do feel a bit safer. It is quite hilly and curvy where I live in Germany.

 

[mellowyellow]

I'm with Kingman. I am a recent C5 owner and have driven it almost every day this winter (near Detroit). I try to wash it once a week, and spray the underside. But, with all the salt used on the roads, what is the REAL concern with corrosion? I'm not worried about cosmetics, and I don't expect to keep this car more than 5 years, but will I be dragging my butt on the road by next year?? Any experience out there?

 

[mapman]

I buy my cars to drive and I do not consider them "investments". I use them and enjoy them, they were made to be driven and they won't melt in the rain/snow.

However, if your primary interest is showing the car, then you are obviously going to want to limit its exposure to the elements.

I enjoy looking at these cars, but I enjoy driving them more. My preference is not any more, or any less, valid than another Corvette owner's choice as to how they enjoy their cars.

The only opinion that matters is YOURS, its YOUR car.

 

[Remo]

Help It's Meltingggggggggggggggggggggg

This post has been very enlighting. I was under the impression that:

1. Salt combined with snow could rust the frame over time.
2. Sand could pit the body surface.
3. Acid rain could etch the paint.

Now that I know better - I'm pulling it out the garage today a drive it.

Remo