What to do if your car switches are wet

Your vehicle's switches are electrical components. They control the vehicle's internal and external functions, which require low currents in some cases and high currents in others. These functions can be for lighting, accessories, heater control or power windows, just to name a few. No matter what the electrical component, they all have water in common.

Water is very harmful to electrical parts. Possible damage includes:

Blown fuses
Harness shorts
Corrosion on contacts and wiring
Possible fire
Short circuit breakers

It is not uncommon to notice that someone's window is ajar during rain or snow. If this happens, it is possible that the vehicle's switches will get wet, especially the power window and door lock switches.

If you notice any of the switches inside your vehicle getting wet with water, try to remove the water as quickly as possible. If water gets on the switches and gets into the contacts, damage is likely to occur.

Wipe off excess water microfiber cloth, towel or paper towel. Try to absorb water instead of moving it to prevent water from getting deeper into the switches.
DO NOT use the switches while they are wet. A wet switch is often fine as long as it is allowed to dry completely before being used again. Using a wet breaker allows standing water to penetrate deeper. Also, if the switch is used while wet, water may short circuit the switch, the wiring, or even cause electric shock.
Blow out the switch with compressed air. Use a can of compressed air to push as much moisture out of the switch as possible. It will dry the switch quickly, which means that water will not accumulate on the contacts, causing corrosion.

If the substance on your switches is not water, you will need to clean the switch to prevent it from sticking. Spray the switch with a can of electrical contact cleaner after it dries to remove as much contaminant as possible. Let the electrical contact cleaner evaporate completely before attempting to turn on the switch.

If your vehicle's switches get wet and stop working, see a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the faulty system as soon as possible.