Power Wheels vehicles are quite an investment. So, it’s only natural to know its limitations and the level of maintenance you need to exert.
With that, it makes sense to ask if these ride-on cars are waterproof. After all, water is not exactly friendly to battery-operated machines.
So, here’s the thing.
Power Wheels cars are not exactly waterproof. However, it’s not going to break down immediately once it gets wet. But the damage it can bring to your battery and electrical wirings can be enough to flush your money down the drain.
Now you may wonder how you can clean or wash Power Wheels if it’s not waterproof. Fortunately, these ride-on cars are can still tolerate a certain level of wetness.
But if we’re talking about full-on water exposure, you may have to carry out several precautionary measures.
Anyway, here’s everything you need to know about Power Wheels and how to protect them from water damage.
Can Power Wheels Get Wet?
We’ve established earlier that Power Wheels can’t get wet.
Primarily, the problem with ride-on vehicles getting exposed to water constantly is that they tend to sustain damage from molds and corrosion. And as you may already know by now, rusts are like cancers to machines. They degrade the frame and leave critical sections dysfunctional.
In the case of Power Wheels, here are the parts affected by water damage.
Electrical Wiring
The wirings that connect the battery to the control unit of the ride-on car should always be dry. That’s why they are usually placed inside a protective plastic case.
However, if it is run down by water frequently, there’s a chance that the wires will short circuit and burn. And if that happens, you can expect that the Power Wheels car seizes to start anymore.
Battery
When the Power Wheels vehicles get wet, the first thing you need to check is the battery. Next, you have to assess if it’s working or not. If it’s fine, then you’re going to have to skip the added burden of buying a new battery.
However, if you completely lose the battery function, you will have to test it before looking for a new battery.
You can use a voltmeter. For example, a 6-volt battery should get a reading of not less than 5 volts. On the other hand, a 12-volt battery would have at least a 10.5 volt reading.
Check out Amazon’s listing on Power Wheels Batteries.
Wheels
Most Power Wheels vehicles have plastic wheels instead of rubber. Plastic wheels are lighter, allowing younger kids to maneuver the car.
However, one problem with plastic is that it will eventually deteriorate if it is constantly exposed to weather changes. Plus, there’s a chance that molds can grow to plastic if it sustains the right conditions.
Seats
Wet seats aren’t fun to sit on. Your child will definitely find it uncomfortable. But what’s worst about that awkward wet sensation is the potential mold growth on the seats.
Naturally, if your Power Wheels car got wet one time, it’s less likely that molds would feast on the seating. But, if water exposure is consistent, expect different types of mold and mildew on its surface.
Foot Pedal
Ride-on cars, in general, do not have any drainage on their flooring.
So, when your Power Wheels accumulated lots of water in its interior, one part you should absolutely check is the foot pedal. If it’s a wire-powered foot pedal switch, exposing it to water may lead to corrosion. And if that’s certainly the case, you will have to replace the pedal altogether.
Can You Use Power Wheels in the Snow?
No, it’s not recommended to use Power Wheels in the snow as it could damage the ride-on car permanently. Remember, Power Wheels vehicles are not waterproof or water-resistant.
So, when it is exposed to snow, which is essentially water, to begin with, the batteries, wirings, and other metallic parts can develop rusts. In the same way, given the temperature of the weather, it may encourage mold and mildew growth.
This is why most parents choose to store their kids’ Power Wheels over winter. But aside from damages the ride-on car can acquire from the snow, there’s also the concern for driving safety.
What Happens if You Leave the Power Wheel Outside in the Rain?
The last thing you want to do is keep your Power Wheels outside when it’s pouring. Again, Power Wheels vehicles are not designed to withstand the rain, let alone a heavy downpour.
So, leaving it outside to get wet is a recipe for surefire deterioration. You might end up buying new parts or replacing the entire ride-on car altogether.
It is best to store Power Wheels indoors. However, if you don’t have a garage, there are other options you can consider. Learn more about practical Power Wheels storing ideas when you click here.
On the other hand, if you must leave the Power Wheels outside, make sure you cover every inch of it.
What Should You Do When Power Wheels Get Wet?
It goes without saying, but the first thing you need to do when your Power Wheels get wet is to check and dry the parts exposed to water.
Start with the battery. Check how much water it sustained and dry the entire unit. Bring along the compartment and make sure there’s no moisture left. Once it’s completely dry, charge the battery and test if it’s still working.
Next, dry the other parts of the ride-on car. Use an absorbent towel to wipe off water and speed up the drying process.
You can leave the Power Wheels to dry under the heat of the sun. Also, you can use a leaf blower to dry the interior parts. However, you have to take caution in doing this.
If the Power Wheels still won’t work after it’s dried, then perhaps it’s time to go to a service center and have it checked.
How Do You Store and Protect Your Power Wheels From Water Damage?
Taking care of any Power Wheels car includes a great deal of strategizing its storage.
As a rule of thumb, don’t leave your Power Wheels outside. Even if it’s not raining, the shifting in the daily temperature can slowly degrade the parts of your ride-on car.
Furthermore, it’s always best to clean it up before covering or hanging it on your garage wall.
Remove the dirt on the wheels and pat any wet spot with a dry towel. Likewise, consider covering the ride-on car with fabric if you are storing the ride-on car for a long time.
Moreover, avoid placing the Power Wheels car in areas prone to leaks. Stir it away from water pipes as well.
Final Thoughts
It’s frustrating if your kid’s Power Wheels starts to have poor performance let alone malfunction completely. Of course, it could be due to many factors, but if the ride-on car was exposed to water, that’s the first thing you have to look into.
Whether it’s left outside in the rain or used on a snowy track, water damage can cause enough trouble affecting the critical parts of the Power Wheels.
So, always keeps in mind that ride-on cars like Power Wheels are not waterproof. Therefore, when caring for the said toy, always consider the necessary precautions against water exposure.