Leaving car windows open during unexpected rain can lead to costly damage to interiors, yet most vehicles lack automation to prevent this. Even luxury cars with rain-sensing wipers don't automatically close windows, creating a gap in practical vehicle automation.

A Smart Solution for a Common Problem

One approach could involve a system that detects rain and triggers window closure. A small exterior sensor (optical or capacitive) could identify raindrops, or the system might leverage existing car sensors or weather APIs. When rain is detected, it would automatically roll windows up to a safe position and notify the driver. This could work as either:

• Built-in feature in new vehicles
• Aftermarket add-on using OBD-II or wired connections for older cars

Who Benefits and Why It Makes Sense

This could serve everyday drivers in unpredictable climates, fleet operators looking to reduce damage costs, and parents concerned about children or pets in vehicles. For manufacturers, it could become a premium feature, while aftermarket suppliers might develop retrofit kits. Insurance companies might even offer discounts for equipped vehicles.

Making It Happen

Starting simple with an aftermarket MVP could allow testing core functionality. A clip-on sensor with smartphone integration could demonstrate proof of concept before pursuing car manufacturer partnerships. Key considerations would include sensor accuracy, power efficiency, and integration with existing safety features like anti-pinch mechanisms.

Unlike current rain-sensing wipers or manual window modules, this approach would create autonomous protection specifically for vehicle interiors. It could potentially expand to integrate with other smart car features while creating new data opportunities from aggregated weather observations.