At what water level can a car not start?
2 Answers
A car cannot start if water reaches the exhaust pipe, as the engine may already be flooded. Starting the engine under such conditions can damage internal components. Below are specific details about water-damaged vehicles: 1. Vehicle damage: If encountering flooded areas, it is best to stop and avoid risks. This way, even if the water level suddenly rises and the car is submerged, compensation can still be claimed. However, if the vehicle is forced to drive through water, causing engine flooding and damage, only those with water ingress insurance can claim compensation. Damage caused by improper personal operation is not covered by insurance, and the insurance company may refuse to pay. 2. Natural disaster claims: Generally, if a vehicle is insured, there is a contract between the owner and the insurance company, with clear stipulations in the insurance policy.
Last time I saw a flooded car at the repair shop, they said if the water level is above the wheel center, don't start the engine. The engine air intake is usually behind the grille, and if water gets sucked in, it can bend the piston rods, commonly known as hydro-lock. I've seen cases where people thought it was fine as long as the engine didn't stall, but three days later the transmission fluid emulsified, costing over ten thousand to fix. Even if you don't start the engine, water above the chassis level can cause circuit board corrosion, leading to failures in components like window controllers. If your car gets flooded, the first thing to do is take photos for insurance claims—never get tempted to turn the key. Towing fees are much cheaper than engine repairs.
