At what water level does a submerged car start to be affected?

[Sam]

When a car is submerged to a height above half of the wheel, it starts to be affected. At this level, improper handling may lead to water entering the interior, engine, or transmission, posing significant risks. This can result in costly repairs and a substantial reduction in the vehicle's resale value. Below are the relevant details: Effects: First, it can damage the car's internal electronic control systems. Starting the engine after water ingress may cause immediate smoke, and water mixing with the oil can lead to engine seizure and total failure. Submerged electrical circuits may short-circuit, causing malfunctions in systems like ABS. Hazards: Submersion can easily cause rusting of body components, shortening the vehicle's lifespan and reducing safety performance. For example, water-damaged vehicles may experience wire corrosion and rust, leading to sudden stalling or spontaneous combustion due to short circuits while driving, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Additionally, the repair costs for water-damaged vehicles are extremely high, often exceeding 50% of the vehicle's value for severely submerged cars.