Can a Car Be Driven After Being Submerged in Water?
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It is advised not to drive or use a car after it has been submerged in water. It must be inspected and repaired before use. If the vehicle is submerged while stationary, the engine is generally not damaged. However, attempting to start and drive the vehicle out of the submerged area may cause engine damage. Vehicle Water Submersion Inspection and Repair: Engine Inspection: Check whether the engine cylinders have taken in water, as water ingress can bend the connecting rods and damage the engine. If it is determined that water has entered the engine, the spark plugs should be removed first to manually cut off the fuel supply and ignition systems. Then, use an electric motor to rotate the engine, allowing the water inside to be expelled. Check the fluids in various systems: Inspect the condition of the fluids in the vehicle's systems to prevent foaming, cloudiness, or other signs of fluid deterioration due to water ingress, which can lead to loss of lubrication. Additionally, water may carry sand particles, causing excessive engine wear. In such cases, the relevant components should be cleaned promptly, and the affected fluids should be replaced. Remove interior items: If the water level rises above the doors, water is likely to enter the cabin. Rainwater is not clean and contains many impurities. The post-submersion car interior becomes a highly humid greenhouse environment, ideal for mold growth. If the vehicle is not dried in time, mold spots can damage the fabric and leather materials inside the car.
