Can a car be driven if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water?
3 Answers
Can a car be driven if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water? Yes, but it should be driven at a low gear and constant speed. When the engine is running, it forces exhaust gases out, creating higher pressure inside the exhaust pipe than the surrounding environment. Therefore, even if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water, it will not cause the engine to stall. In such a situation, the car should be driven in a low gear at a steady speed. In a low gear, the engine has sufficient power to overcome additional resistance. Additional information: Specific definition of a water-damaged vehicle: A vehicle begins to accumulate water, and internal components suffer damage due to water exposure. Water-damaged vehicles have corresponding flood levels. Flood level classification: Level 1—water just reaches the vehicle's chassis; Level 2—water submerges half of the wheels; Level 3—water almost completely submerges the tires; Level 4—water reaches the engine hood; Level 5—water completely submerges the engine hood; Level 6—water submerges the roof.
As a veteran driver with over twenty years of experience, I know full well that you should never drive if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water. Water can flow backward into the engine through the exhaust pipe, causing what's known as engine hydro-lock or hydrolock, where water fills the cylinder's compression space, instantly bending the piston or snapping the connecting rod. The repair cost for this kind of damage is exorbitant, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Once, I encountered a flooded road during heavy rain—I didn't dare start the engine and had someone help push the car to higher ground. A later inspection showed no issues. Had I driven, the engine would have been ruined. When facing water on the road, always assess the depth: pass through shallow water at low speed, and avoid deep water altogether—safety first.
We young people love talking about automotive technology. Never attempt to start the engine if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water. Modern engines are highly complex, and water being sucked in can interfere with electronic systems, even locking up the engine and damaging sensors and internal components. The repair costs can be shockingly high, and it might even render the car completely inoperable. My advice is to simply turn off the engine and push or tow the car away. When driving through water, always plan your route in advance to avoid flooded areas. Remember, water damage not only leads to expensive repairs but also affects the car's resale value. Always keep safety measures in mind.
