Can a car be driven if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water when parked on the roadside?

[StCalvin]

Can a car be driven if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water when parked on the roadside? The answer is yes. Here are the relevant details: 1. Chassis: If the water level just reaches the chassis, it is safe as long as the car is not submerged for an extended period. Regarding the wading depth of a car, it is generally considered safe if the water level is up to half the height of the wheel. This standard, proposed by some experts, serves as a reference. 2. Exhaust pipe: The exhaust pipe is positioned higher vertically compared to other components of the exhaust system. The real concern for a car is water entering the engine, but the likelihood of water entering the engine through the exhaust pipe is minimal. Instead, it is more important to check whether the engine air intake at the front of the vehicle has been submerged.

[MacAriel]

If your car is parked by the roadside and the exhaust pipe has been submerged in water, I strongly advise against starting the engine directly. I've seen too many similar cases on forums—when water floods the exhaust pipe and the engine is started, water can be sucked into the intake system, causing the cylinders to fail to compress, which may lead to the engine seizing up and becoming irreparable. Repairs can cost anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t underestimate that bit of water—it could also soak electronic components, like the ECU unit. A short circuit there could leave the entire vehicle inoperable, making the situation even worse. My suggestion is to wait until the water recedes or the water level drops before doing anything, and avoid touching the ignition key in the meantime. If you urgently need the car, it’s best to call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for a thorough inspection, including the brakes and wiring. In the future, try to park on higher ground and avoid roadside parking during heavy rain to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

[DianaFitz]

I've encountered this situation a few times in my decades of driving. If water has submerged the exhaust pipe, you must never attempt to start the engine. Experience tells me that once water enters the engine during operation, it immediately causes hydro-lock, jamming the entire machine and making it difficult to repair, which can be very costly. I must remind you to first check the water level—if it's above the air intake or reaches the door seams, it's even more dangerous. Wait for the rain to stop and the water to recede, or call a tow truck to haul it away, saving both money and effort. Don't forget to check your insurance; some policies cover natural disasters and may reimburse towing fees. Trying to drive the car yourself could lead to disaster—safety should always come first. Whenever possible, park on higher ground to prevent such situations in advance.

[JeffreyFitz]

Driving a water-soaked car poses significant risks, especially when water has submerged the exhaust pipe. As an experienced driver, I strongly advise against starting the engine. Water entering the engine can cause it to seize, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Wait for the water to recede or call for a tow truck to inspect the vehicle, as electronic components are also vulnerable to short circuits. During rainy days, it's better to park on a slope.