Can a Car Start After Being Submerged in Water?
3 Answers
A car should not be started after being submerged in water. Here are some relevant details about water-submerged vehicles: 1. Measures: It is necessary to check whether there are water stains on the engine side of the intake and exhaust systems. The intake system should be inspected in sequence: air filter, intake manifold, back of the valve, and inside the cylinder. The exhaust system requires the entire exhaust pipe to be removed and stood upright (with the exhaust pipe outlet facing downward) to see if any water flows out from inside. 2. Insurance: The insurer is responsible for compensation according to the insurance contract when the insured or their legally permitted driver is using the insured motor vehicle. The insurer also covers the necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the insured or their representative for rescue and protective measures to prevent or reduce the loss of the insured motor vehicle.
As a seasoned driver who has witnessed several waterlogged vehicle incidents, I sincerely advise against starting the engine immediately after the water recedes. If water has entered the engine, starting it forces water to be compressed inside, instantly causing hydrolock (where water blocks the piston). This can lightly damage valves and connecting rods, or in severe cases, completely destroy the engine, with repair costs potentially exceeding the car's value. The electrical system is also at risk; residual water can cause short circuits, potentially frying the ECU or even starting a fire. A friend of mine learned this the hard way last year when he started his car post-flood, leading to an electrical fire that was fortunately spotted and extinguished in time. Now, in similar situations, I always disconnect the battery's positive terminal first, clear any water from the engine, and then call a tow truck for a thorough inspection at a repair shop. Spending a bit more time is far better than taking risks. Safety first—this is a lesson learned through bitter experience.
As someone who pays attention to car maintenance, I feel that starting the engine after water recedes is absolutely a big no-no. After a car is flooded, water may enter the engine and transmission. If you start it, water flowing into the combustion chamber can quickly damage internal components like piston deformation or valve breakage. What's more troublesome is the electronic system—once sensors and wiring get wet, the high-voltage current during ignition can cause a short circuit, leading to even bigger issues. I remember last summer after a heavy rainstorm, my car was slightly submerged. I handled it calmly: first, I didn't use the key to power on, checked the waterline height, disconnected the battery, and then used a dry cloth to soak up the water in the engine bay. After that, I called a professional tow truck for repairs. The mechanic thoroughly tested the circuits and fluids, and in the end, only the fuse needed to be replaced. I suggest you take it step by step like this—don't let a small issue turn into a disaster.
