Can a Car Still Be Driven After Water Intrusion?
3 Answers
It is best not to drive the car after water intrusion. Below are relevant details about water entering a car: 1. Hazards: If water enters the car, many electronic devices inside can be affected, which may easily lead to short circuits and damage. If water enters the engine through the air intake, it can cause engine damage. The consequences of water entering the engine are very serious, ranging from requiring major engine repairs to potentially rendering the engine irreparable. 2. Precautions: During heavy rain, it is advisable for car owners to avoid driving and instead park the car in higher ground areas to prevent water immersion. If water rises above the car doors and enters the interior after driving through water, it indicates that the car has been submerged. If the car is found to be submerged, check if it can still start. If the car can be driven without any apparent issues, the first step is to address the accumulated water inside the car.
Whether a car can be driven after being submerged in water depends on the water level. If the water is very shallow, just reaching the lower part of the tires, driving slowly through it is usually not a problem. However, it's recommended to have the chassis and braking system checked at a repair shop afterward to prevent sand and stones from getting stuck in the components and causing wear. If the water reaches halfway up the wheels, it's best not to force it. At this point, water can enter the engine through the intake pipe, and attempting to drive could cause water to enter the cylinders, preventing compression, bending the piston rods, or even destroying the engine. After the water recedes, wait for a professional inspection before starting the car, as water exposure can lead to short circuits in the electrical system, potentially damaging the lights, computer, or even causing a fire. Once after a heavy rain, I saw a car stall while driving through water. The driver tried to restart it and ended up with a repair bill of over 30,000 yuan. So, the safest approach when encountering flooded roads is to detour or turn off the engine and wait for rescue.
If you see your car submerged in water, don't rush to drive it away. The biggest risk occurs when water enters the engine. If the engine is restarted with water in the cylinders, the pistons can't compress the water, which may bend the connecting rods or even crack the engine block—repairs can easily cost over ten thousand. Even if the water doesn't reach the air intake, submerged chassis components can allow water into bearings and transmissions, emulsifying the lubricant and eventually damaging the entire drivetrain. Immediately turn off power-consuming devices like the AC and radio to reduce short-circuit risks, then contact your insurer to arrange a tow. Remember, flood-damaged cars require complete disassembly and thorough drying, as soaked seats and carpets can develop mold and odors, making later cleanup extremely troublesome.
