Can a Car Still Drive After Being Flooded?

[DiJulian]

Whether a car can still drive after being flooded depends on the extent of the flooding. If the water has not submerged the wheels, the car can be driven normally. However, if the water level is too high, it may affect the car's electrical circuits, making it unsafe to drive. If the water has reached the hood of the car, it is best to inspect the vehicle for damage and avoid starting it. If the car stalls after being flooded, do not attempt to restart it. Restarting the engine may cause it to stall again, potentially leading to further damage, which could affect insurance claims later on. After a car is flooded, it is crucial to notify the insurance company immediately and describe the situation. The insurance company will then send someone to inspect the vehicle and assess the damage. In cases of extreme weather where the insurance company cannot arrive promptly, the driver should document the damage themselves. It is advisable to take photos from multiple angles using a camera or smartphone to provide evidence for the insurance company's assessment of the damage.

[OFinley]

I often get asked by friends what to do if a car gets flooded, which is really quite dangerous. After flooding, the engine is prone to water ingress, and forcing the car to move may cause water to enter the cylinders through the intake. Since water cannot be compressed during the compression stroke, the pistons can seize, damaging the engine. Electrical systems, including various computer modules and control units, can short-circuit or corrode, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly, which is terrifying. Last time during a flood, I saw a car trying to drive out but ended up stalled in the middle of the road, blocking the entire street. Now, I always advise that if the water level exceeds half the height of the wheel hub, it's better not to take the risk. Instead, directly contact a towing service for safety, and check if your insurance covers such damages—repairs can be quite expensive.

[JuliannaLynn]

As a car enthusiast, let me talk about the mechanical impacts of waterlogged vehicles: Once water submerges the wheel hub height, the intake system may suck in water and mud, causing cylinder deformation or even fracture. Water entering the transmission contaminates the lubricant and accelerates gear wear. Not to mention the risk of electronic brake system failure—brake failure is disastrous. For electric vehicles, if the battery sealing is poor, water contacting the positive and negative terminals can easily cause fire and destruction. In shallow water, like small puddles, cleaning the intake might allow the car to run, but deep water definitely calls for abandoning the vehicle. My lesson learned is to check the undercarriage after driving through water post-rain, as accumulated mud and sand can worsen over time.

[DelAyla]

A car is basically undrivable after being submerged in water. Water seeps into small crevices, causing short circuits and corrosion in wire connectors and fuse boxes, leading to inexplicable failures in systems like navigation or ABS. I once drove through shallow water, only to have the fan motor rust and fail. During inspection, check the waterline and the condition under the car. Don't skimp on towing fees—the risks are greater than you think.