Can a Car Submerged in Flood Still Be Driven?
2 Answers
A car submerged in flood should not be driven. When a vehicle is exposed to water, water can enter the cylinders through the intake manifold. Due to the incompressibility of water, the piston stroke will shorten, leading to bending or breaking of the engine connecting rods. Here are precautions for driving in flood conditions: Assess the depth of accumulated water: If the water does not exceed half the height of the wheels, it is safe to drive; otherwise, it is not advisable to continue. Use snow mode: After entering a waterlogged section, slow down and drive cautiously. For automatic transmission vehicles, use the first gear if possible, preferably engaging snow mode to prevent wheel slippage. Continuous braking: After exiting the waterlogged section, apply the brakes several times in succession to evaporate the moisture in the brake discs, ensuring the vehicle's braking performance is not affected.
I think the question of whether a flood-damaged car can be driven should be considered from a safety perspective. That time, my neighbor's car was submerged in floodwater, and he tried to start and drive it. It stalled not far down the road, and upon inspection, it turned out that water had entered the engine, got into the cylinders, and caused the pistons to seize. The major repair cost tens of thousands. The biggest concern with flood-damaged cars is short circuits in the electrical system—just imagine water seeping into electronic components, which could cause brake failure or unintended airbag deployment at any moment. Isn't that life-threatening? Another issue is corrosion of the undercarriage; metal parts rust much faster after being waterlogged, and over time, the frame could weaken, compromising the overall structural safety. Even if it looks fine on the surface, there might be hidden problems, like water mixing with the oil, leading to lubrication failure and accelerated engine wear. So my advice is: don’t take the risk. Get it thoroughly inspected by a professional repair shop—better yet, have it towed there without starting it to avoid further damage. Some flood-damaged cars can still be repaired, but all components must be thoroughly cleaned and dried, otherwise the risks remain high, especially with modern cars that have complex electronic systems.
