Can a Flooded Car Be Repaired After a Second Ignition Attempt?
2 Answers
It is possible to repair a car that has been flooded and attempted a second ignition. However, if the vehicle stalls during water submersion, it is crucial not to restart the engine immediately, as doing so can cause severe damage to the engine. Precautions for Driving Through Water: Observation: Slow down or stop to assess the situation. If the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tire height, proceeding further poses significant risks. High speed increases the actual depth of water submersion, potentially allowing water to enter the engine compartment or cabin through the chassis. Additionally, avoid driving against large vehicles that may create waves. If the water level appears too high, it's best to detour rather than force your way through. Activate Wipers and Enter Slowly: Turning on the wipers beforehand ensures clearer visibility, aiding safe passage through flooded areas. When entering water, maintain a slow and steady pace. Gradual entry allows the driver to accurately gauge the actual conditions of the submerged road. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, releasing the throttle, or accelerating. Instead, maintain a steady speed in a low gear with moderate throttle to prevent splashing large waves or water. Maintain Throttle and Drive Steadily in Low Gear: While driving, keep a consistent low gear speed to avoid stopping, shifting gears, or making sharp turns. If uncertain about the road conditions, wait for higher-clearance vehicles to pass first, observe their path through the water, and follow their route for safer passage. Do Not Force Ignition If the Engine Stalls: If the vehicle stalls due to unfamiliar road conditions while driving through water, never attempt a second ignition. Forcing ignition with water in the cylinders may damage other components and, in severe cases, jeopardize the engine. The correct approach is to wait for professional assistance. This is especially critical for vehicles with drum brakes, as water exposure can lead to brake failure, posing serious hazards or accidents.
As a seasoned mechanic who has repaired water-damaged cars for years, I must say that attempting a second ignition is like adding insult to injury. If the car has been submerged and you try to start it, water may have already seeped into the engine block. The high water pressure during compression often leads to bent connecting rods or seized pistons. Repairs are possible, but it depends on the depth of submersion and the extent of the damage—minor issues might just require replacing spark plugs or cleaning the cylinders, while severe cases usually mean replacing the entire engine, costing tens of thousands, sometimes more than the car itself. More realistically, a second ignition attempt is considered human error, and insurance companies are likely to deny the claim, leaving you to foot the bill. My advice is to avoid touching the key if the car is submerged—cut the power immediately and call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop. Don’t tinker with it yourself; use an endoscope to inspect the internals for peace of mind. For prevention, park on higher ground during rain or install waterproof film to avoid unexpected losses.