Can a Flooded Car Be Unlocked and the Door Opened?
3 Answers
No, because the water pressure is too high. When the car cabin is completely filled with water, the pressure difference between the inside and outside balances out, making it possible to open the door as if in the air. Below are the damage assessment standards for flooded vehicles: 1. Waterlogged car: The water level exceeds the car's chassis, referred to as a waterlogged car. 2. Partially flooded car: The water level exceeds the oil dipstick, known as a partially flooded car. 3. Fully flooded car: The water level exceeds the engine hood or the dashboard surface, termed a fully flooded car. Additional information: A flooded car refers to a vehicle that has been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with the water depth exceeding the wheels and car seats, and the bottom components of the car body in prolonged contact with water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and fires.
I know exactly how this feels. Last time during a typhoon, my car was submerged in half a meter of water. I tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge. The electronic locks usually fail after being waterlogged—the remote key fob didn't respond because the control module short-circuited due to water ingress. Even the mechanical keyhole might get jammed with mud and debris, making it impossible to turn. The only option was to wait for the water level to recede before dealing with it. The biggest concern is safety risks: submerged door handles could leak electricity, and hybrid vehicles' high-voltage batteries are especially hazardous. In the end, I called a professional rescue team—they disconnected the power first before opening the door. Even if you manage to unlock a flood-damaged car, don't drive it. Water in the engine can destroy the transmission. The cleanup costs afterward are exorbitant—just replacing the wiring harness cost me 8,000 yuan.
As an auto repair shop owner, I've handled hundreds of water-damaged vehicles. It's perfectly normal for doors not to open - electronic systems fail immediately when wet, especially keyless entry systems in luxury cars. Never force the door open as you'll ruin the rubber seals. First assess the water level: If it just covers the wheels, wait a few hours for the water to recede and use the mechanical key to open slowly. If water reaches window level, cut power immediately. For deeply submerged vehicles, file an insurance claim rather than attempting repairs yourself - removing interior panels is necessary to properly clean silt from door locks. Important reminder: Never start the engine immediately after water exposure. First remove and inspect the air filter - I've seen countless engines destroyed by secondary startup attempts.
