Can a Water-Damaged Engine Vehicle Still Operate Normally?
4 Answers
It is recommended not to drive. The specific situations are divided into the following categories: The vehicle can still operate, but the air filter is flooded. After the engine draws in air, it carries some water into the intake tract, forming water vapor. The water vapor mixes with gasoline and burns completely, causing minimal impact on the engine. A small amount of water enters the engine. Once inside the cylinder, it mixes with the engine oil, degrading the oil quality. Oil containing water increases wear on engine components, potentially leading to louder engine noise and greater vibration during future operation. The engine starts, makes noise for a few seconds, then stalls again. Subsequent attempts to start it repeatedly fail. This situation is the most severe. Since water cannot be compressed, when it enters the cylinder while the engine is still running at high speed, the inability to compress water during the power stroke directly results in bent valves and connecting rods, seized pistons, severe cylinder wear, and a bent crankshaft.
Can the engine run normally after being submerged in water? I think it's absolutely not advisable to drive it recklessly. Water entering the engine internals means the pistons will compress water instead of air during operation, leading to cylinder wall or connecting rod damage, commonly known as hydrostatic lock. The electronic ignition system and intake tract may also short-circuit or corrode, causing severe malfunctions. A friend of mine tried to force-start his flooded car, and the engine was completely ruined, costing tens of thousands in repairs. My advice: if water enters, shut off the engine immediately—do not attempt to start or move the vehicle. Call a tow truck right away for professional inspection to prevent compounding the damage. Avoid driving through flooded areas, especially during rainy seasons—water depth exceeding half the wheel height is extremely hazardous. Prompt action can prevent total vehicle loss.
My car was once submerged in water, and after the engine took in water, I foolishly tried to drive it a bit. It immediately stalled and shook violently. Later, when I took it to the repair shop and had it opened up, I found the connecting rod was bent, costing me a fortune to fix. The consequences vary with the depth of water ingress: shallow water might not cause much trouble, but if the water reaches above the hood, don't take the risk. It's best to first confirm the waterline level and avoid starting the engine, as compressing water can severely damage internal components. Have it towed to a repair shop for a thorough inspection; sometimes it can still be used after cleaning, but you'll need to treat the seals to prevent corrosion. In summary, the right approach is to stop safely, inspect, and then repair. Prevention means minimizing driving through water, especially avoiding flooded roads during rainy days.
As a car expert, I must emphasize: never start the engine after it's been submerged in water. Water entering the compression chamber can destroy pistons, and electronic components may short-circuit or rust and fail. My recommended steps are simple: turn off the engine and disconnect the power, don't touch the key; check the flooding level—if the water hasn't passed the exhaust pipe, the risk is lower; immediately tow the car to a professional shop for a thorough inspection to ensure no water residue remains. Before repairs, clear the air filter, change the oil, and test the circuits for fixes. The longer you delay, the greater the damage—minor issues may cost repairs, while major ones could require an engine replacement. Avoid deep waterlogged roads daily to stay safe.
