Can a water-soaked car still be driven without problems?
2 Answers
In general, if a car can still be driven after being soaked in water, it indicates that the water damage is not severe. However, the performance of the car in various aspects will be affected. Below is relevant information about driving through water: 1. Introduction to driving through water: As the name suggests, it refers to driving a vehicle in low-lying areas or on roads with accumulated water, passing through water. This usually occurs during rainy weather in low-lying areas where poor drainage leads to water accumulation. 2. Precautions: Before driving through water, observe the road conditions carefully. While in the water, maintain steady power. After driving through water, check the electrical systems. If the car stalls in water, the main reason is usually water entering the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, there may also be electrical damage. Once the car stalls, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine damage. Instead, the car should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.
Driving after water submersion is absolutely not allowed. I've seen many cases where water levels just halfway up the wheels can allow water to be sucked into the engine. When starting, water inside the engine can lock it up, seize the pistons, and completely ruin the entire engine, with repair costs being shockingly high. Once electronic systems are submerged, the risk of circuit shorting is extremely high—you could be driving when suddenly all dashboard lights come on, the air conditioning fails, or even worse, the car catches fire. How dangerous is that? Water submersion also soaks the chassis and seats, allowing mud and sand to corrode metal parts, accelerating rust and internal decay. The car might break down within days, and mold and foul odors inside can even affect your health. So remember: if your car is submerged, immediately turn off the power, don't start the engine, and call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for a thorough inspection. Safety first—don't hesitate.
