Can Car Doors Open Underwater?
2 Answers
When a car falls into water, it doesn't sink immediately. You have about one and a half to two minutes before it sinks to escape through the doors or windows. Below is relevant information about the classification of water-damaged vehicles: 1. Water Damage Level 1: Water has just reached the vehicle's chassis. The floor may get damp, but significant water ingress is unlikely, and the impact on electrical equipment is minimal. 2. Water Damage Level 2: Water reaches halfway up the wheels. Due to the vehicle's incomplete sealing, water will start entering the interior. For lower sedans, the water level may affect seat adjustment motors and electrical components like heating and ventilation. 3. Water Damage Level 3: Water almost completely submerges the tires. At this point, the water level inside will fully submerge the seat cushions and center console area, affecting numerous electrical components.
This question sounds quite alarming, and I’ve personally tested the water immersion scenario in some vehicles. When a car is submerged, the doors are difficult to open due to water pressure because water is denser than air, creating strong resistance against the outside of the door. The door can only be pushed open when the water level inside the car rises to a certain point, balancing the pressure inside and outside. A safer approach is to prioritize breaking the window for escape, using a car window breaker or a hard object to strike the corner of the window. I always remind my friends to keep an emergency toolkit in the car, including a window breaker and a safety hammer. If the door won’t open, don’t force it—this can lead to exhaustion or injury. Remember, staying calm is key. Wait until the car is nearly full of water before attempting to push the door open, or simply break the window to save your life.
