Can I drive the car immediately if it was submerged in water but the engine is fine?
4 Answers
No, you should avoid restarting the vehicle after it has been submerged in water. Even after the water recedes, it's crucial to prevent starting the engine. Here's relevant information about automotive engines: 1. Introduction: A car engine is the power-generating device that serves as the heart of a vehicle, determining its power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. Common gasoline and diesel engines both belong to the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine category. 2. Classification: Based on different power sources, automotive engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid power systems, among others.
My neighbor Lao Wang's car was flooded by heavy rain last year. At that time, he thought the engine could still start, so he drove it directly. As a result, within a few days, the brakes developed problems. When the mechanic opened it up, they found the bearings in the chassis were completely rusted, and the brake discs were covered in water rust. Later, the entire braking system had to be replaced, costing several thousand yuan. So, based on my experience, never rush to drive a water-damaged car. Once water has entered the vehicle, it will corrode the wiring and bearings. Even if the engine seems fine, the chassis and electrical circuits are already damaged. It's best to immediately disconnect the battery and call a tow truck to send it for repairs, having them fully dismantle and inspect the entire car. Otherwise, suddenly losing control while driving is no joke.
I absolutely believe it's not worth the risk to drive. Just because the engine didn't fail after being waterlogged doesn't mean other components are safe. For example, sensors in the door seals could malfunction after being soaked, or if water remains in the air filter, it could be sucked into the engine during driving, causing secondary damage. Moreover, many modern cars are equipped with electronic parking systems, which are prone to short circuits after being submerged. It would be extremely dangerous if the system suddenly fails at an intersection. Last time I saw a repair shop dismantling a water-damaged car, the circuit boards under the carpet were completely corroded by water. My advice is to first contact the insurance company to handle the claim, and wait for professional technicians to thoroughly dry and inspect all electronic modules and mechanical components before starting the vehicle.
The core issue with waterlogged vehicles isn't actually the engine. Water can seep into the transmission housing, causing lubricant emulsification. Even if you can drive a few kilometers, the water-contaminated oil will wear down the gears. My car's transmission failed within three weeks after driving through water. Meanwhile, water intrusion oxidizes electrical connectors - short circuits in lighting circuits could even cause fires. Recommended first step: check flood depth - if water exceeded half the wheel hub, towing is mandatory; even just footwell flooding requires seat removal for water extraction to prevent stubborn mildew odors. For DIY cost-saving: disconnect battery, remove carpets for 3-day drying, then inspect undercarriage fluids.
