Can the car run normally if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water?
2 Answers
If the water level has just submerged the exhaust pipe and hasn't reached half of the tire height, the car can be started. However, if the water level exceeds half of the tire height, it is generally recommended not to continue driving. If driving is necessary, choose a route with shallower water. Once water enters the engine, major repairs will be required to fix it. Below are precautions for driving through water: 1. When approaching a waterlogged section, the driver should first assess whether it's passable based on the actual situation. If it's a frequently traveled route and the driver is confident about the vehicle's capability to pass, an attempt can be made. 2. When driving on unfamiliar roads and unsure about the vehicle's ability to pass, use reference objects like trees, trash cans, or signal poles to judge. The simplest method is to observe nearby vehicles. Generally, the water depth should not exceed half of the wheel hub. 3. If the car stalls in water, it indicates that water has already affected the engine. Attempting to restart the car at this point may cause severe damage, such as piston seizure or cylinder breakage. Once the car stalls in water, seek help immediately to push the car to a dry area. Do not wait inside the car for rescue, as rising water levels could flood the entire engine compartment, causing severe damage to electronic components.
Driving with a flooded exhaust pipe may seem normal, but it's absolutely problematic. As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen too many owners drive through flooded areas thinking it's fine, only for the engine to fail days later. The reason is simple: water in the exhaust pipe obstructs exhaust flow, increasing backpressure, which can lead to hydraulic lock if water enters the engine, severely damaging internal components—repairs can be extremely costly. Normal operation might mean the water wasn't too deep, but don't take it lightly. After driving through water, stop immediately to check the exhaust pipe for any accumulated water or corrosion. Long-term water exposure can also cause rust and blockages, affecting exhaust emission safety. I recommend avoiding driving through deep water whenever possible, keeping water levels below the exhaust pipe height, and regularly inspecting the exhaust pipe after rain. In short, even if the car seems drivable, don't take the risk—address the issue promptly to prevent future problems.
