Can the sunroof be opened when a car falls into water?
3 Answers
No, it cannot be opened. The water pressure is too high at this time. Here is relevant information: 1. Precautions: If the car is completely submerged in water, the external water pressure will be too great, making it impossible to open the doors or windows. Especially since most car windows are now electric, and when the car is submerged in water, electric windows are very difficult to open. If unfortunately, the doors or windows cannot be opened, it is important to use a hard object to break the side window while there is still air in the car. 2. Additional information: When a car first falls into water, the interior does not immediately fill with water; it is a gradual sinking process. During this time, water will slowly flow into the car through the gaps. It takes about 2 minutes for the car to be completely filled with water.
The moment a car first submerges is actually a golden window for escape, because the water pressure inside and outside the vehicle is roughly equal. I recommend you immediately attempt to open the doors or windows, including the sunroof. Manual sunroofs are more reliable than electric ones in this situation, as electronic systems are prone to failure after water immersion. Remember, unbuckling the seatbelt is the first priority, then try to open the sunroof or side windows. If the windows won't open, quickly locate a safety hammer or use the metal rods of the seat headrest to smash the window corners. The key is speed—you likely have only about one or two minutes before the car begins to sink, and once water pressure increases, opening windows becomes much harder. Never wait until the car is fully submerged to act, as the force needed to open a sunroof at that point might be more strenuous than lifting dumbbells.
It depends on the type of sunroof. Electric sunroofs are usually useless if short-circuited. However, manual crank sunroofs might still work. Based on cases I've studied, when the front of the car sinks, the rear window area sits higher, making it easier to open the rear door or sunroof. Remember to act swiftly: unbuckle the seatbelt, open the window, and evacuate with the child—don't waste time grabbing your phone. If the sunroof won't open, the sharp corner of a metal headrest can be an effective window breaker. Aim for the four corners of the window rather than the center—it's much more effective. Always keep a window-breaking tool within easy reach, like in the door storage compartment.
