Can Water Enter the Transmission of a Flooded Car?
2 Answers
Water can enter the transmission of a flooded car. Here are the relevant details: 1. Ventilation Hole: Water primarily enters the transmission through the ventilation hole. Since the transmission is not completely sealed, water can directly enter through the ventilation hole. Additionally, if the transmission encounters water and cools down during operation, and the water level is high, water may also be sucked in through the ventilation hole. 2. Causes of Transmission Water Ingress: Generally, transmission water ingress is mainly caused by the following two situations: When passing another vehicle on a waterlogged road, the splashing waves hitting the car body may cause water to enter the transmission; or if the car itself is submerged. The specific criteria for judgment are: if the water level exceeds two-thirds of the wheel height, the probability of water entering the transmission is between 80% to 90%. If the water has reached the level of the dashboard, the transmission is 100% flooded.
Well, about the issue of water entering the transmission in flood-damaged cars, I personally experienced a flood incident. At that time, the car was parked by the roadside and got submerged. Later, it was confirmed that water had indeed entered the transmission—because it seeped in through the vent holes. The transmission isn't completely sealed; it has a breathing system to prevent overheating, but during a flood, this becomes an entry point. When water mixes with the transmission fluid, the oil emulsifies and deteriorates, leading to insufficient lubrication of the gears, which causes internal rust and wear. After my car was repaired, it drove fine for about six months before the gear shifts started to jerk, and eventually, the entire transmission had to be replaced, costing nearly ten thousand yuan. The risks of flood-damaged cars go far beyond this; water entering the engine can easily cause it to stall, and electronic systems may short-circuit and fail. When buying a car, I always check the vehicle's water exposure history to avoid second-hand traps. When encountering flooded roads, I don't take risks—I park on higher ground. Regular maintenance and checking seals can prevent minor issues from escalating, but all these require professional handling.
