Can Water Enter the Transmission When Driving Through Water?
2 Answers
After driving through water, the transmission, differential, or front/rear axles and differential may take in water. Generally, transmission water ingress is mainly caused by the following two situations: Water level exceeds two-thirds of the wheel: If the water level surpasses two-thirds of the wheel, the probability of water entering the transmission is around 80% to 90%. If the water has reached the dashboard level, the transmission is 100% flooded. Water splash during oncoming traffic: When encountering oncoming vehicles, excessive road water can lead to water entering the transmission. Once water enters the transmission, the performance of the transmission fluid will be affected. The performance of the transmission fluid will also degrade, causing the clutch plates to slip.
When driving through water, it is indeed possible for water to enter the transmission. Let me explain. Transmissions typically have a vent hole designed to regulate pressure changes. However, if the water level rises above the wheel hubs, the high water pressure can easily force water back into the transmission. This is especially true when driving through standing water after heavy rain—if the water reaches below the hood, the transmission vent becomes a direct entry point. Automatic transmissions are more prone to water ingress than manual ones because they require higher sealing standards. Once water enters, it mixes with the transmission fluid, leading to lubrication failure, component rust, and even complete damage. I think many car enthusiasts overlook this issue, focusing only on the risk of engine water ingress, unaware that transmission repairs can be just as costly. Prevention is simple: avoid driving through deep water, generally keeping the water level below half the height of the wheels. After driving through water, promptly check and change the fluid, or visit a professional shop to test for water residue with specialized equipment. Early intervention can save significant repair costs.