Can You Drive If the Car's Exhaust Pipe Is Submerged in Water?
2 Answers
If the car's exhaust pipe is submerged in water, it can still be started, but you should drive at a steady speed in a low gear. Note that if the engine is submerged, it's best not to start it and immediately call a maintenance service to tow it for inspection. Additionally, after being submerged in water, a thorough inspection of the chassis and interior is necessary to prevent rust and other issues. Precautions after a car is submerged in rainwater while parked: 1. If you find your car submerged in water, do not rush to start the vehicle. Instead, first call your insurance company to report the incident. Remember to notify the insurance company within 24 hours, otherwise the claims process can become very complicated. 2. Wait for the insurance company's personnel to arrive. If they cannot come to the scene, the car owner should take photos of the scene as evidence, especially of areas where the vehicle is severely damaged, to facilitate later damage assessment.
Once while driving in heavy rain, I encountered deep water on the road and noticed the exhaust pipe was completely submerged. I immediately stopped and didn't dare to move. Later, I learned that starting the engine in such a situation could cause water to backflow into the exhaust system, or even be sucked into the cylinders, leading to hydrostatic lock. This can instantly damage the engine pistons or crankshaft, resulting in repair costs of several thousand dollars. Having learned my lesson, experienced drivers advise: in such scenarios, never force the car to move. Turn off the ignition, remove the key, shift to neutral, and have someone push or tow the car to higher ground to check if water has entered the exhaust or intake. Additionally, always pay attention to your driving route to avoid deep water areas. During heavy rain, plan alternative routes in advance to ensure safety comes first. Prevention is always better than regret after an accident.
