Can You Drive When Water Enters the Car's Exhaust Pipe?
2 Answers
Yes, but you should drive at a low gear with steady speed. When the engine is running, it forces exhaust gases out through the exhaust pipe. The pressure inside the exhaust pipe is higher than the external environment, so even if the exhaust pipe is submerged in water, it won't cause the engine to stall. Here is some relevant information about car exhaust pipes: 1. Introduction: The car exhaust bellows, also known as the car exhaust flexible hose, is installed between the engine exhaust manifold and the muffler. It provides a flexible connection for the entire exhaust system, thereby reducing vibration and noise, facilitating installation, and extending the lifespan of the exhaust muffler system. 2. Classification: Exhaust pipes are generally divided into: standard OEM pipes, backpressure pipes, semi-backpressure pipes, and straight pipes.
Back then, my car got stuck in a flooded area, and the exhaust pipe was submerged. I immediately turned off the engine and called a tow truck. Later, I learned that if I had tried to start the car, water could have flowed back into the engine, forcefully blocking piston movement and completely ruining the engine. Repairs would cost tens of thousands of yuan, and it's extremely unsafe. If water enters the muffler, exhaust flow gets blocked, and the car might not even stop. Remember to drive slowly through water, avoid high RPM acceleration, and if the water level exceeds the exhaust pipe, take a detour instead of risking it. Otherwise, you’ll end up needing major repairs.
