Can You Drive When Water Submerges the Exhaust Pipe?
3 Answers
You cannot drive when water submerges the exhaust pipe. The car needs to be pushed out of the flooded area before it can be used normally. Introduction to the Exhaust System: The exhaust system generally consists of the exhaust manifold (header), exhaust pipe, flexible connection (bellows), catalytic converter, and muffler. The exhaust system is almost horizontally arranged along the chassis, but the exhaust manifold is connected to the engine and is positioned higher vertically compared to other components of the exhaust system. When water has just submerged the exhaust pipe, it cannot enter the engine cylinders. After the water recedes, the water level in the exhaust pipe will definitely drop again, meaning the farther from the exhaust outlet, the lower the water level. At this point, starting the car will not cause water in the exhaust pipe to be sucked back into the engine. Starting Method: Ignite and start the car, but do not press the accelerator and let it idle. During this time, the exhaust pipe will expel a lot of water until it stops dripping, which usually takes about 8 minutes.
I've repaired many cars that were damaged due to water flooding the exhaust pipe, and this situation is really common. If you see water reaching the level of the exhaust pipe, it means the water level is already very high, and continuing to drive poses enormous risks. The exhaust system needs to be unobstructed to expel exhaust gases. Once water enters, it can be sucked into the engine, causing the engine to stall or even suffer complete damage, and the repairs can be very costly. I've seen cases where people insisted on driving, only for their cars to stop midway and end up even more severely waterlogged. So, whatever you do, don't start the engine or drive forward. You should immediately turn off the engine, stop the car, push it to a safe and dry area, and then check the water level. Wait for the water to recede or call a professional tow truck to handle the situation. Putting safety first will save you both money and hassle.
During my years of driving, there was a time when I drove through a waterlogged area on a rainy day. The water level exceeded the exhaust pipe, and the car suddenly stalled, catching me off guard. That experience taught me that water entering the exhaust pipe can lead to water getting inside the engine, forcing it to shut down. In severe cases, repairing the engine can cost a significant amount of money. Now, I always pay extra attention to the depth of water accumulation. If your car encounters a similar situation, the best course of action is to stop immediately and not move. Wait patiently for the water to recede or seek assistance. Trying to force your way through will only make things worse. While the car is important, your safety is even more crucial. Handling the situation calmly can always help reduce trouble.
