Can You Start the Car If Water Reaches the Exhaust Pipe?
2 Answers
You should not start the car if water has submerged the exhaust pipe. The engine operates primarily by burning a mixture of fuel and air in the cylinders to drive the vehicle. If water mixes into this fuel-air combination, it can cause the engine to stall. Below is an introduction to car engines: 1. Overview: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, serving as the heart of the car. It determines the vehicle's power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. 2. Classification: Based on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric motors for electric vehicles, and hybrid systems, among others.
I remember last summer when it was pouring rain, my car was parked in a low-lying area, and the flood quickly rose to half the height of the wheels, completely submerging the exhaust pipe. I was sitting in the driver's seat hesitating whether to start the car and move it to another spot. Fortunately, my neighbor was an experienced car mechanic who rushed over and shouted that I absolutely must not start the engine! This is because the engine's exhaust system has a backpressure effect—starting the car would cause water to flow back deep into the exhaust pipe and even invade the cylinders. Water in the cylinders cannot be compressed, causing the pistons to instantly seize and bend the connecting rods. At best, the spark plugs would short-circuit; at worst, the engine would be totaled. I immediately turned off the ignition, pulled out the keys, and called a towing company to take the car to a repair shop for inspection. The mechanic said that if I had started the engine, I would have had to replace the entire engine. He also reminded me to always park on higher ground or use elevated platforms in the future. This experience taught me that when floods come, prioritizing the safety of people and vehicles is wiser than rushing to move the car.
