Can You Still Drive with Water in the Engine?
3 Answers
If the vehicle stalls during water crossing, do not attempt to restart it. Below is relevant information about engines: 1. Introduction: An engine is a machine capable of converting non-mechanical energy into mechanical energy. 2. Classification: Includes internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc. External combustion engines convert thermal energy generated by combustion into kinetic energy, with Watt's improved steam engine being a classic example. Internal combustion engines, or reciprocating piston engines, differ significantly from external combustion engines in that fuel burns inside them. Jet engines are those that directly generate thrust through high-speed exhaust gases expelled from a nozzle.
Remember one time my friend drove through a flooded road during heavy rain, and water splashed into the engine. He insisted on trying to start it, and the engine immediately seized—the repair shop quoted over 30,000 yuan! Buddy, if water enters the engine, never try to drive. Water trapped in the cylinders can bend the connecting rods when the pistons compress, causing parts to shatter. You must stop immediately, turn off the engine, and wait for a tow truck to take it for professional inspection. After water ingress, thorough drainage, oil replacement, and rust prevention are essential. Usually, be cautious when wading—water depth shouldn’t exceed the midpoint of the wheels, as water entering the intake is the most dangerous. Insurance might cover it, but the process is tedious. It’s better to avoid water altogether—safety first, don’t mess around!
Having worked on many cars, engine water ingress is the most troublesome. If water gets in, do not start the engine, otherwise hydraulic lock can occur, bending the connecting rods and damaging the engine. You must immediately turn off the engine, pull over, and call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. We disassemble the engine to inspect the water passages, change the oil, and deal with rust; if the engine has been started, a major overhaul is usually needed, which costs a lot. Rainy days or floods make water ingress more likely, so drive slowly through water and avoid reckless rushing. Handling water ingress on your own is unreliable—don’t skimp on towing fees. Most cars towed in for water damage repairs cost thousands to tens of thousands, so it’s better to pay attention to weather forecasts and avoid flooded areas.
