Does a small amount of water entering the engine air intake have any impact?
2 Answers
Yes, a small amount of water entering the engine air intake can have an impact. Below are the relevant cause analysis and solutions: 1. Cause Analysis: The reason a car stalls in water is that the distributor cap loses its normal ignition function after getting wet, the engine air filter element gets wet, leading to increased intake resistance and water entering the combustion chamber, preventing the spark plugs from igniting. 2. Solutions: You can add some fuel additives such as fuel tank water removers or fuel system cleaners to help the engine burn better. If the engine's normal starting and operation are affected, and issues such as water in the fuel tank, difficulty starting the engine due to water ingress, insufficient power, or vehicle shaking occur, then it is necessary to visit a repair shop for a solution.
Last time, my car accidentally got some water splashed into the air intake, and I immediately got nervous. Even a small amount of water, if sucked into the engine, can cause hydro-lock—meaning the water can't be compressed in the cylinder, and the piston may bend or break when it hits the water, leading to the engine being completely ruined. I checked and found the air filter was a bit wet, but luckily I hadn't started the car. I quickly replaced it with a new filter, and the problem was solved. When driving through puddles, I usually downshift and go through slowly, keeping the water level below half the height of the wheel hub to reduce the risk of water intake. The engine is the heart of the car, so protecting it is crucial. At the first sign of water intrusion, such as shaking or stalling, stop immediately and don't restart the engine—call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for inspection. This can save you thousands in repair costs. In short, don't take chances—address the issue promptly to prevent bigger problems.
