Does a Wet Air Filter Affect the Engine?
2 Answers
A wet air filter can affect the engine and may even lead to water entering the engine. Here are the relevant solutions: 1. Replace the Air Filter: First, turn off the engine to prevent water from entering and causing hydraulic lock. Open the air filter housing, clean out the water (check if water has entered the cylinders), and take the vehicle to a professional repair shop for a basic cleaning. Then, replace the wet air filter. 2. Install the Air Filter: During installation, pay attention to the orientation of the filter to avoid installing it backward. After installation, check if the filter is properly seated—the filtering surface must cover the entire air duct tightly without gaps. Otherwise, it may result in filtration failure.
Last time my car was parked outside after a heavy rain, the air vents started emitting a musty smell. When I checked, I found the cabin air filter was soaked. I panicked, worrying it might affect the engine. I specifically consulted a mechanic friend who explained that the cabin air filter is solely for interior air circulation, located near the glove box and separated from the engine compartment by the firewall – moisture can't possibly reach the engine. Water ingress only causes mold/bacterial growth on the filter, leading to odors when using AC, reduced airflow, or even clogged ducts affecting cooling performance. I immediately replaced the filter and cleaned the AC system. The engine runs perfectly fine now with normal fuel consumption and power output. Actually, such minor issues are common – as long as it's not the engine air filter getting wet, timely replacement solves the problem.
