Does Deep Road Water Accumulation Affect the Car?

[VanAdam]

Deep road water accumulation does affect the car. Here are the relevant details: 1. Water Accumulation: Water entering the engine block lacks lubrication properties. Restarting the engine under such conditions can cause severe wear to engine components like pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to engine failure in extreme cases. 2. Precautions: When encountering waterlogged sections, drivers must assess the actual situation (water depth) to decide whether to proceed. If it's a frequently traveled route and the driver is confident about the vehicle's capability, attempting passage may be considered. Exercise caution when driving on unfamiliar roads.

[StRicardo]

I've been driving for twenty years, and you must be extremely careful with deep road water. If the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, don't force your way through. The engine compartment is low and prone to water intake; once water is sucked into the cylinders, it can directly damage the piston rods, and a major repair could cost tens of thousands. If the water level rises above the door's bottom seal, it can seep into the car, causing electrical shorts and damaging all the electronic devices inside. Moreover, there are often potholes or obstacles under the water, and damaging the chassis isn't worth the risk. The most dangerous part is the vehicle skidding out of control—tires floating on the water surface is called the hydroplaning effect, making steering and braking particularly hazardous. When encountering deep water, stop first to observe how other vehicles pass through, maintain a slow and steady speed without shifting gears, and if the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it—just call a tow truck.

[SanNova]

Deep water can cause significant damage to vehicles. Firstly, the high water pressure can deform the underbody protective panels, and components like the radiator mudguard may detach. The main issue is the abundance of sand, debris, and impurities in the water, which can lead to rusting of undercarriage parts such as brake discs and drive shafts, resulting in squeaky noises and impaired performance. Waterlogged interior carpets can develop mold, emitting unpleasant odors, and submerged wiring beneath the car is even more troublesome, potentially causing failures in turn signals and wipers. I've seen cases where flooded underground parking garages rendered an entire row of car batteries useless, requiring replacements, and full electrical system inspections costing thousands. Before heading out in the rain, check the weather forecast; detouring around flooded areas is the safest option. If you must drive through water, remember to turn off the external air circulation of the AC to prevent water from being sucked into the intake, which increases the risk of stalling. After driving through water, promptly visit a repair shop to inspect the underbody drainage holes and rinse off any mud to prevent rust.

[DelVanessa]

Standing water on the road is indeed harmful to vehicles. Don't take risks if the water depth exceeds the tire centerline, as water entering the exhaust pipe can damage the engine. Accelerated rust and corrosion on the chassis can age components faster, potentially causing leaks in shock absorbers and brake lines. Water entering the cabin is even more troublesome—carpets must be completely removed and dried for several days to prevent stubborn mildew odors. Remember, submerged sharp objects often puncture tires; I once had a nail cause a flat tire and left me stranded. During heavy rain, stick to main roads where drainage is better, as side roads often accumulate deeper water. After driving through water, visit a dealership for an underbody protective coating, and park on slopes to prevent water pooling.

[Jill]

Be cautious when driving through deep water. The resistance increases when the car passes through water, and the engine operating under high load is prone to overheating and boiling. Long-term accumulation of water under the chassis can cause metal corrosion and perforation, as well as aging, cracking, and abnormal noises in the suspension ball joint rubber sleeves. The worst is water mixed with oil stains, which can corrode the car paint and leave marks. I recommend keeping an old blanket in the car to lay over the front of the car before wading to prevent water splashes from entering the air intake. Park away from low-lying areas, especially under trees where fallen leaves can block drainage outlets and cause the car to be submerged. After wading, the brake discs and pads may have water, so use low-speed intermittent braking to drain the water; otherwise, brake failure can be very dangerous. Regularly inspect and replace the sealing strips under the car, and avoid driving on remote small roads during rainy days.