Does driving a car in water without stalling have any impact on the vehicle?
2 Answers
There is basically no impact. Since water pressure is much lower than the exhaust pressure of the cylinders, as long as the vehicle does not stall, water will not flow back into the engine, so there will be no effect. Correct methods for driving through water: 1. If the car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it immediately. Stalling in water can cause the engine to take in water, and after stalling, the car should only be towed to a repair shop in neutral gear for cleaning. 2. The water depth for small cars should not exceed 40 cm. The maximum wading depth varies among different vehicle models; generally, off-road vehicles can handle about 60 cm, while small cars should not exceed 40 cm. If observation shows that the water level is high, it is advisable to detour rather than force passage. 3. Do not accelerate when driving through water. You should maintain a steady speed with low gear and moderate to high throttle, rather than speeding through and splashing water. High speed can increase the actual depth of water the car passes through, causing rainwater to enter the cabin from the engine compartment or chassis.
I remember once driving through a flooded street on a rainy day, where the water rose above the wheel hubs. The engine was still running and didn't stall, which I thought was quite lucky. But a few days later, the car started with an unusually harsh sound. After taking it to the repair shop, they found that water had seeped into the engine's intake system, causing the cylinders to get waterlogged and moldy. The repair cost me several thousand. Not stalling doesn't mean it's safe, as water can infiltrate through tiny gaps, corroding electronic components and the braking system, and may lead to rust over time. My lesson is: after driving through water, always proceed at low speed, stop immediately to check the engine compartment and chassis, and remove any debris. Make it a habit to avoid deep water areas during heavy rains—it saves a lot of trouble and extends your car's lifespan.
