Does driving a car through water without stalling have any impact?
2 Answers
Driving a car through water without stalling has no impact on the engine; only automatic stalling and breakdown have an effect. Below is related information about driving a car through deep water: 1. Potential faults from driving through deep water: After driving through deep water, common issues include short circuits in wiring, poor contact, water entering the engine, rust on the car body, mold on fabrics, sound insulation layers, etc. 2. Precautions after driving through deep water: After wading through water, open the front hood, all four doors, and the trunk to air them out and prevent moisture damage. Carefully inspect the vehicle's chassis, lights, air filter, wiring harness interfaces, steering universal joint ball cage, and ventilation ports in the spare tire area.
I've been driving for over a decade. Not stalling when going through water is good news—it at least means the water wasn't dangerously deep. But even if the engine didn't stall, splashed water could enter the intake, like when the air filter gets wet, allowing moisture to be sucked into the engine. Over time, this can cause cylinder scoring or rust. I've also experienced water entering the exhaust pipe—while it didn't stall immediately, the restricted exhaust flow made the car shake, and repairs later cost me over a thousand. After driving through water, it's best to stop and check the undercarriage and electrical connectors to prevent water from lingering. Additionally, rust on the chassis bolts is a potential issue that can corrode the shock absorbers or suspension system over time. It's advisable to quickly inspect the air filter's condition before driving after heavy rain to catch problems early and avoid major repairs.
