Does Driving Quickly Through Puddles Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Driving quickly through puddles can indeed damage the car. Rapidly passing through puddles can cause water to splash into the interior of the car, and more seriously, it may lead to water entering the engine. Therefore, when encountering a puddle, it is essential to first assess its depth. If the water level is not high enough to submerge the engine, you can proceed slowly through the puddle. Post-water exposure handling for the car: Inspect the car's chassis. Water in puddles is usually quite dirty, containing a lot of dust and mud, and sometimes even leaves and rocks. If the chassis gets submerged, it is highly prone to rust, and debris may get stuck in the chassis gaps, so it's crucial to check the chassis first. Also, inspect the brake fluid. If the brake fluid is contaminated with dirty water, its effectiveness can be compromised, affecting the braking system's performance and potentially leading to traffic accidents. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart the vehicle immediately. Instead, call your insurance company and a repair service for assistance. Once the car is towed to the repair shop, have the engine checked for water ingress. Additionally, driving on waterlogged roads can reduce the car's braking efficiency and increase the risk of skidding. Drivers should hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, maintain a straight and slow speed, and when turning, gently apply the brakes to prevent wheel lock-up and subsequent skidding.
I've been driving for decades, and speeding through puddles is definitely bad for the car. That time after heavy rain, I drove too fast through a big puddle, splashing water high up, and almost got water in the engine, which nearly stalled. It cost me over a thousand to fix. Puddles are no joke—high speed can force water into the air filter, and if it gets sucked into the engine, parts can be ruined. The chassis can also take a hit from the water, leading to rust or damage to the suspension system. Electrical wiring is at risk too—short circuits can kill the lights or wreck the AC. My advice is to slow down to under 10 km/h when approaching a puddle, check the depth visually, and cross it slowly. Now that my car's older, I carefully avoid puddles to save myself the hassle and cost of repairs.
