Does driving through water affect the car?
2 Answers
Driving through water does affect the car. It is necessary to check areas such as the chassis, air filter, and engine compartment wiring harness. Impact of wading on the chassis: When a vehicle drives through water, dirt and debris in the water can adhere to gaps and other areas of the chassis. Over time, this can lead to rust on the chassis and even component failure. Impact of wading on the air filter: The air filter is the gateway for air to enter the engine. After driving through water, check the air filter and intake pipes. If they are damp, it indicates that water has entered the engine, and a detailed inspection of the engine's internal water ingress is required. Impact of wading on the engine compartment wiring harness: There are many wiring harnesses and circuits in the engine compartment. Driving through water can wet the connectors of the wiring harnesses. During inspection, if the connectors are found to be damp, they must be dried immediately. Failure to address this promptly can lead to short circuits.
After driving for so many years, I've experienced several water-related troubles. I remember one time after heavy rain, driving through standing water caused the engine to ingest water and stall. Towing it to the repair shop cost nearly two thousand yuan. If the water is too deep, sucking it into the intake pipe can easily hydrolock the engine and damage internal components. The electrical system also suffers—when battery contacts get wet, they can short-circuit and blow fuses, causing headlights to flicker and fail. Chassis rust is like a slow poison; over time, screws loosen and corrosion accelerates. It's advisable not to drive through water deeper than half the height of your wheels, moving slowly and at a steady speed. After crossing water, be sure to turn off the engine and check the air filter box; if there's water inside, do not attempt to start the engine—call a tow truck immediately for a professional inspection. Cleaning and drying everything thoroughly is essential to prevent future issues.