Does driving through water affect the car?

[VanLilah]

Driving through water can affect the car and may cause it to stall. The related reasons are as follows: 1. Short circuit due to water ingress: A damp or water-shorted high-voltage ignition system can cause the car to stall. This is quite common; the water may appear shallow, and the car might seem capable of passing through, but splashing water can still cause stalling. The car can usually be restarted after the circuits dry naturally or are dried with a hairdryer. In severe cases, the fuse may need to be replaced. 2. Water entering the exhaust pipe: The car's exhaust pipe is positioned relatively low. Generally, if the water level rises above the exhaust pipe, the car will stall due to the inability to expel exhaust gases. If it is confirmed that the exhaust or intake ports have been submerged, the car must be towed to a repair shop for inspection. Do not attempt to restart the engine forcefully, as this may cause greater damage due to ineffective engine lubrication. 3. Water entering the intake: This occurs when water enters through the air filter, causing the car to stall. This situation is relatively rare and usually happens only when the water level is quite high.

[RosalieAnn]

As a driver with over a decade of experience, I must say driving through water accumulation has significant impacts. Water can cause tires to skid, making it hard to control the direction, much like driving on ice, which is particularly dangerous. I've personally experienced skidding on a rainy day due to water accumulation and almost got into an accident. Engine water intake is an even bigger issue; if the water depth exceeds the air intake, it can lead to stalling or even bent connecting rods, which are extremely costly to repair. Components like the exhaust pipe under the chassis are prone to rusting, and short circuits in the electronic systems are common. My advice is to slow down, assess the water depth carefully—avoid exceeding half the wheel height—and if the engine stalls, don't attempt to restart it; call a tow truck instead. Regularly check your vehicle's condition, plan your route in advance to avoid waterlogged areas during rainy days, and always prioritize safety.

[MacAurora]

Be extra cautious when driving through waterlogged areas, as the risk of mechanical damage is high. Water entering the engine can destroy certain components, and the repair costs can be staggering. I've repaired numerous water-damaged vehicles, where electronic systems like the ECU short-circuited due to moisture, braking efficiency decreased, and chassis corrosion accelerated, shortening the vehicle's lifespan. If the water depth exceeds knee level, don't force your way through—either wait for the water to recede or find an alternative route. It's best to maintain a steady, low speed to avoid splashing water too high. After driving through water, remember to check if the air filter and chassis drainage holes are blocked. Pay extra attention to water depth markers and weather warnings when driving in rainy conditions. Prevention is key to avoiding future troubles.

[Catherine]

The impact of water accumulation on cars is significant. While it may seem harmless in the short term, prolonged exposure can lead to chassis rust and aging of electronic circuits. My old car, for instance, had its exhaust pipe rusted due to multiple water crossings, costing several thousand in repairs. Water accumulation also easily causes hydroplaning accidents, so extra caution is needed when driving in the rain. When crossing water, pass through at low speed and avoid sudden acceleration. After crossing water, simply dry it out or perform a maintenance check. Those who care for their cars know that avoiding water accumulation and regular maintenance can extend the vehicle's lifespan.