Does flooding a car affect it?
3 Answers
Flooding a car does have certain impacts on the vehicle. Additional details are as follows: 1. Engine cylinder block fracture: When the water level rises above the engine intake, water can directly enter the cylinders, forming a mixture of air and water. While gases are compressible, water is not. Consequently, when the crankshaft drives the connecting rod to compress towards the piston, the incompressible water causes the connecting rod to bend under hydraulic pressure. If the owner turns off the engine at this point and attempts to restart the car, the tremendous counterforce may cause the bent connecting rod to rub against the cylinder block, risking fracture of the engine's top section after deformation. 2. Transmission water immersion: Water can enter through transmission vent holes and other openings. The mixture of transmission fluid and water may require simple oil replacement and cleaning in minor cases. In severe instances, lack of lubrication accelerates mechanical wear and electrical damage, necessitating transmission overhaul. 3. Interior components: Untreated water ingress leads to mold growth, foul odors, deformation and damage. 4. Electrical components: Water causes short circuits in sensors, control units and other electronics. Flooded vehicle wiring may corrode over time, impairing normal operation.
Last time my car was submerged half a meter deep in a heavy rainstorm, and the repair cost nearly 30,000 yuan. The most troublesome part was the water entering the engine - the connecting rod got bent directly, and the exhaust pipe was full of sand and silt. The electronic equipment inside the car also suffered - the central control screen kept flickering randomly, and the audio system went completely silent. As for those carpet sponges, they got moldy after being soaked, and when we took apart the floor mats, there was this sour stench. Now when I drive it, the brakes feel spongy, and the mechanic said it might be due to moisture in the ABS module. Such flood-damaged cars will depreciate at least 30% when sold second-hand later. The insurance company even argued that they wouldn't cover the full cost since I didn't purchase the water submersion coverage. I'd really suggest not starting the engine after flooding - just call a tow truck for professional inspection first.
I've been repairing cars for ten years and have seen too many flood-damaged vehicles towed into the shop. If the water level rises above the exhaust pipe, there's an 80% chance the engine will need disassembly and cleaning. Otherwise, water entering the cylinders can cause hydrolock when starting, leading to catastrophic engine failure. The electrical system is even more delicate - the ECU circuit board often shorts out after water exposure, requiring complete replacement (costing over 10,000 yuan) if repairs fail. Rusty wiring harness connectors under seats can trigger various malfunctions like power window failures. Even after interior drying, hidden dangers remain - moisture in airbag sensors hidden beneath carpets may cause accidental deployment. My professional advice: any water exposure demands comprehensive inspection, especially for transmission fluid and differentials where water contamination accelerates wear.
