Does Not Stalling Mean No Water Intake?
3 Answers
When driving through waterlogged sections, not stalling indicates that the engine has not taken in water. However, it is difficult to ensure whether other parts of the car have been flooded or soaked. Additional Information: 1. Before entering water, observe the road conditions: Before driving through water, pay attention to the depth, flow direction, and speed of the water, and assess whether there are obstacles such as mud or quicksand underwater. Additionally, wrap the distributor and high-voltage wires with plastic cloth before entering the water. Observe the route and speed of the vehicle ahead to gauge the water depth and determine if your car can pass. 2. In water, maintain steady power: For hard surfaces, engage a low gear and slowly enter the water. Keep the steering wheel steady and maintain a consistent throttle to ensure the car has sufficient and stable power to pass through in one go. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, or making sharp turns midway, especially if the underwater surface is sandy or muddy. If the wheels slip or sink, do not accelerate abruptly. Instead, with the engine still running, seek assistance from others or another vehicle to exit the waterlogged area. Since water pressure is much lower than the exhaust pressure of the engine, as long as the vehicle does not stall, water will not flow back into the engine. 3. After exiting the water, check the electrical system: Immediately remove any waterproof coverings from the electrical components, dry any wet parts, and reinstall the fan belt. Check each gearbox for water ingress, ensure there are no debris blocking the radiator fins, inspect the tires for damage, and clear any water weeds tangled under the chassis. Clean the vehicle promptly to restore braking effectiveness. Before confirming that the electrical system, engine components, and other parts are free of water, do not attempt to start the car to avoid further damage.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered many instances of water crossings. Not stalling doesn't necessarily mean no water got in, because you might have driven through shallow water that wasn't deep enough to submerge the air intake, but water could have splashed into the engine compartment, moistening the wiring or sensors. Once, I drove my SUV through standing water without stalling, and it felt smooth, but two days later, I found the air filter was soaked and nearly damaged. If water truly enters the engine, it gets sucked in through the air intake, blocking airflow and causing an immediate stall. However, hidden dangers elsewhere are even more hazardous, such as electrical shorts that can cause sparks or electronic failures. My advice is to always stop and check the air filter and undercarriage immediately after any water crossing, even if the engine didn't stall—safety first. Also, pay attention to weather forecasts and road conditions regularly, and avoid recklessly driving through deep water.
As an average car owner, the last time I encountered a flooded road, I drove slowly and the car didn't stall. I naively thought everything was fine, but after returning home, the engine light suddenly came on. The repair shop diagnosed it as a short circuit caused by water entering the water level sensor. Not stalling doesn't mean no water got in—the reason is simple: water can seep in through the exhaust pipe or other gaps, flooding electronic components without affecting the engine's operation. Especially if the car moves too fast through water or the depth exceeds the door sill, water is more likely to seep into the undercarriage. I've learned my lesson now—after every water crossing, I do a quick check of the air filter and fuses myself. If something feels off, I get it fixed right away to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Before driving through water, it's best to get out and measure the depth. Safe driving should never be taken lightly.
