Does Water Entering the Car Engine Compartment Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
Water entering the car engine compartment does have an impact. Hazards of water ingress: If water enters the car, many electronic devices inside the car will be soaked, which can easily cause short circuits and damage. If water enters the engine through the intake port, it can cause engine damage. The consequences of water entering the engine are very serious, ranging from requiring major engine repairs to potentially causing the engine to be scrapped. Precautions: During heavy rain, it is best for car owners not to drive out and to park the car in a higher place to avoid water immersion. If the vehicle is submerged in water and water enters the interior, it indicates that the vehicle has been flooded. If the car is found to be flooded, try to see if the car can start. If the car can start and no faults are apparent, the first step is to deal with the accumulated water inside the car.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and water in the engine compartment is definitely not something to take lightly. Once after a heavy rain, I popped the hood and found water pooled in the corners. While it wasn't too serious, I knew that the wires and connectors in the engine bay are most vulnerable to moisture - they could easily short circuit. If the battery terminals or fuse box get soaked, the car won't even start. What's even more dangerous is if water gets into the engine's air intake - stalling on the road is extremely hazardous. Every time I wash my car, I make sure the pressure washer doesn't spray into the engine bay, and I avoid deep puddles when driving in the rain. If water does get in, I immediately stop the car, cut the power, and get professional help - that's the safest approach.