Does Water Entering the Engine Cylinder Have an Impact?
3 Answers
Water entering the engine cylinder does have an impact and may cause cylinder damage, requiring timely handling. The car engine is one of the important components of a vehicle. Below is a detailed introduction about car engines: Overview: The car engine is a device that provides power to the vehicle, determining its power, economy, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. Additional Information: Common gasoline and diesel engines belong to reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston movement and outputting power externally. Gasoline engines have high rotational speeds, are lightweight, produce less noise, are easy to start, and have low manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have a high compression ratio, excellent thermal efficiency, and better economic and emission performance compared to gasoline engines.
I remember last time I had a car repaired, and the consequences of water entering the cylinders were really severe. Once water gets into the engine, especially inside the combustion chamber, it can't be compressed like air, which can be squeezed into a smaller volume. Water creates enormous resistance when the piston moves upward, and forcing it can easily bend the connecting rod or cause cylinder scoring. This phenomenon is called hydrostatic lock, and it most commonly occurs when drivers ford deep water or when floodwater rises above the hood. If the engine is started with water inside, it may be instantly ruined, and repairs can be extremely costly—just disassembling the engine for inspection can take several days of labor. That's why it's crucial to tow the car to a professional shop immediately and avoid DIY attempts. They'll remove the spark plugs, extract the water, and reassemble everything to test the engine once it's dry. The key to prevention is driving slowly through puddles, avoiding sudden acceleration, and parking on higher ground during heavy rain. In short, don't underestimate this issue—I've seen many cars turn into scrap metal due to water damage, resulting in losses of tens of thousands.
Last year, I drove through a flooded area, and water rushed into the cylinders, causing the engine to seize up instantly—what terrible luck. It cost over 8,000 yuan to tow it to the repair shop, and after the fix, I noticed the car had noticeably less power and higher fuel consumption. Water entering the cylinders can cause rust on the cylinder walls and accelerate piston ring wear, which affects the engine's lifespan in the long run. The mechanic told me that water ingress mainly happens due to leaks in the intake system or driving too aggressively through deep water. To prevent this, keep your speed below 20 km/h when crossing water, and if the water level exceeds half the wheel height, don’t push through. Afterward, if you experience difficulty starting the engine or hear unusual noises, shut it off immediately and avoid restarting—calling a tow truck is the safest option. I’ve since developed the habit of checking the air filter weekly during the rainy season, which has significantly reduced the risk of water damage.
