Does Water in the Air Filter Have Any Impact?

[SanFinn]

Water entering the air filter, or severe wetting of the air filter, can lead to the engine failing to start. Attempting to start the engine under such conditions may result in poor acceleration, a muffled sound, insufficient fuel supply, and other phenomena. More extended information is as follows: Overview: If the air filter becomes saturated with water, the moisture will inevitably enter the combustion chamber. Beyond flooding the spark plugs, it can also seep into other components, such as affecting the engine oil and introducing moisture into other internal engine parts. Therefore, if the engine stalls due to water in the air filter, do not attempt to restart it, as this could cause severe damage to the engine, such as pushing out the push rods. The function of the car air filter: The car air filter is primarily responsible for removing particulate impurities from the air. When piston machinery (internal combustion engines, reciprocating compressors, etc.) operates, inhaling air containing dust and other impurities can accelerate component wear, hence the necessity of an air filter.

[JoshuaAnn]

Water in the air filter can cause serious issues. With years of car experience, I've seen this problem many times. When the filter paper gets soaked, it traps dust and turns into mud, blocking airflow and starving the engine of air. This leads to incomplete fuel combustion, resulting in poor performance, sluggish acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Worse, if water gets sucked into the intake and reaches the cylinders, it can cause hydro-lock. At that point, the pistons can't move, connecting rods bend or break, and engine repairs can cost thousands. So if you find a wet filter, stop the engine immediately, open the airbox, and dry or replace the filter. For daily driving, avoid deep water and don't spray water directly into the intake when washing your car. Regularly check the air filter's seal, and carry a spare filter in rainy weather to prevent problems before they occur.

[Frieda]

I once experienced an air filter getting soaked with water when I drove too aggressively through a puddle on a rainy day. Once the filter got wet, it absorbed dirt and swelled up, blocking the air intake. The engine struggled to draw in air, making the car feel sluggish and unresponsive when I pressed the accelerator. If water seeps into the engine cylinders, it can even lock up the pistons, potentially causing the entire engine to fail—repairs for that are extremely expensive. I want to remind everyone: if your car feels off, pull over, turn off the engine, and check the air filter box immediately. If it's wet, dry it out or replace it with a new filter. Make it a habit to inspect the air filter after driving through water to prevent dirt and moisture buildup. Before off-roading, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and regularly replacing the filter keeps your car running smoothly, avoiding breakdowns on the road.

[McCali]

Water entering the air filter affects driving safety. Engine power weakens, making it prone to losing control at high speeds or when climbing slopes. If water enters the cylinders, it can damage internal components. I recommend stopping immediately for inspection to avoid greater losses. Regular maintenance to keep the filter dry ensures driving safety.