Does Water in the Car Compartment Need Repair?
2 Answers
Water in the car compartment requires repair. Key considerations for handling water ingress in vehicles include: 1. Engine Stalling Due to Water: If the vehicle stalls due to water during wading, immediately turn off the ignition switch. Do not attempt to restart the engine. Move the vehicle to a safe location, preferably with the front higher than the rear to allow water in the exhaust pipe to drain, preventing damage to the catalytic converter and muffler. 2. Water in the Engine: If water enters the engine, remove the spark plugs, manually cut off the fuel supply and ignition systems, then use the starter to crank the engine, allowing the water inside to drain. Also, check the fluid conditions in various vehicle systems; replace any fluids showing foaming or cloudiness. After inspection, use compressed air to dry electrical connectors in the engine compartment to prevent corrosion caused by trapped moisture. 3. Water in the Cabin: If water enters the cabin during wading, the repair mainly involves draining the water. There are several rubber plugs at the bottom of the chassis; removing these plugs allows the water in the cabin to drain. However, since cabin flooring materials absorb water readily, remove the flooring and place it in a spacious area to facilitate evaporation. After reinstallation, turn on the air conditioning and set the circulation to internal mode to expel moisture from the cabin through the air conditioning system. This is a quick dehumidification method in summer.
Water inside the car compartment must be repaired—don't take it lightly! Water entering the cabin isn't just about wetting the carpets; it can seep into electronic systems, such as wiring under the steering wheel and the air conditioning controller, leading to short circuits and damage. A friend of mine didn’t repair their car promptly after water ingress, and later the AC stopped working—turned out the control module was fried, costing thousands to fix. Worse, dampness can cause carpets to mold, filling the car with unpleasant odors and making it uncomfortable to sit in. Leaving it unaddressed long-term can even corrode the frame, compromising driving safety. I recommend first draining and ventilating the car yourself, but if the water damage is severe, head to a 4S shop or professional repair center immediately. Safety first—don’t skimp on small costs only to face bigger losses.
