How long after stalling in water can you start the vehicle?
2 Answers
Do not attempt to start the vehicle after stalling in water. Turn off the engine, activate the hazard warning lights, promptly call for rescue services, and move to a safe location to await assistance. There are generally three main reasons why a car suddenly stalls while driving: 1. Electrical circuit failure: The vehicle stalls due to a low-voltage power interruption. In this case, focus on checking the ignition and starter switches as well as the fuse box. 2. Low-voltage circuit short causing stalling: This results in intermittent stalling. Inspect the vehicle's low-voltage circuits. 3. Component failure: This issue typically involves the ignition coil, capacitor, or electronic ignition module. The vehicle may start initially but then stall after a while, only to start again and stall once more.
When the car stalls after driving through water, my biggest concern is water entering the engine. If you start the vehicle immediately, water can be sucked into the engine, and the piston movement can be blocked by the water, causing hydrostatic lock. This can bend the connecting rods and damage the crankshaft, with repair costs starting from several thousand yuan. That time when my car stalled after passing through a flooded area, my friend immediately stopped me from restarting it. He said to have it towed to a repair shop and let a technician inspect the intake system to ensure it's dry before starting. There's no standard waiting time—it must be professionally assessed, otherwise, the risk is too high. Remember, if the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, don't force your way through. Safety comes first, above all else. When driving through water, it's best to slow down and avoid deep water by taking a detour.
