How many kilometers can a car still drive normally after the engine is slightly flooded?
3 Answers
If the engine is flooded while the vehicle is passing through water, even if only a small amount of water enters the engine and the vehicle does not stall, you should not continue driving. Water mixed with engine oil in the cylinders can degrade the oil quality, and oil containing water will increase wear on engine components. This may lead to increased engine noise and vibration in the future, and in severe cases, frequent oil burning or engine damage may occur. Effects of starting the engine normally after it has been flooded: 1. Scenario one: The connecting rod may be damaged. This occurs when the car accidentally drives into a river (with the engine running), allowing river water to enter the cylinders and forcibly stalling the engine. In such cases, the connecting rod may bend and become damaged. 2. Scenario two: If the car is parked in a flooded underground garage and water enters the engine, simply handling the water ingress is sufficient. This includes draining the water from inside the engine, replacing the lubricating oil, changing the three filters, cleaning the circuits, checking the gear oil in the transmission and replacing it if necessary, and inspecting the braking system. After these steps, the car can operate normally without worrying about damage to the connecting rod or other parts, as they have not suffered external force damage.
Last time it rained, I accidentally drove through a water puddle and got a bit of water in the engine, which scared me awake. When water enters the cylinder and gets compressed, it's like a hammer hitting the piston, bending the connecting rod and ruining the engine. I immediately turned off the engine and didn't dare to drive further. A friend of mine once risked driving 30 kilometers, only to have the engine seize up and cost him 8,000 for a replacement. So my personal experience is: never risk driving any distance, shut off the engine immediately, and call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop to check for emulsified oil. Towing might be a hassle, but it's always better than facing a hefty repair bill. Safety first when driving.
As a car enthusiast, I think this is a very common issue. When an engine takes in a small amount of water, it's not about how many kilometers you can drive—if water gets into the cylinders and can't be compressed, it causes 'hydrolock' and damages components. It varies by car model and the extent of water intake. I've seen cars smoke after just 20 km, and others break down after 50 km. Don't risk it! Turn off the engine, park, and let a professional technician check the cylinder pressure with a diagnostic tool. Repairing it afterward is simpler and cheaper. Just use insurance for towing or seek roadside assistance.
