How much water exposure affects a car?

[MacMaria]

Normally, if water reaches halfway up the car's tires or the height of the exhaust pipe, it is likely to affect the vehicle. If the water level exceeds this point, it is recommended not to continue driving. Specific details are as follows: Typically, the exhaust outlet of a standard sedan is 20 to 30 cm from the ground, while for SUV models, it is 30 to 40 cm. However, there are exceptions, such as vehicles equipped with a snorkel, which significantly increases the wading depth. Relevant information is as follows: If a car stalls in water, never attempt to restart it. As long as there is no restart attempt, the engine will generally not suffer irreversible damage, and the main task afterward is to drain any water inside the engine. However, if damage occurs due to restarting, it is considered the owner's fault, and insurance companies will not cover the costs.

[Leah]

A waterlogged car is absolutely a disaster-level damage. I've seen water-damaged cars before, and the most obvious issues are rust everywhere on the chassis and body, with screw holes completely corroded through. Water in the engine is even worse—the mechanic told me the piston rods could bend, and in severe cases, the engine might be totaled. Electronic components are the most delicate, with common problems like dashboard errors and malfunctioning windows, leading to frequent trips to the repair shop later on. The carpet reeks of mildew after being soaked, and even drying it out doesn’t help. The worst part is when reselling—flood-damaged cars get slashed to half-price, and still no one dares to buy. I remember one heavy rainstorm where a neighbor’s car was submerged up to the exhaust pipe, and the repair costs ended up being enough to buy half a used car.

[MadisonDella]

The damage caused by water immersion to a car depends on the water level. If the water reaches halfway up the tires, it mainly affects the chassis components and braking system, with bearings prone to rust and abnormal noises. If the water submerges the exhaust pipe, the engine is at risk—mechanics say water can be sucked back through the intake, and the pistons can't compress the water upon startup, causing the connecting rods to deform instantly. Modern cars have numerous electronic components, and if the water reaches the dashboard, the car is essentially rendered inoperable—just removing the seats and drying the wiring harnesses can take three to five days. My cousin, who runs a repair shop, finds water-damaged cars the most troublesome to fix, saying the wiring is like a chronic illness that will eventually cause problems over time.

[DeGage]

Don't force your way through water deeper than 1/4 of your tire's height! I've personally seen a friend's car get flooded - it cost 40,000 yuan in repairs and still had lingering issues: windows frequently getting stuck, rusty brake discs making clunking sounds when pressed, and even the airbag warning light staying on constantly. While mechanical parts are relatively easier to fix, the real problem lies in the electronic modules. A waterlogged ECU computer becomes like it's got Parkinson's - working intermittently, and replacing it requires dismantling the entire center console. Even more troublesome is oxidized wiring harness connectors, requiring each connection to be cleaned individually. Remember: never attempt to start the engine after water immersion - call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop for seat removal and water drainage, or you'll be facing an engine overhaul.