How to Deal with a Car After Driving Through Deep Water?
2 Answers
After a sedan drives through deep water, it may cause short circuits in the car's wiring, poor contact, water ingress into the engine, and reduced lifespan. It is necessary to promptly check the air filter and electrical facilities after driving through deep water. Here are the relevant details: 1. Impact: After wading through water, if the engine ingests water, it may result in issues such as insufficient power and shaking. Prolonged use under such conditions can lead to deformation or breakage of the piston connecting rod, ultimately causing engine damage, though significant disassembly may be required. You can first check the air filter to see if there are any signs of water. 2. Precautions: Wading through water offers no benefits to a car and should be avoided whenever possible. If there is no choice but to drive through water, it is essential to inspect the vehicle promptly afterward, focusing on areas susceptible to water damage, to eliminate potential hazards as early as possible.
That weekend, I took my family on a self-driving trip. On the way, we encountered heavy rain, and the car plunged into a deep puddle, stalling immediately. I was panicking but remembered not to restart the engine, as water entering it could cause a hydro lock. I quickly had everyone get out and push the car to dry ground by the roadside. Then, I opened the hood and checked the air filter—it was soaking wet, clearly indicating water ingress. I immediately called for a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. The mechanic said water had entered the exhaust pipe and intake system, and cleaning it cost over 500 yuan. Looking back, I feel really scared—if the engine had been ruined, the loss would have been huge. This lesson has made me now always check the water depth before driving through puddles; I only proceed if it doesn’t exceed half the wheel hub height, otherwise, I take a detour. Safety first, especially when with family—don’t save a bit of time or trouble at the expense of safety.
