How to Self-Rescue When a Motor Vehicle Accidentally Submerges and the Doors Cannot Be Opened?

3 Answers
StDerek
07/28/25 9:25am
When a motor vehicle accidentally submerges and the doors cannot be opened, the first priority is to remain calm. The fastest self-rescue method is to break the side window glass, so it is essential to have a safety hammer in the vehicle. In the moment the vehicle accidentally submerges, the safety hammer can effectively shatter the window, allowing escape in the shortest possible time. If the vehicle accidentally submerges, due to water pressure, the doors will inevitably be impossible to open. The first step is to stay calm and avoid panic. Do not hastily unfasten the seatbelt. Utilize the precious time before the cabin is completely submerged to quickly determine the direction of the water surface. Generally, the direction with brightness is the water surface. Quickly roll down the window to allow water to enter the cabin. Once the cabin is half-filled with water and the internal and external water pressure equalizes, promptly unfasten the seatbelt and open the door to escape. When the driver urgently breaks the window to escape, the side window should be the first choice for breaking. The front windshield is thicker and often made of laminated glass, making it difficult to break. Even if shattered, it does not easily break away in large pieces to quickly form an escape exit. In contrast, the side window glass is thinner than the front windshield and easier to break. Additionally, when breaking the window, aim for the edges or corners of the glass for a more effective strike.
Was this review help?
5
4
Share
SanReese
08/11/25 3:42pm
If the car accidentally falls into water and the doors won't open, I can tell you that mental preparation is key. The first thing to do after submersion is not to panic—take deep breaths to calm yourself. Due to water pressure, the doors will be tightly sealed, and forcing them open won't help. The critical moment comes when the car is nearly filled with water—when the internal and external pressures are roughly balanced—that's when you should try opening the door or window. I always keep a window-breaking hammer in my car, placed within easy reach on the driver's side door; use the pointed end to quickly shatter the window and climb out. If no tools are available, immediately remove the metal ends of the seat headrests to smash the window. After escaping, surface as quickly as possible to call for help, and don't forget to unbuckle your seatbelt to save time. I recommend taking basic water survival courses and keeping an emergency kit in the car—simple preparations can prevent major disasters.
Was this review help?
2
2
Share
Expand All
DeGabriel
09/28/25 3:54am
If the car door won't open after driving into water, I think self-rescue should combine modern tools. First try opening windows or using electronic buttons immediately. If no response, forget about the door. Buy a specialized window breaker to keep in the car - super easy to use: just push hard against a glass corner to shatter it. Then hold your breath and climb out - stay calm when water rushes in, avoid wasting oxygen with frantic movements. Many modern cars have safety systems, preset emergency call functions in advance. I recommend downloading a self-rescue app that automatically sends your location if submerged. Keep the window breaker with other emergency supplies in a fixed spot daily, forming this habit ensures safety. Understand the basic principle - water pressure changes are tricky, but tools can overcome this. Remember to swim to the roof after escaping and wait for help.
Was this review help?
15
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Where is the battery located in an Audi?

Audi car batteries are generally installed in the trunk of the vehicle. You can see it by opening the trunk's partition board. Here is some relevant information about the battery: 1. Battery: The battery, also known as a storage battery, is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. It refers specifically to lead-acid batteries - a type primarily made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. The normal service life of a car battery ranges from 1 to 8 years, depending largely on the vehicle's condition. 2. Battery replacement: If the battery is dead, it's recommended to first measure the battery voltage. When using a multimeter for inspection, measure the battery voltage during engine cranking. You can first use a high-frequency discharge tester or battery tester to measure it. Under a load current of no less than 110 amps, the minimum voltage should not be lower than 9.6 volts and should remain stable for 5 seconds. If the voltage is below 9.6 volts but can remain stable for 5 seconds, it indicates over-discharge and should be recharged promptly. If the voltage is below 9.6 volts and cannot remain stable for 5 seconds, rapidly dropping to 0 volts or close to 0 volts, this suggests the battery may be faulty and likely needs replacement.
16
1
Share

Which car models use the Changan Blue Core engine?

It is used in the Changan Eado Plus. Here are the details about the Eado Plus: 1. Body: It is a compact family car under Changan, with dimensions of 4730mm (length), 1820mm (width), 1505mm (height), and a wheelbase of 2700mm. 2. Engine: The Eado Plus is equipped with two engines: one is a 1.4L turbocharged engine, and the other is a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. The 1.4L turbocharged engine is the Blue Core engine, delivering 158 horsepower and a maximum torque of 260 Nm. The engine's maximum power is achieved at 5500 rpm, and the maximum torque range is between 1500 to 4000 rpm. This engine features DVVT technology, direct fuel injection, and an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.6L naturally aspirated engine produces 128 horsepower and a maximum torque of 161 Nm, with its maximum power at 6000 rpm and maximum torque at 4000 rpm.
2
1
Share

Where is the tire pressure reset button for the Outlander?

The tire pressure reset button for the Outlander is located near the air conditioning vents, specifically the rightmost button among the three. Here is some relevant information about the Outlander: 1. Tire Pressure: The factory-recommended tire pressure standard for the Mitsubishi Outlander is between 2.3-2.5 bar, which is considered normal. The maximum should not exceed 3.0 bar, and the minimum should not be below 2.1 bar. Measuring tire pressure when the car is cold and empty yields more accurate results. If the pressure is extremely low, check for possible tire leaks. This applies to both front and rear tires, as passenger cars generally do not have significant weight-bearing differences, and the speed and load ratings for front and rear tires are usually the same. Overinflated tires reduce the contact area with the ground, which can lower fuel consumption but may also affect braking performance. Underinflated tires cause the sidewalls to rub against the ground, and prolonged or high-speed driving under such conditions can lead to sidewall damage or even a blowout. 2. Tire Replacement: Owners can refer to the user manual for guidance. If the tire pressure warning light comes on, it is advisable to reduce speed immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and find a safe place to stop. After stopping, inspect the tires for leaks and decide whether to continue driving or switch to a spare tire based on the situation.
3
1
Share

What is the correct way to use the one-button start in Honda Civic?

Honda Civic one-button start correct usage is to perform a self-check when the driver sits in the cockpit, press the brake, press the one-button start button to ignite, press the foot brake to engage D gear and then release the handbrake. The following is the relevant introduction about Civic: Body specifications: Civic is a compact 5-door 5-seat hatchback with body dimensions of length 4517mm, width 1799mm, height 1434mm, and wheelbase of 2700mm. Engine configuration: Civic is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine and CVT continuously variable transmission, with a maximum power of 130 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 220 Newton meters. Its front suspension uses MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension uses multi-link independent suspension.
16
0
Share

How Long Does It Usually Take to Buy and Pick Up a Car?

Due to differences in the models and configurations of the purchased vehicles, the time from buying to picking up a car is not a fixed value. For some popular models, it may take up to a month to pick up the car, while for less popular models, the pickup time may be shorter. Below are some common misconceptions when buying a new car: SUVs are better than sedans: Buying a car should not be done blindly, especially when choosing the model. Although SUVs are larger in size, they also consume more fuel. Consumers should make a reasonable purchase based on their needs. Larger models are better: When comparing five-seater SUVs and seven-seater SUVs, many might choose the latter, thinking that seven-seater SUVs offer more space. However, in practical use, five-seater SUVs might be more convenient, and they also ensure better passenger comfort.
5
5
Share

Why Does the License Plate Fall Off When Driving Through Water?

When a car moves quickly through water, the water in front of the vehicle is rapidly pushed downward from above the bumper toward the underside of the car, generating a strong top-to-bottom impact force. Poor-quality license plates made of thin metal sheets can be torn apart by this force, causing them to fall off. Below is some relevant information about license plates: 1. Temporary License Plates: Temporary license plates are issued by vehicle management authorities when a car is undergoing registration procedures and has not yet been officially registered. Temporary plates have time and regional restrictions. They can be applied for at the local vehicle management office under certain conditions. 2. Fire and Rescue Vehicle License Plates: These plates have a white background with black characters and the red Chinese characters "Emergency Response." For cars, the plate consists of 8 characters: the abbreviated Chinese character of the province (autonomous region, or municipality), the code of the rescue team, a four-digit serial number, and the Chinese characters "Emergency Response." For motorcycles, the plate has 7 characters: the Chinese characters "Emergency Response," the abbreviated Chinese character of the province (autonomous region, or municipality), a three-digit serial number, and the code of the rescue team.
20
3
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.