Is it a problem if water submerges the car wheels?
3 Answers
It won't cause immediate impact, but there are hidden dangers because there are wire harnesses under the car seats and in the engine compartment. It generally doesn't affect usage, but it also depends on the extent of water ingress. If it's not severe, it's fine; if it's serious, even after repairs, there may be lingering issues. Engine repairs can lead to various problems, so replacing it might be a more thorough solution. 1. Metal strength: When the engine suddenly inhales cold water while at high temperature, it will definitely affect the metal strength of the engine, though generally no major issues will arise. 2. Sensors: There are many microchips and sensors in a car. Normal driving requires these chips to transmit information, and exposure to water can cause short circuits.
As an experienced driver who frequently drives during the rainy season, I must say that water submerging the wheels is definitely problematic, especially when the water level reaches the wheel hubs or higher. This can lead to water entering the engine, as the air intake is usually located in a lower position at the front of the car. Once water is sucked in, it can cause the engine to stall or even be completely ruined, and repairs can be extremely costly. I've seen many cars break down immediately after driving through heavy rain, becoming completely immobile. For daily commuting, it's best to avoid flooded areas or choose shallow water to drive through slowly. If your car has already driven through water, don't rush to restart the engine—turn it off immediately and check if the intake pipes are wet. If water has entered the cylinders, professional drying is required. In short, safety comes first; don't take this risk, as it significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. By the way, SUVs might fare slightly better, but there are still depth limitations.
From a car enthusiast's perspective, seeing water submerge the wheels is truly nerve-wracking. That water could easily invade chassis components like wheel bearings and electronic systems, causing rust or short circuits. Electronic control units and sensors located near the chassis may malfunction if submerged, potentially affecting braking or steering. I've personally experienced this - after driving through shallow water, my car's computer kept throwing error codes, costing me a pretty penny in diagnostics. My advice: avoid deep water when driving and maintain slow speeds to minimize splashing. After any water exposure, always check tires and undercarriage for residual debris, as this accelerates corrosion. Remember, vehicles aren't boats - deep water is essentially a ticking time bomb.
