Is it harmful for car tires to be submerged in water for a day?
2 Answers
Car tires are made of rubber and will not be damaged even after prolonged immersion in water. Additional information: 1. Oxidation of wheel hubs and brake components: The wheel hubs and brake components connected to the tires are made of metal. Prolonged immersion in water can cause oxidation reactions, leading to rust and corrosion over time, which can significantly affect the vehicle's braking performance. 2. Sanding or replacing parts: If the vehicle is parked in deep water, it should be moved to a higher location as soon as possible. If there is slight rust, fine sandpaper can be used to gently sand the affected areas to prevent further rusting. However, if the corrosion is severe, the relevant parts must be replaced. Even if the rusted surfaces are sanded off, the vehicle's braking performance may still be affected, such as causing the steering wheel to shake or producing unusual noises during braking.
I often work with cars a lot and have found that soaking tires in water for a day does pose a minor risk, but it's not an immediate disaster. It mainly depends on the type of water and the condition of the tires. Tires are made by laminating rubber and synthetic materials, with waterproofing as a basic design feature. However, if the water contains impurities or chemicals—like acid in rainwater or sand in river water—it can seep into the edge gaps and slowly corrode the internal steel belt structure. After soaking for a day, the rubber may absorb water slightly and swell, making the handling feel less responsive. I once had my car sit in a water puddle for a day, and after drying it out for two days, the tires were still usable, but prolonged exposure can lead to premature aging. My advice is to thoroughly rinse the tires inside and out with a pressure washer after soaking, then wipe the wheel hubs dry with a cloth and check if the tire pressure is normal. If you notice cracks or deformities, replace the tires quickly. In short, a single soak isn’t a safety hazard, but doing it frequently can really damage your car.
