Is It Okay as Long as the Car Doesn't Stall When Driving Through Water?
2 Answers
Even if the car doesn't stall when driving through water, there can still be issues. Driving through water can cause the transmission to take in water, which can damage the car's electronic systems. Here are some related details: Reasons for stalling: Power supply failure, typically due to damaged ignition coils; failure of electronic components, such as the engine computer, which can't issue any commands once it fails; carbon buildup, which is an intake fault. Precautions: Even if the car doesn't stall after driving through water, maintenance checks are still necessary. First, you should slow down or stop to observe. As long as the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tire height, driving through water poses a certain risk. High speed increases the actual depth of water the car passes through, causing rainwater to enter the cabin from the engine compartment or chassis. Avoid driving against the waves created by large vehicles.
I've been driving for decades and witnessed numerous water-related hazards. Is it safe as long as the car doesn't stall while going through water? Absolutely not! I remember once driving an old sedan through a shallow puddle—the engine didn't stall, so I thought I'd dodged a bullet. But the next day, the air filter was clogged with muddy water, nearly choking the intake system and almost ruining the engine. In deeper water, the exhaust pipe can get submerged, allowing water to backflow into the engine bay, corroding electronic sensors and triggering warning lights. SUVs fare slightly better due to higher ground clearance, but sedans are especially vulnerable. After driving through water, always inspect the underbody seals and brake discs to prevent rust buildup. My advice: go slow through standing water, and never exceed the center of your wheels—otherwise, the risk doubles. Afterwards, get a professional inspection to nip potential issues in the bud. Prevention is always the best policy.
