Is it okay if a car drives through water without stalling?
2 Answers
Driving through water is a common situation and generally does not cause damage to the vehicle. Here’s a detailed explanation: 1. Water-fording vehicles: Water reaches the wheels but does not enter the cabin, commonly referred to as water fording. This scenario is quite frequent and typically causes no damage to the vehicle. 2. Water-damaged vehicles: Water reaches halfway up the wheels and enters the cabin, submerging areas below the dashboard (generally called water-damaged vehicles). In such cases, the vehicle's performance may be compromised, but it can still be used after professional repairs. 3. Flood-damaged vehicles: Water levels exceed the wheels, enter the cabin, and submerge the dashboard (commonly called flood-damaged vehicles). These vehicles suffer severe damage to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, and are not recommended for continued use even after repairs.
I drove through water without stalling before, and while it seemed lucky on the surface, there are many hidden risks. If the water level rises above the exhaust or intake, the engine could ingest water, leading to a high risk of hydro-lock inside the engine. Moisture in the engine bay's electrical wiring can cause short circuits, triggering system warning lights. After driving through water, the chassis bearings are prone to water ingress and rust, resulting in unusual noises or premature wear. I recommend checking the air filter immediately to see if it's soaked and changing the engine oil to check for emulsification. If there's no rust on the exhaust, the issue might be temporarily hidden. Pay extra attention to these areas during regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs. For safety, avoid driving through deep water next time—only proceed if the water level is below half the wheel height.
