Is it okay if half of the car tire is submerged in water?
2 Answers
It is generally not a problem if half of the car tire is submerged in water, as long as the water does not enter the interior of the vehicle (this also depends on the vehicle model, ground clearance, etc.). However, if water enters the interior of the vehicle and remains for a certain period, it may cause short circuits and damage electrical components. Additional information: Steps to take after a vehicle is submerged in water: Open the hood promptly, disconnect the battery, drain the water immediately, or use a high-pressure air pump to dry it out, or let it dry naturally under normal conditions. Do not attempt to start the engine. These measures can help minimize damage. According to insurance claim principles, compensation for water-damaged vehicles is based on the insurance policy and follows the principle of compensating for actual losses. If the vehicle damage falls within the scope of the insurance coverage, the claim should be settled promptly and fully. For borderline cases, ex gratia payments may be made based on the actual circumstances.
I've been driving for decades and have seen plenty of cases where tires are half-submerged in water. Generally speaking, short-term submersion won't cause immediate tire blowouts—tire rubber itself has some water resistance—but there are hidden risks. If the water contains salt or chemicals, it may corrode the wheel hub surface, leading to rust over time and affecting balance, causing severe shaking while driving. Once, I parked with my wheels half-submerged in a puddle and didn’t think much of it, but later on the road, the steering wheel shook violently, nearly causing an accident. At the shop, we found the wheel hub had rusted and become uneven. So, my advice is to move the car to a dry spot immediately after submersion, rinse the wheels to remove contaminants, and thoroughly dry them. Don’t forget to check tire pressure to avoid instability while driving. Long-term submersion is worse—it accelerates rubber aging and deformation, and delaying repairs might mean costly new tire replacements and increased danger.
