Is It Okay If the Car Didn't Stall After Driving Through Water?

[StKate]

If the car didn't stall after driving through water, it proves that the engine is functioning properly and the electrical system hasn't been damaged. However, a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle is still necessary. Here are some precautions to take after driving through water: 1. Check the electrical system—immediately remove any wrapping from electrical components, dry any wet parts, and reinstall the fan belt; 2. Inspect all gearboxes for water ingress, check if there are any obstructions between the radiator fins, examine the tires for damage, and ensure there are no water weeds tangled under the chassis. Clean the vehicle promptly to restore braking effectiveness; 3. Do not attempt to start the engine until you are certain that components like the electrical system and engine parts are free of water to avoid further damage; 4. When driving through water, maintain first or second gear and avoid high gears with low RPM. Drive through in one go. If the car stalls due to high water levels, immediately turn off the ignition and do not attempt to restart the engine. Move the vehicle to a safe location and try to position it with the front higher than the rear to allow water in the exhaust pipe to drain, preventing damage to the catalytic converter and muffler.

[MacElliott]

That day I drove through a waterlogged area, and it was a stroke of luck that the engine didn't stall. But after getting home, I couldn't shake off the worry. The next day, I immediately drove to the repair shop to have the undercarriage checked. The mechanic said the air filter was completely soaked, but thankfully no water had entered the engine. He told me that the impact of water flow during wading can accelerate rusting of undercarriage components, especially the brake discs and suspension system, which can trap water. Now, I have to check my car every few days to see if there's any musty smell inside, fearing that dampness might cause short circuits in the wiring connectors. Everyone, remember: after wading through water, don't rush to continue your journey. Check as soon as possible if water has entered the air intake. High water pressure can also damage the sealing rings of the headlights. Next time I encounter standing water, I'll definitely take a detour.

[MacColin]

Didn't stall while wading? Don't think you're in the clear! Last time my car drove through water, the engine held up fine, but the undercarriage was full of mud and sand. The mechanic removed the skid plate and found a small tear in the CV boot from debris, with all the lubricant leaked out. Even worse, the chassis bolts were rusted solid, and tiny water droplets were seeping from the ECU connectors. He said the most critical period is the seven days after wading – repeatedly check the condition of underbody oil seals, don't wait until fluids emulsify to notice. Now I inspect radiator fin cleanliness every other day – debris carried in standing water can get lodged between cooler fins and slowly corrode components.

[Daedalus]

My car crossed shallow puddles smoothly without stalling, and I was quite proud at first. However, in the third week, the brakes started making strange noises. The mechanic said the brake caliper had rusted due to water ingress. He explained that not stalling in water only meant the engine was safe at the time, but components inside the chassis could suffer. The ball joints of the steering tie rods would wear out quickly if water got in. Now, during every maintenance check, I insist on removing the exhaust pipe gasket to check for accumulated water. Floating branches in the water also scratched the oil pan coating. Regularly warming up the car can evaporate moisture from electrical connectors. Anyway, after driving through water, I’ve developed a habit of lifting the engine hood to feel the wiring harness.