Is it okay to drive a water-damaged car?
1 Answers
It is not advisable to continue driving a water-damaged car. The hazards of a water-damaged vehicle include the following three points: 1. Engine damage: When the water level exceeds the engine's air intake, water can be sucked into the engine cylinders. Since water is incompressible, if the engine stalls due to water ingress and is restarted, the immense reverse force can cause the connecting rods to bend and rub against the engine cylinders, potentially rupturing the engine block instantly, leading to severe engine damage. 2. Transmission damage: Transmissions, whether manual or automatic, have ventilation holes, allowing water to enter. For manual transmissions, prompt cleaning and replacing the gear oil may mitigate major damage. However, automatic transmissions, due to their complex structure and high precision, can suffer from malfunctions if not thoroughly treated. 3. Electrical system damage: Water exposure causes the most significant harm to a vehicle's electrical components. When powered, water can quickly corrode wire connectors, causing short circuits. Severe cases may result in water ingress into various control units, corroding electronic components, which are costly to replace.