Is It Okay to Drive If the Car Gets Flooded?

[LaNora]

If the engine has been submerged, it's best not to drive the car. After being flooded, the vehicle may experience wiring issues. Here is some relevant information: Freshwater Cleaning: After driving through floodwater or rain, take the car to a 4S shop for cleaning, as rainwater has certain corrosive properties. Although the car body and chassis are coated with anti-corrosion materials during manufacturing, prolonged exposure and soaking can cause severe corrosion to the vehicle's chassis. It is essential to clean it with freshwater. Explanation: A severely water-damaged vehicle refers to a car that has entered a flooded area, causing the engine or exhaust pipe to take in water and stall the vehicle in the water. Whether the vehicle is restarted or experiences a complete power failure, it is considered severely water-damaged.

[VonJasper]

Last time my car got flooded on a rainy day, it seemed fine when driving, but don't take it lightly. Water can seep into the engine compartment, such as submerging the air filter, which if sucked into the cylinders can damage internal parts; or soak the wiring, causing short circuits that trigger warning lights days later. I've been in this situation—thought everything was okay while driving, but the motor corroded, and the repair costs were astronomical. I recommend checking immediately: pop the hood to check for standing water, feel if the fuse box is soaked. If the water level was above the wheel well, the risk is even greater. Don't drive it—have it towed to a professional shop to dry out and test all systems to avoid further expenses down the line. This is a safety issue—losing control on the road isn't worth the regret.

[DeLaila]

As a seasoned driver with kids at home, driving a waterlogged car is far from safe. When children are seated in the back, stalling midway poses serious risks; water mixed with silt can clog brake components or electronic modules, and corrode wiring harnesses, leading to malfunctions. I once overlooked this and ended up with ABS system failure after driving for a while. A thorough inspection is necessary: Is there water under the seats? Are there any residual water marks in the engine compartment? It's best to avoid driving and have a technician dry it out and test voltage stability. Safety comes first—don't take risks assuming the car is fine just because it can move.

[SanEliza]

Don't take it lightly if your car runs smoothly after water ingress; I used to tinker with cars when young and encountered similar situations. Flooding may cause short circuits in the ECU or fuses, lurking until a major breakdown erupts days later. Briefly check if the battery terminals and air filter are wet, and use a fan to dry vulnerable parts yourself. But DIY solutions carry high risks—if the water intrusion is severe, tow it to a repair shop for thorough inspection. Don't cut corners by driving it recklessly.