Is it okay to park the car in a place with standing water?
2 Answers
There is no impact if car tires are submerged in water for a day or shorter periods. However, long-term immersion of tires in water or parking the vehicle in standing water that exceeds the wheel hub level can significantly affect the wheel hubs and brake components. Since both wheel hubs and brake parts are metal products, prolonged water exposure can lead to oxidation reactions, resulting in rust formation on the wheel hubs and brake components, which may impair the vehicle's braking performance. When replacing wheel hubs, the following parameters should be noted: 1. Center Bore (CB): Refers to the size of the wheel hub's center hole. Although wheel hubs with different center bore sizes from the original can be installed using adapters, it is not recommended for safety reasons. 2. Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD): A wheel hub with a PCD of 5x120mm means it has 5 lug bolts forming a circle with a diameter of 120mm. This value should also match the original specifications. 3. Offset (OFFSET): Also known as ET value. A positive offset indicates the mounting surface is outside the centerline, while a negative offset means it's inside. Passenger cars generally have positive offset values, and this parameter greatly influences the vehicle's driving stability and cornering traction.
From a safety perspective, I have deep personal experience with this issue. Last year, my car was parked in a waterlogged corner, and the chassis began to rust. Within less than a month, I had to replace the entire exhaust system. Standing water can silently corrode metal components, especially the undercarriage and exhaust pipes, significantly shortening a vehicle's lifespan. More dangerously, if water depth exceeds half the wheel height, it can soak electrical wiring and cause short circuits, leaving the car unable to start. I always advise carefully inspecting parking surfaces and avoiding low-lying areas for convenience. Pooled water often contains road salt or contaminants that accelerate corrosion. During rainy seasons, extra caution is needed – prolonged parking in flooded areas may even compromise brake or suspension system safety. My constant advice to friends: find elevated ground or a dry garage for parking. Preventive measures are always more cost-effective and less stressful than post-damage repairs.
