Is It Serious If Some Rainwater Gets Into the Fuel Tank?
2 Answers
If only a few drops of rainwater enter the fuel tank, there is no significant issue. However, if a large amount of rainwater gets in, the engine may experience problems such as shaking, weak acceleration, detonation, knocking, or clogged fuel lines. If the impact on the engine is severe, it may be necessary to dismantle the fuel tank for cleaning and inspect the fuel lines, filters, and injectors. More related information is as follows: 1. If there are no obvious symptoms after rainwater enters the fuel tank: A fuel tank water remover can be considered. Although many people question the effectiveness of fuel tank water removers and suspect they might be a scam, a qualified fuel tank water remover can mix oil and water to remove accumulated water in the tank. 2. During rainy days, the fuel tank can avoid water ingress: Because the fuel tank is equipped with drainage holes, these holes are often overlooked by car owners. Daily refueling, opening or closing the fuel tank cap, can inevitably allow dust or sediment to enter the drainage holes, gradually leading to blockages. When it rains, the rainwater cannot drain out through the blocked holes and may enter the fuel tank.
I've been driving for ten years, and getting rainwater in the fuel tank is indeed a headache. Last time, I carelessly left the fuel cap open. After the rain, when I started the car, it first idled unevenly and then wouldn't start at all. I took it to the repair shop, and the mechanic found that water had settled at the bottom of the tank, mixing with the fuel and causing the filter screen to rust. Cleaning it cost me a few hundred bucks. Rainwater won't immediately destroy your car, but over time it can corrode metal parts, clog fuel injectors, and affect the engine's combustion efficiency. Prevention is simple: always make sure the fuel cap is tightly closed, and double-check it after refueling. If you find a small amount of water in the tank, you can add a bottle of fuel dryer to absorb the moisture. If there's a significant amount, it's best to drain and clean the tank. Safe driving requires attention to detail—don't wait for problems to arise before fixing them. Addressing issues promptly is the best approach.
