Is it serious if the car didn't stall when driving through water?
3 Answers
There is basically no impact. The following is a related introduction about vehicle wading: Introduction to vehicle wading: As the name suggests, vehicle wading refers to driving through water on low-lying, waterlogged roads. This usually occurs in rainy weather when poor drainage leads to water accumulation in low-lying road sections. Precautions for vehicle wading: Before wading, observe the road conditions carefully; maintain stable power while in water; after wading, check the electrical system. If a car stalls in water, the main reason is water entering the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, there may also be electrical damage. Once the car stalls, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine damage. Instead, the car should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.
Driving through water without stalling doesn't necessarily mean everything is fine. From my experience, even if the car doesn't stall, water can still seep in and cause subsequent issues. For instance, once I drove through a waterlogged section, and the car kept running fine. I thought I was lucky at the time, but a few days later, the engine light came on. Upon inspection, it turned out some moisture had gotten into the air filter. Fortunately, there was no serious damage—just had to clean the filter element. The key factors are the depth and quality of the water. If the water is too deep, it might flood the exhaust system, leading to rust or short circuits in electronic components. Especially the drainage holes under the car chassis can easily get clogged, causing problems in areas with heavy rainfall. The braking system can also get soaked, affecting braking performance, which is quite dangerous. I recommend driving to a safe spot as soon as possible after going through water, then popping the hood to check the filter and wiring for any signs of moisture. Let the car dry out for a few days afterward. If you hear unusual noises or notice a drop in power, head to a repair shop immediately for a thorough inspection to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. Regular maintenance can also help prevent such risks.
Driving through water without stalling the car may seem lucky on the surface, but it doesn't mean everything is fine. Water may have entered the engine intake or cooling system, causing corrosion or malfunctions. For example, I once dealt with a similar situation where the car didn't stall while driving through water, but later it was found that the spark plugs had some rust, and the electrical wiring was damp, nearly causing a short circuit. This mainly happens because water can seep into gaps under high pressure. Also, don't overlook the wheel bearings and suspension system—sand and debris in the water can enter, increasing wear. For inspection, you can simply check if the air filter is dry or start the engine and gently press the accelerator to listen for any abnormal noises. For safety, it's best to take the car to a professional auto repair shop for a thorough check after driving through water. They can use tools to inspect cylinder pressure, electrical resistance, etc. When driving, try to avoid deep water, especially during heavy rain—if the water level exceeds half the tire height, the risk increases significantly.
