Is it serious if water gets inside the car?
4 Answers
It is serious if water gets inside the car. Below are the situations regarding water entering the vehicle: 1. Water has entered the car interior: During the vehicle usage process, if flooding occurs. Depending on the extent of the vehicle flooding, if water has entered the car interior or reached a very high position in the vehicle. In such a situation, you must not enter the car to move the vehicle and should tow it to a repair facility as soon as possible for inspection and repair. 2. Stalling on waterlogged roads: If the vehicle stalls while driving on waterlogged roads or after being submerged in water, you must not continue driving and should immediately contact a repair facility for assistance. The main reason for this situation is that water has entered the engine through the intake system, and in severe cases, it has entered the engine combustion chamber, causing the stalling phenomenon. If you continue driving or attempt to restart the vehicle, the engine could be severely damaged. 3. Vehicles with unresolved hazards: Vehicles that have been submerged in water before but were repaired without completely eliminating the hazards. In such cases, the risk of continued use is still relatively high. Severe situations may lead to vehicle self-ignition, damage to the engine transmission, airbags, and other original components.
Water inside the car is a serious issue because it can lead to hidden problems, such as a high risk of short circuits in the electrical system. Sensitive components under the dashboard may burn out if they get wet, triggering warning lights or even engine shutdown. Carpets and seat cushions absorb water and don’t dry easily, leading to mold growth within days, unpleasant odors, and poor air quality that may cause allergies or respiratory issues. Additionally, if water seeps into the metal chassis, prolonged exposure can cause rust, compromising the vehicle’s overall safety. I’ve dealt with this situation before and recommend immediately drying all wet areas with towels, opening all doors and windows for ventilation for several hours, and then taking the car to a professional shop for a thorough inspection of the electrical wiring and seals to prevent long-term damage. Regularly checking the sunroof and door drainage holes can help prevent water intrusion.
Water entering the car is quite troublesome, especially with significant health hazards. Wet carpets and seats can breed bacteria and mold, and the air conditioning ventilation system may become contaminated, blowing out air with unpleasant odors. Long-term inhalation can cause discomfort, and in severe cases, coughing or runny noses. Electrical components are also a risk; once water gets into the audio system or window controls, they may malfunction, potentially distracting the driver. I once forgot to close the windows on a rainy day, and the entire car got soaked. After dealing with it, I found that water stains under the floor mats were hard to remove. It's best to act quickly: first, use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture, then turn on the air conditioning with hot air circulation to dry the interior. If that doesn't work, you may need to remove the seats to air them out. Parking in a garage or regularly checking the window seals can reduce the chances of water getting in.
Water in the car is indeed serious, depending on where it comes from and which components are affected. For example, water in the engine compartment is dangerous—if the air filter gets wet and the engine is started, internal parts may be damaged. If the water level rises above the door sills, brake fluid contamination can lead to brake failure. Electrical short circuits are also possible, increasing repair costs. I usually check the water level first—if it's just a small amount of rainwater, dry and ventilate immediately; if it's significant, avoid driving and call for a tow to a repair shop. Regularly clearing the roof drainage holes can help prevent such issues.
