Is It Serious If Water Gets Into the Vehicle's Exhaust Pipe?
2 Answers
There is an impact. Water entering the exhaust pipe can lead to severe consequences such as water entering the engine. If only the exhaust pipe has water, it is essential to remove the accumulated water as soon as possible to prevent impurities in the water from clogging the three-way catalytic converter or damaging the oxygen sensor. To drain the water, simply increase the throttle to expel the water through the exhaust. Below is relevant information about vehicle wading: Introduction to Vehicle Wading: Vehicle wading, as the name suggests, refers to driving a vehicle on low-lying, waterlogged roads, passing through water. This generally occurs during rainy weather in low-lying areas where inadequate drainage leads to water accumulation on the road. Precautions for Vehicle Wading: Before wading, observe the road conditions carefully; during wading, maintain steady power; after wading, inspect the electrical system. If a car stalls in water, the primary reason is usually water entering the exhaust pipe, though in some cases, electrical damage may also occur. Once the car stalls, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake tract and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine damage. The vehicle should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered several instances of water entering the exhaust pipe. That time during a heavy rainstorm, my car stalled in standing water, and water backflowed into the exhaust pipe, which really worried me. Once water enters the engine interior, it creates what's called a hydrostatic lock effect - the piston struggles to compress water vapor, let alone liquid water. This directly leads to connecting rod deformation or even fracture, with repairs costing anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands. So I advise everyone: when encountering water deeper than your exhaust pipe height, never force-start the engine. After stalling, immediately turn off the ignition, then find a professional mechanic to remove the exhaust pipe for drainage, and if necessary, drain the engine oil for inspection. For regular parking, try to avoid low-lying areas, and it's best to install an exhaust pipe water deflector before the rainy season.
