Is It Serious If Water Reaches the License Plate Position?
4 Answers
Water reaching the license plate position is serious because it has already exceeded half the height of the tire. If water accumulates to half the height of the car tire: There is a possibility of water entering the engine, and seepage may occur inside the car. Under no circumstances should the engine be started to avoid damage to the engine or electronic components inside the car. Additionally, if the car is damaged due to ignition after being flooded, insurance companies will not cover the costs. Extended Information: Below is an introduction to car maintenance: 1. Exterior Inspection: Before driving, check the doors, hood, trunk, and glass condition. Inspect the car body for damage, tilting, oil or water leakage, etc. 2. Engine and Various Fluids: Check the fixation of engine components and inspect for oil or water leakage at the engine joints. Adjust the tightness of the belt and check the fixation of pipes and wires. Top up engine oil, coolant, and electrolyte as needed. 3. Tires: Inspect tire wear and clean the trunk. Replace tires when they approach the wear indicators. Check for bulges, abnormal wear, aging cracks, or hard damage on the tires. 4. Cleaning and Lubrication: Clean oil stains from the engine hood, door hinges, and trunk hinge mechanisms, and lubricate them. The general service life of antifreeze is 2 years; it should be replaced during maintenance, and the cooling system should be thoroughly cleaned. Due to the hygroscopic nature of the braking system, brake fluid should be replaced every two years.
I've been driving for decades, and water reaching the height of the license plate is really serious. The depth is about 30-40 centimeters, which means the water is almost reaching the bottom of the car. If the vehicle is still submerged in water or you insist on driving through, water is likely to enter the exhaust pipe or air intake. Once the engine takes in water and is restarted, it will be directly ruined, with repair costs starting at tens of thousands of yuan. The electrical system is also prone to problems, such as short circuits in the car's computer or wiring, causing various warning lights, which are time-consuming and expensive to fix. What's even more troublesome is that water can seep into the body and seats, leading to mold and unpleasant odors, affecting health. I recommend stopping the engine immediately, not touching the key, and finding a safe place to pull over and wait for a tow truck. Take it to a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection, including the chassis and battery, to ensure safety first—don't risk big losses for small gains. After flooding, the car's condition will deteriorate, affecting its long-term value.
For novice car owners, it's crucial to address flooded license plate areas immediately. The water depth is typically around 30cm, posing high risks to undercarriage components like the engine and exhaust pipe. Driving through may cause stalling or water ingress, leading to expensive repairs - especially for imported vehicles where parts can cost tens of thousands. Insurance companies conduct strict investigations and might deny claims if they determine improper operation. After water immersion, electronic systems often malfunction, such as AC failure or brake issues, increasing accident risks. I encountered a similar situation last year and fortunately had it towed promptly to avoid major repairs. For daily maintenance, heed weather warnings, park on high ground or in indoor garages, and never risk driving through floods - avoiding one water incident saves countless troubles.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, water reaching the height of the license plate should never be ignored. When the water is 30 to 40 centimeters deep, the engine compartment and exhaust pipe come into direct contact with water. Starting the engine in such conditions can lead to water entering the cylinders, resulting in costly damage. Soaked wiring harnesses and modules can cause short circuits, requiring dashboard disassembly to inspect for hidden hazards. Water immersion can also corrode the vehicle frame, compromising structural safety. During inspection, check the condition of the chassis and electrical components; severe damage may necessitate replacing the vehicle. For prevention, assessing water depth before driving through it is a critical step.
