Is It Serious If Water Submerges the Chassis?
4 Answers
It is not a serious issue if a car's chassis is submerged in water for a short period. Below are the correct methods for driving through water: 1. Assess the depth of the water: If the water does not exceed half the height of the wheels, it is safe to proceed; otherwise, it is not advisable to continue driving. 2. Use snow mode: After entering a waterlogged section, slow down and drive cautiously. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to use first gear and preferably engage snow mode to prevent wheel slippage. 3. Continuous braking: After exiting the waterlogged section, apply the brakes several times in succession to evaporate the moisture from the brake discs, ensuring the vehicle's braking performance is not affected.
I once experienced driving in a heavy rainstorm where the chassis was submerged in water, and I was really worried at the time. Water flooding the chassis is a serious issue—you must stop the car immediately and avoid starting the engine, as water could be sucked into the engine, causing severe damage. I called a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop. The mechanic found that the chassis and electrical wiring were at risk of water ingress and rust. Fortunately, timely action was taken, including changing the oil and cleaning the chassis, which cost nearly a thousand yuan. I recommend that car owners check the vehicle's maximum wading depth before traveling during the rainy season (usually around half the tire height) and avoid forcing their way through deep water—safety first. After the incident, I added anti-rust coating to the chassis and now detour around any water accumulation to avoid further risks.
Through years of vehicle maintenance experience, I've found that flooded chassis pose a serious hidden danger. Water entering the engine compartment can cause short circuits in electronic systems like ABS, and even damage the ECU control unit. After wading through water, avoid touching any switches, remove the key, and wait for a professional tow truck to take it to a specialized shop. They will disassemble and inspect chassis components, clean corroded areas, and check for water ingress into the transmission or differential. Over time, this can weaken the vehicle's structural integrity. It's advisable to regularly apply anti-rust treatment to the chassis and use waterproof film to protect wiring harnesses during the rainy season. Investing in prevention is far more cost-effective than repairing damage later.
I think water flooding the chassis must be taken seriously, don't underestimate the impact of accumulated water. After parking in water, do not start the engine, otherwise water entering the engine may cause a hydro-lock. Push the car to a safe location and contact a tow truck, then have the air filter and chassis electronic modules checked for water ingress at the shop. Simple rinsing can provide temporary relief, but thorough rust prevention is key. During regular maintenance, spray some chassis protective coating, and avoid low-lying areas during the rainy season to prevent corrosion and malfunctions.
