Is it very harmful to the car if it is started again after being flooded?

[OJordan]

If a car is submerged in water to the point where the exhaust pipe is covered, starting the engine can cause water to enter the combustion chamber. This damage is permanent. Some cases may be relatively mild, with no noticeable issues in the short term, but over time, it can lead to cylinder scoring. In severe cases where a large amount of water enters, the engine may be completely destroyed. Solutions when a car is flooded and measures to take after restarting: If the car stalls in deep water, do not attempt to restart the engine. Call for rescue immediately and avoid starting the car again. If the engine has already been restarted, take the car to a repair shop as soon as possible for inspection and early treatment to prevent further damage. Stalling during water wading: If the vehicle stalls while driving through water and the owner restarts the engine, causing damage, the insurance company will not provide any compensation. If the engine only has water vapor mixed in or water entering through the air filter, the issue is minor. Simply clean the water vapor from the air filter, throttle valve, and cylinders.

[LaCali]

After waterlogging, I've seen many car owners itching to restart the engine, only to completely ruin their vehicles with severe consequences. When water enters the engine, attempting to start it can cause hydro-lock, where internal components like pistons and connecting rods are forcibly damaged. Even worse, if the electrical system is wet and you try to start the car, it can short-circuit and potentially catch fire, possibly frying the entire electrical module. Repair costs can skyrocket from a few thousand to tens of thousands, sometimes requiring a full engine replacement. As an experienced mechanic, I advise not touching any switches in a waterlogged car—just tow it to a professional shop for inspection and drying. Remember, preventing small mistakes can save you big money.

[DiZane]

My car was flooded last time, and I hesitated to restart it, which directly caused major damage to the engine. The damage was indeed huge. Once water is sucked into the cylinders, the engine internals can fracture as if hit by a hammer. Not only that, but attempting to restart with soaked batteries and wires poses a high risk of short circuits, potentially leading to fires or complete vehicle failure. Safety first—don’t try to start a flooded car; cut the power and tow it away immediately. The mechanic said my decision was late and could have cost me 50,000 yuan. So from an owner’s perspective, don’t take chances.

[Terri]

Starting the engine again after water immersion is absolutely a huge waste of money. The damage is severe because the initial cleaning cost for water ingress is only around a thousand yuan, but restarting the engine can lead to engine failure, with repair costs starting from tens of thousands, or even requiring a new engine. Short circuits in the electrical system can also cause more complex issues, and insurance may not cover such human errors. From an economic perspective, I suggest everyone do the math: resist the urge to start the engine once, save a huge amount of expenses, and opt for simple towing and handling—it’s the most cost-effective choice.

[Nellie]

After every heavy rain, I remind my neighbors not to attempt a second start on a flooded car—the damage can be severe. When water enters the engine, restarting compresses it, potentially damaging pistons, while short circuits can cause even bigger failures. With years of driving experience, I advise that waterlogged vehicles should immediately turn off the power and await rescue, avoiding any switch operation. Repairs are complex and time-consuming, making prevention key: stay calm and have it towed for servicing. This approach minimizes personal safety risks.

[VonAlejandro]

Last time my friend's car got flooded, he curiously tried to restart it, and the engine made a cracking sound before dying completely. The damage was severe because water in the cylinders caused parts to shatter upon ignition. The mechanic said the entire assembly needed replacement, and a lot of electrical circuits were fried too. I know from daily driving that this mistake is common but fatal. After water exposure, resist the urge to start the car—just tow it quietly for inspection. This protects the vehicle, extends its lifespan, and saves headaches.