Is the car totaled if it stalls in water and is restarted?

[VanAdelyn]

The car may not necessarily be totaled if it stalls in water and is restarted. Below is an introduction to water-damaged vehicles: Introduction to water-damaged vehicles: A water-damaged vehicle refers to a car that has been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with water depth exceeding the wheels and body seats. These are vehicles where the underbody components have been in prolonged contact with water. Such cars pose significant risks, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and fires. Hazards of water-damaged vehicles: Components are easily damaged; the engine may suddenly stall; airbags may fail to deploy in critical moments or even deploy without cause; they are highly likely to cause rusting of body components, shortening the lifespan and reducing safety performance. Reason: A vehicle stalling in water is due to water entering the engine. If an attempt is made to restart it immediately, it can cause damage to the crankshaft connecting rod or the engine itself, leading to fatal engine damage. Moreover, many insurance companies will not cover engine damage caused by such actions.