Is There a Problem with a Car Being Statically Submerged in Water?

[IsabellaLynn]

Vulnerable components such as circuits, electrical devices, precision instruments, thermal and acoustic insulation materials, and oils are highly susceptible to damage. Below is an introduction to the classification of water-damaged vehicles: 1. Water Submersion Level 1: Water has just reached the vehicle's chassis, and the floor may become damp, but the likelihood of significant water ingress is low, with minimal impact on the vehicle's electrical equipment. 2. Water Submersion Level 2: Water has submerged half of the wheels. Due to the vehicle's incomplete sealing, water will begin to enter the interior. For lower-bodied sedans, the water level inside may affect the seat adjustment motors and electrical components such as heating and ventilation. 3. Water Submersion Level 3: Water has almost completely submerged the tires. At this point, the water level inside the vehicle will fully immerse the seat cushions and the central armrest area, significantly impacting a large number of electrical devices.

[LouisMarie]

Oh, I've got a thing or two to say about waterlogged cars. Last year during the heavy rains, my car got flooded up to half the wheel height in the underground garage. You should know that water sneaks under the car like a ghost—invisible and untouchable—but it can creep along the wires and wreak havoc behind the dashboard. At the time, I noticed the horn wasn’t working, and later during inspection, I found the circuit boards had turned green with copper rust. The biggest headache was the engine—if water gets past the exhaust pipe, once the water recedes and you start the engine, the connecting rods can bend with a snap. Even if the water only reaches the carpet level, mold growing in the fabric for three months can produce a sour stench strong enough to knock you out. Now, whenever I see heavy rain in the weather forecast, I make sure to move my car to higher ground. That 20,000 yuan repair bill was a costly lesson I won’t forget.

[DelAlyssa]

As a car mechanic with twenty years of experience, I've encountered too many flood-damaged vehicles for repairs. The most deceptive aspect of static water damage is the hidden harm, like the chassis bearings quietly rusting after being submerged, leading to clunking noises within six months. Last week, I disassembled a flood-damaged car and found that the engine mount bolts had rusted through—luckily, the owner hadn't driven on the highway. Electronic systems are the hardest hit; ABS sensors can fail when wet, and the issue often goes undetected. And let's not forget the transmission's vent hole—water seeping through this tiny opening can turn the gear oil milky white. My advice for flood-damaged cars: don't just look at the surface. You must remove the carpets to inspect the wiring harnesses, as moisture trapped in the connectors can cause corrosion for months.

[MacDelaney]

Last time I went back to the countryside, I saw my neighbor's car submerged in rainwater. He thought it would be fine just to let it dry, but two weeks later, all the door locks were completely rusted shut. The biggest issue with static water immersion lies in the places you can't see: water trapped in the door layers that doesn't drain properly can rust through the sheet metal, and water in the spare tire well in the trunk can cause oxidation of the vehicle's frame. Also, if the brake fluid lines get contaminated, the brakes might suddenly become soft in an emergency. I recommend reporting any car submerged above the wheel hubs directly to the insurance, as handling it yourself comes with too many hidden risks.