Is There No Impact If a Sedan Doesn't Stall When Wading Through Water?
3 Answers
Generally, as long as the engine doesn't stall, there is no impact. Below is an introduction to water-wading vehicles: 1. Specific definition of water-wading vehicles: Vehicles start to accumulate water, and internal components suffer damage due to the water. Water-wading vehicles also have corresponding flood levels. 2. Classification of flood levels for water-wading vehicles: Flood level one is when water just reaches the vehicle's chassis, flood level two is when water reaches half of the wheels, flood level three is when water almost completely submerges the tires, flood level four is when water reaches the engine hood, flood level five is when water completely submerges the engine hood, and flood level six is when water submerges the roof.
I thought it was fine when my sedan didn’t stall while driving through water before, but problems emerged later. During that heavy rain, I drove through a deep puddle—the car ran smoothly without stalling, but a few hours later, the engine light came on. Upon inspection, water had splashed into the sensor connectors, causing rust and short circuits that affected fuel efficiency. The exhaust system also got waterlogged and corroded, leading to loud noises while driving. The air filter got wet and clogged the intake, requiring replacement. Underbody components like the brake discs rusted after water exposure, squeaking during braking. Even if the car doesn’t stall after driving through water, it’s advisable to check the engine bay immediately to ensure wires and filters stay dry; otherwise, hidden issues can accumulate, leading to costly repairs. After multiple visits to the repair shop, mechanics often say post-flood accidents mostly stem from negligence. So now, I always slow down when crossing water and avoid submerging beyond half the tire height.
The year I bought my new car, I encountered a flooded road. I was quite proud of myself for slowly navigating through without stalling. But a few days later, problems emerged: the car started sluggishly, and the throttle lacked power. A friend suggested it might be due to the drive belt getting wet and slipping or the undercarriage electronic modules short-circuiting from moisture. He shared his own experience of driving through water without stalling, only to have the ABS warning light come on later, costing him over a thousand yuan in repairs. Water entering the exhaust pipe or air filter can corrode metal parts and increase resistance. Modern cars have numerous electronic components, so it’s important to check wiring connectors after rain to prevent oxidation. I’ve made it a habit to drive to a car wash after going through water to rinse the undercarriage and remove debris, preventing rust from spreading. For safety, don’t take it lightly—always keep an eye on the dashboard for any changes. This lesson taught me to always monitor my car’s performance after driving through water.
