Is Water Leakage in the Engine Compartment Serious?
2 Answers
Water leakage in the engine compartment is serious and may likely cause accidents, so it should be repaired promptly. Here is relevant information: 1. Precautions for engine water ingress: When the engine compartment is flooded, do not start the engine immediately. If the car is on a waterlogged road, push it out to a dry area, allow all the water in the engine compartment to drain out, open the engine hood to let the sun dry it or use a blower to dry it. In short, the engine must be completely dry before starting. 2. Hazards of engine water ingress: Never attempt to start the engine if it has been flooded. If you do, even with water ingress insurance and vehicle damage insurance, the insurance company will not cover the costs. The engine works by igniting compressed gas, and water is difficult to compress. Forcing the engine to start can result in severe consequences, such as completely bent or even broken connecting rods, leading to major engine repairs.
Last time at the repair shop, the mechanic pointed at the water accumulation under my car and said it's a common occurrence. Actually, the key to identifying leaks lies in the location: Water stains below the AC drain outlet are normal condensate discharge and nothing to worry about; however, if it's light green or pink coolant leakage, especially near the water pump or hose connections, it must be addressed immediately. It's important to know that coolant leaks can cause engine overheating, potentially damaging the head gasket or even causing cylinder scoring in severe cases. I've seen a car whose engine completely failed on the road due to an untimely repair of a cracked radiator. My advice is to first use a tissue to dab the leaking fluid and smell it—coolant with a sweet odor requires immediate professional attention. Here's a handy trick: Place a piece of cardboard under the engine after parking to quickly pinpoint the leak source.
