Is Water Leakage in the Engine Compartment Serious?
2 Answers
Serious. Water leakage in the engine compartment can lead to corrosion of parts and shorten their lifespan. Here are the relevant details: Precautions for engine water ingress: When water enters the engine compartment, do not start the engine immediately. If the vehicle is on a waterlogged road, it can be pushed out to a dry area. Allow the water in the engine compartment to drain completely, open the engine hood to let the sun dry it out or use a blower to dry it. In short, the engine must be completely free of water before starting. Hazards of engine water ingress: Never attempt to start the engine if it has been submerged in water. If you do, even with flood insurance and comprehensive coverage, the insurance company will not compensate for the damage. 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 bending or even breaking the connecting rods, leading to major engine repairs.
It depends on what kind of fluid is leaking. I just dealt with a similar situation. If water drips from the undercarriage after turning on the AC in summer, it's most likely just AC condensation—completely harmless, just like how home AC units drip water. If you notice a sweet smell along with greenish-pink stains, it's definitely coolant leakage and must be repaired immediately, as running out of coolant can cause the engine to overheat and seize. After rain, if the firewall area is soaked, it’s usually due to clogged drainage holes under the windshield—clearing them with a wire should fix it. But if you spot oily droplets hanging from the underbody guard, it’s likely a mix of oil and coolant leaking from the oil cooler or head gasket. Delaying repairs can damage the engine, so it’s best to lift the car and inspect the leak point early.
