What are the conditions after a car is flooded?
3 Answers
After a car is flooded, there will be conditions such as bending and fracture of the cylinder head, transmission damage, interior damage, and electrical component damage. The details are as follows. Bending and fracture of the cylinder head: When the water level is higher than the engine intake, water will directly enter the cylinder, forming a mixture of air and water. Gas can be compressed, but water cannot. When the crankshaft pushes the connecting rod to compress towards the piston, the water cannot be compressed, causing the connecting rod to bend under the force of the water. If the owner turns off the engine at this point and then attempts to start the car again, the huge reaction force will cause the bent connecting rod to rub against the cylinder, leading to a risk of fracture in the cylinder head after bending. Transmission damage: After the car is flooded, water can enter through the transmission vent holes. The mixture of water and transmission oil may require replacing the transmission oil and cleaning in minor cases. In severe cases, the lack of lubrication will accelerate mechanical wear and electrical damage, necessitating a major transmission overhaul. Interior damage: If not treated promptly, water ingress can lead to mold, odor, deformation, and damage. Electrical component damage: Water ingress can cause short circuits and damage to sensors and control units. Water inside the vehicle's wiring can lead to rust and corrosion over time, resulting in malfunction.
I've driven a car that had been flooded, and the experience was terrible. As soon as the car started, the engine made strange noises, somewhat like firecrackers, and the power was noticeably weaker, with jerky acceleration. The cabin was full of moisture, and the carpets grew mold with a layer of white fuzz and a pungent smell because they weren't dried in time, affecting both health and ride comfort. The electrical system was more prone to issues—warning lights on the dashboard flickered randomly, and the headlights sometimes turned on and off by themselves, likely due to short circuits. Even more dangerous was the unresponsive braking, making the car prone to skidding in rainy conditions. I later learned that prolonged water exposure corrodes the chassis, leading to extremely expensive repairs. It's best to stop and inspect the car immediately after water exposure and avoid prolonged use. During heavy rain, parking the car on higher ground or in a garage beforehand is much safer.
In my auto repair work, I often encounter water-damaged vehicles causing various troubles. If water enters the engine compartment and mixes with oil, it leads to emulsification, accelerating wear on pistons and connecting rods. The electrical system is even worse - fuses keep blowing, and control modules short-circuit causing erratic behavior in headlights and AC. Once a customer's car got flooded, water damaged the ECU computer board, paralyzing the entire system - replacement cost thousands. Wet car floors left untreated start rusting from the bottom, affecting suspension and exhaust systems. Most people ignore interiors, but moldy carpets and seats aren't just unsightly, they breed bacteria. My advice: don't start the engine after water exposure, disconnect the battery, and dry critical components. Simple prevention includes regularly cleaning drainage holes and checking the engine bay after rain.
