What Are the Consequences of a Car Being Submerged in Water?
2 Answers
Here are the consequences of a car being submerged in water: 1. Component Damage: After being submerged, sand and debris can get stuck in gears or belts, leading to easier damage of certain components and initial abnormal noises. 2. Seat and Electrical Damage: Seats may develop mold and emit odors after being soaked, and electrical issues cannot be fully repaired. Repaired circuits may exhibit problems within as little as 3 months or as long as 1 year or more, such as false fault light activations, headlights turning on without reason, and other electrical-related issues, leading to short circuits. 3. Reduced Lifespan: The damage from water immersion is significant. If a vehicle is submerged, it can easily lead to rusting of body components, shortening its lifespan and reducing safety performance.
Seeing cars submerged in water reminds me of my neighbor's car that was soaked for a whole day after the last heavy rain, which turned into a real headache later. The water reached the door level, causing the entire electrical system to short-circuit—the lights and horn would flicker on and off. The mechanic said the wiring corrosion was severe, costing several thousand to fix. The interior was even worse; the carpets soaked up water, leading to mold and a lingering stench for months, making it unbearable when the AC was turned on. If water gets into the engine, there's a high risk of cylinder damage, requiring major repairs or even part replacements, and the airbags could also be affected. My advice is, if your car gets flooded, immediately disconnect the battery and have it towed to a dealership for a full inspection—don’t try to move it yourself, as it could lead to exorbitant repair costs or even compromise driving safety. Parking on higher ground is always the safest bet.
