What are the consequences of water entering the air filter?
2 Answers
Water entering the air filter indicates the possibility of water entering the engine, which may lead to hydro-lock. In such a situation, the engine should be turned off immediately. Open the air filter housing, clean out the water (check if water has entered the cylinders), and take the vehicle to a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection. Replace the waterlogged air filter. Below are some maintenance items: 1. Engine oil and oil filter: Primarily for the lubrication system, which ensures effective lubrication of the engine components to prevent excessive wear. The oil filter removes impurities from the oil, ensuring the lubrication system functions properly. The oil filter should be replaced along with the oil. 2. Air filter: The air filter cleans the air before it enters the cylinders, removing impurities like dust, dirt, and sand. The cleaning frequency depends on the operating environment. The gasoline filter should generally be replaced every 20,000-25,000 km. 3. Spark plugs: Spark plugs are consumable parts and should be replaced every 20,000 km.
Last time, water accidentally got into my car's air filter, and it turned into quite a hassle. The filter paper tends to disintegrate when wet, allowing dust and water molecules to rush straight into the engine, scuffing up the pistons and cylinder walls. The engine started shaking badly, felt sluggish when driving, and fuel consumption shot up. If I had delayed replacing the filter for a few more days, the accumulated dust could have wrecked the entire engine. When I took it to the mechanic, he said replacing just the filter would cost a few dozen bucks, but a full engine overhaul would run into thousands. Now, after every car wash or rain, I check if the filter box lid is tight to avoid water buildup, and I also inspect the intake pipes for signs of aging. Preventing small issues saves me the heartache of major repairs later—it’s a habit that’s proven really effective, making car maintenance much easier.
