What Are the Effects of a Car Stalling in Water?
2 Answers
There is no impact if the car stalls in water and is not restarted. However, restarting the engine while submerged can cause damage to the engine. Here are some precautions for driving through water: Water level at 50% of the tire height: If the water level exceeds 50% of the tire height, engage four-wheel drive (4WD). For deep water, use low-range 4WD. If the vehicle lacks four-wheel drive, it is advisable not to take the risk. Gear selection: When driving through water with a manual transmission, use 1st or 2nd gear. For automatic transmissions, use the forced low gear option, such as the 1 or 2 setting at the bottom of the D range. Path exploration: When navigating deep water, always scout the path ahead. Carry a long stick or pole over 1 meter in length, sweeping and probing the ground as you move to avoid large rocks or deep holes underwater.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I once drove through a puddle without paying attention to its depth, and my car suddenly stalled. In my panic, I attempted to restart the engine immediately, only to have it seize up due to water ingress. The repair cost me nearly 15,000 yuan. Water had entered the cylinders, damaging the pistons and connecting rods, necessitating a complete overhaul. The electrical system also short-circuited, burning out fuses and sensors, causing unstable lighting and a persistent musty smell from the air conditioner after water leakage. Even worse, the chassis and seat carpets got soaked, leading to rust and depreciation. The insurance only covered part of the damages, leaving me with significant out-of-pocket expenses. Since then, I've learned my lesson: I always detour if the water is deeper than half the tire height, and I carefully assess the depth and speed before attempting to drive through any water.
