What are the effects of water ingress on a car?
2 Answers
Water ingress can have the following effects on a car: 1. Electronic system failure: Modern vehicles are composed of numerous electronic devices. Unless they are professional off-road vehicles, most cars generally lack proper waterproofing for their electronic equipment. 2. Engine failure: The electronic modules related to the engine are highly susceptible to short circuits. The vehicle's control computer, which acts as the brain of the car, is usually located in the engine compartment with minimal dust protection and no systematic waterproofing. When soaked by rainwater, the central computer and wiring in the car body are prone to short circuits. These issues can range from minor malfunctions to severe vehicle damage or even fire caused by short circuits, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 3. Water-soaked interior: When water levels rise above the doors, the interior is likely to get wet. Rainwater contains many impurities and is unclean. The post-rain car interior becomes a highly humid greenhouse environment, conducive to mold growth. If the vehicle is not dried promptly, mold can quickly ruin the fabric and leather materials inside the car.
That time my car got flooded, resulting in water entering the engine internals. When starting, it made terrible clanking noises, and the engine oil mixed with water, causing poor lubrication and rusted/seized metal components. The electrical systems short-circuited, the dashboard flickered erratically, and the headlights wouldn't turn on, making night driving extremely dangerous with zero visibility. Rust gradually spread across the chassis and body, weakening the structure – at highway speeds, the car felt floaty and unstable. The soaked carpets didn't dry promptly, breeding mold with a foul stench. Turning on the AC just blasted out musty air, which is unhealthy. Repairs cost a fortune with lengthy part replacements. I recommend towing it to a professional shop immediately for water drainage and inspection to prevent long-term hazards affecting driving safety and resale value.
