What are the impacts of a car being submerged in water?
3 Answers
The impacts of a car being submerged in water are: 1. Vulnerable components such as circuits, electrical devices, precision instruments, thermal and sound insulation materials, and oils are easily damaged; 2. The engine, transmission, computer system, audio equipment, wiring, airbags, steering system, etc., are prone to malfunctions; 3. After wading or being submerged in water, the electronic modules related to the engine are highly susceptible to short circuits. The vehicle's control computer, which acts like the car's brain, is usually located in the engine compartment and is mostly protected with simple dust-proof measures. When soaked by rainwater, the vehicle's central computer and wiring on the car body are highly prone to short circuits. If these modules fail, the consequences can range from a single function malfunction to severe vehicle damage, or even a fire caused by the short circuit.
I've seen quite a few flood-damaged vehicles, and the impact is extensive. After water enters a vehicle, the engine is most vulnerable to hydro-lock caused by water ingestion, which can lead to bent or even broken piston rods, resulting in high repair costs and incomplete performance recovery. Electrical systems, such as electronic control modules and sensors, are prone to short circuits or corrosion, triggering inexplicable fault warnings. Soaked interior carpets and seats can mold and develop odors, breeding bacteria that are harmful to health. Rust on the frame and chassis metal components weakens the structural integrity of the body, reducing protection in accidents. Safety-wise, water-contaminated brake fluid affects braking performance, and a failed power steering pump is also dangerous. The residual value of a flood-damaged vehicle plummets, often dropping to less than half its original worth. To avoid further issues, immediately disconnect the battery, tow the vehicle to a professional repair facility, and avoid attempting to start it. It's advisable to avoid parking in low-lying areas after heavy rain.
My car was submerged half a meter high during last year's heavy rain, and it's been plagued with issues since repairs. There's noticeable shaking during acceleration, and the engine warning light is on. The mechanic said it's due to intermittent failure caused by water damage to the ECU. There's always a musty smell inside, the seat foam has hardened, significantly reducing comfort. On highways, the steering occasionally sticks, and the brakes feel sluggish, diminishing driving confidence. The insurance company gave me the runaround during claims, costs exceeded the budget, and the car's market value is now only 30% of its original. This experience taught me the hidden dangers of flood-damaged vehicles, including long-term corrosion of core components and electronic system failures. If dealing with such a car, thoroughly replacing all damp-affected parts is essential for safe driving; otherwise, it's advisable to replace the vehicle to avoid risks.
