What Are the Impacts of Driving Through Water on a Car?
2 Answers
Here is relevant information about the impacts of driving through water on a car: 1. Brake Failure: Residual water after driving through water can prevent the brake discs and brake pads from fully engaging, causing the car to lose braking power. 2. Chassis Rust: Water on rainy roads is often dirty and contains various debris like fallen leaves. When a vehicle drives through water, these debris can easily stick to gaps in the chassis, leading to rust over time. 3. Headlight Damage: Headlights are crucial equipment for driving in rainy, foggy, or nighttime conditions, and their performance directly affects driving safety. If the headlight cover's seal is not tight, water can easily enter the headlight during driving through water, creating condensation inside and affecting light transmission. 4. Short Circuits: The engine compartment contains many wiring harnesses and circuits. Driving through water can wet the connectors of these harnesses, potentially causing short circuits.
Driving through water can cause significant damage to your car. Once, I drove through a water-filled pothole, and my car suddenly stalled. The engine noise became louder, and smoke started coming out. I had to call a tow truck for repairs. Upon opening the hood, we found water had entered the intake system, directly leading to hydrolock in the cylinders. The repairs were both troublesome and expensive. Later inspections revealed that the electrical wiring had gotten wet and rusted, and the air conditioning control module short-circuited and stopped working. The submerged parts of the chassis rusted faster, especially the metal components, which corroded more easily. Over time, the car's frame could become unstable. Additionally, the air filter got soaked and failed, allowing dust to enter, which made things worse. After this incident, I advise everyone to avoid puddles during rainy days and not take risks. If you must drive through water, do so slowly and steadily to avoid splashing large waves. After driving through water, it's best to turn off the engine and check the chassis to ensure it's clean and free of standing water. Don’t underestimate shallow water—if it's too deep, it can ruin your car's heart.