What are the issues if a car doesn't stall when wading through water?
4 Answers
Generally speaking, if a car doesn't stall when wading through water, there should be no problem. Additional notes: Note 1: If the water depth has exceeded half of the tire height, it may endanger the vehicle's electrical system and onboard computer. It's best to have it checked. When just exiting the water area, apply the brakes gently to dry the brake pads by friction. It's advisable to check whether the air filter, fuel filter, and battery have been soaked or dampened. Note 2: After wading through water, it's best to stop and check the engine air intake, engine compartment, and the four wheels for any debris to avoid affecting driving safety. If the water was very deep, it's recommended to completely change the engine oil and transmission fluid. This is because the engine oil pan and transmission have some ventilation holes that may allow water to enter. Water mixing with oil will naturally cause deterioration, and this issue requires professional repair shop handling.
Last time my car went through water without stalling, it seemed to go smoothly, but later I found there were quite a few hidden dangers. Although the engine was running normally, water might have seeped into the car through gaps in the chassis, causing the carpet underneath to accumulate water, which eventually led to mold and foul odors over time. Electrical connectors soaked in water are prone to oxidation, leading to issues like malfunctioning power windows or air conditioning problems. If water enters the driveshaft and bearings, the lubrication effect decreases, resulting in a buzzing noise while driving. The exhaust pipe, when suddenly cooled after being hot, is prone to rust and deformation at the joints. It's best to immediately check the chassis drainage holes afterward and clear out leaves and mud, as blockages can accelerate rusting underneath the car. Also, dry the car's carpet thoroughly, as a damp environment can corrode the electrical circuits.
Not stalling in water only means the engine is temporarily fine, but if water enters the transmission and differential vent holes, it's trouble. Mud and sand in the water can seep into the transmission oil pan, causing the oil to emulsify and degrade, drastically reducing lubrication. Brake discs rust after getting wet, producing sharp friction noises when driving. Debris like aquatic plants stuck in the chassis guard gaps can corrode screws over time. More troublesome is the oxygen sensor, which may falsely report error codes after being submerged, leading to a sudden spike in fuel consumption. I've found many car owners think they're safe as long as the engine doesn't stall, only to discover wheel bearing noises months later—opening them up reveals the grease has been washed away, requiring complete replacement. After driving through water, it's advisable to immediately check the chassis seals at a repair shop.
Once my car had just passed through a waterlogged section, and the engine was running normally at the time. Two days later, water started dripping inside the car, and upon inspection, it was found that the door seals had deformed, causing leakage. The chassis wiring harness was soaked in water, leading to a short circuit that disabled the reverse radar. Even worse, water accumulated inside the exhaust pipe, causing severe shaking during cold starts. The wheel bearings got water inside, resulting in increasingly loud noises, and the repair costs were much higher than expected. The steering column universal joint rusted due to water ingress, making steering noticeably heavier. It's recommended to remove and clean the air filter as soon as possible after driving through water. If the humidity is high, even the headlights can fog up. Once the anti-rust coating on the chassis screws is damaged, they are more prone to rust during the rainy season.
