What Are the Long-Term Effects of Water Getting Into a Car?
2 Answers
If you forgot to close the car window during rain and only a small amount of water got in, it indicates minimal impact. However, for safety, it's best not to turn on any electronic devices in the car, such as lights or starting the engine, to prevent short circuits caused by water exposure. You can use the key to open the door, and if it's still raining, cover the car with an umbrella or waterproof cloth. Here are emergency measures for water entering the exhaust pipe: Do not force ignition: If the exhaust pipe takes in water and the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it. Instead, call for roadside assistance immediately. After a simple cleaning and drying, the engine will resume normal operation, and the repair costs are relatively low, making it easier for insurance claims. Observe carefully: Check if the vehicles ahead can pass through. If the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, it's best not to force your way through. Avoid speeding: Drive slowly through water. Speeding can cause water waves stirred up by the wheels to enter the exhaust pipe, leading to engine stalling.
Water damage to a car can have serious long-term effects. My previous car was submerged up to half the tire height during a heavy rainstorm. It seemed fine to drive at the time, but problems started appearing after two months. First, the AC started blowing out a musty smell, and changing the filter didn’t help. Later, I discovered the sponge under the carpet was soaked with water and had turned black. The electrical system also started acting up—windows would roll down on their own, and the wipers would suddenly activate on sunny days. After inspection, it turned out to be due to oxidized and short-circuited wiring connectors. The mechanic said the only solution was to dismantle the entire interior to dry it out, which was both costly and time-consuming. So, never underestimate water damage to a car. Don’t believe dealers who claim drying it out is enough—the hidden issues can be a nightmare later on.
