What are the main parts damaged in a flooded car?
2 Answers
Main damaged parts include the engine, transmission, vehicle fluids, bearing components, and electrical systems. Below is relevant information: Impact of engine flooding: When the water level during wading is higher than the engine intake, water will directly enter the cylinders, forming a gas-water mixture. Gas can be compressed, but water cannot. This means that when the crankshaft pushes the connecting rod to compress toward the piston, the water cannot be compressed, causing the connecting rod to deform and bend under the resistance of the water. If the owner attempts to restart the vehicle after the engine stalls due to water intake, the tremendous reverse force will cause the bent connecting rod to rub against the cylinder block, instantly rupturing the engine block, resulting in exorbitant repair costs. Impact on car interior: When the interior is flooded and water submerges the doors, water is likely to enter the cabin. Rainwater is not clean and contains many impurities. The post-flood car interior becomes a highly humid greenhouse environment, which is an ideal breeding ground for mold. If the vehicle is not dried promptly, mold spots can quickly ruin the fabric and leather upholstery inside the car.
Last time my car was half submerged in water, it was a real nightmare. The worst part after flooding is the electronic systems - the infotainment screen, audio system, and various sensor circuits short out and fail as soon as water gets in, making repairs particularly troublesome. If water gets sucked into the engine, it's even worse - the crankshaft connecting rods can deform or break, with repair costs potentially reaching half the car's value. Waterlogged carpets and seats grow mold and develop odors that can linger for months. Rusted brake rotors and bearings will start making strange noises, while the power steering motor can easily burn out if flooded. The most dangerous issue is rust corrosion in the metal underbody structure, which over time can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. The key problem is that many faults don't appear immediately - by the time you discover them, it's often too late.
