What are the symptoms after a sedan gets waterlogged?
4 Answers
Check the air filter to see if there are obvious signs of water ingress on the air filter and the lower housing of the air filter. Below is relevant information about vehicle wading: 1. Introduction to vehicle wading: As the name suggests, vehicle wading refers to driving a vehicle on low-lying, waterlogged roads, passing through water. This usually occurs during rainy weather in low-lying areas where poor drainage leads to water accumulation on the road. 2. Precautions for vehicle wading: Before wading, observe the road conditions carefully; during wading, maintain steady power; after wading, check the electrical system. If a car stalls in water, the main reason is usually water entering the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, electrical damage may also occur. Once a car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, or in severe cases, lead to engine failure. Instead, the car should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.
I've experienced a flooded car, and the most common symptoms are electrical system malfunctions, the engine coughing or not turning over during startup, and dashboard warning lights flashing erratically due to water short-circuiting the wiring. Next are the interior issues—carpets and seats soaked with water can develop mold, emitting unpleasant odors, and mold spots may appear within days. Mechanical components like the engine can suffer from water immersion, potentially damaging the cylinder block, leading to abnormal noises later or complete shutdown. If left untreated for a long time, the car's chassis may corrode and thin, affecting structural safety. Additionally, the brakes may feel soft and weak, the AC may blow cold air with a strange smell, and airbags might fail, increasing accident risks. A flooded car just feels off when driving; it's recommended to turn off the engine immediately and tow it to a professional shop for inspection to avoid further damage.
After my car got flooded in that heavy rain, first the engine had trouble starting, and it gasped weakly when I stepped on the accelerator; the windows and mirrors fogged up badly, blocking my view. The interior was soaked, with water seeping into the seats, giving off a foul smell, and mold spots appeared after a few days. Electronic components like the remote lock malfunctioned or the lights flickered unpredictably, adding to the frustration. While driving, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally, and the brakes felt spongy, which was quite dangerous. If not treated promptly, water residue can lead to unnoticed corrosion of the chassis, causing constant strange noises months later and skyrocketing repair costs. Remember, never force it to drive—towing and thorough cleaning are the most crucial steps.
Water-damaged vehicles often pose serious safety hazards. Electrical short circuits can cause instrument malfunctions, airbags may fail to deploy when needed most, and brake systems weakened by water ingress compromise control, increasing risks. Moldy interiors lead to poor air quality, irritating respiration and making occupants uncomfortable, while corroded metal frames accelerate aging. Immediately power off to prevent electrical fires. Water entering the engine can damage connecting rods—never take this lightly. Seek professional repair promptly.
