What can happen if water gets into the fuel tank?
2 Answers
When water enters the fuel tank, the car may experience difficulties in starting, engine shaking, backfiring, high idle speed, or insufficient power. Below are precautions for driving through water: 1. Before entering water: Observe the depth, flow direction, and speed of the water, and check for obstacles like mud or quicksand underwater. Wrap the distributor and high-voltage wires with plastic or similar materials before entering water. Also, observe the route and speed of vehicles ahead to estimate the water depth and determine if your car can pass. 2. While in water: For hard surfaces, engage a low gear and slowly enter the water. Keep the steering wheel steady and maintain a consistent throttle to ensure sufficient and stable power for a smooth passage. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, or making sharp turns midway. Pay special attention if the underwater surface is sandy or muddy.
If water enters the fuel tank, the car will behave very abnormally. The most common issues include difficulty starting the engine or complete failure to ignite, as the fuel pump draws a mixture of water and gasoline. Since spark plugs in the combustion chamber cannot ignite water, this leads to engine shaking and reduced horsepower. If left unaddressed for a long time, water will settle at the bottom of the tank, corroding metal components such as the fuel pump and the inner walls of the tank. Rust can then clog the entire fuel system. It may also damage fuel injectors and expensive components, increasing repair complexity. To resolve this, immediately take the car to a repair shop to drain the water, flush the tank, and replace parts like the fuel filter. Remember to avoid exposing the fuel filler opening in open areas, especially during rainy weather, to prevent rainwater from entering.
