What Causes the Rustling Sound After a Car Drives Through Water?

[KiaraDella]

There are many reasons for a car to make noise after driving through water, mainly including water on the brake pads, foreign objects stuck between the brake pads and calipers, water ingestion in the exhaust pipe, or debris trapped in the chassis. Below are the relevant explanations: Water on the brake pads: If the car drives through shallow water and water splashes onto the brake pads, a squealing sound when braking is normal. This situation will resolve itself as the water dries off with normal driving. Foreign objects on the brake pads: If the car drives through deep water, debris such as plastic bags, paper, or mud may get stuck on the brake pads, causing noise when braking. In this case, the brake pads should be cleaned. Water ingestion in the exhaust pipe: If the car drives through deep water and water enters the engine through the exhaust pipe, it can prevent the proper combustion of fuel and air mixture in the engine, also leading to noise.

[MichaelDella]

I always think that the rustling sound after driving through water is mostly due to water getting into the brake discs. When hot brake discs come into contact with water, they make friction noises, just like sandpaper scraping a pot. This isn’t a major issue, but after driving through water, avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, drive at low speed for a while to let the water drain out. Otherwise, accumulated water can cause parts to rust or wear out faster. I recommend maintaining a steady speed when driving through water, avoiding deep puddles, and afterward checking the wheel hubs and suspension for any remaining water stains. Regularly washing the car and cleaning the undercarriage can also prevent such minor issues. If the sound persists for a long time, it might be due to a wet drive belt slipping or moisture in the exhaust system—then it’s best to have it checked at a shop to ensure safety first.

[McCooper]

I've experienced a similar situation: after driving through a puddle in the rain, the car started making squeaky and gritty noises, which was quite annoying. Later, the mechanic took it apart and said it was caused by water splashing onto the brake pads, resulting in friction noise that would naturally disappear once dried. He advised that after driving through water, it's best to drive at low speed for about ten minutes to allow the brake system to drain, avoiding sudden turns or hard braking immediately. I also learned that when the water level is too deep, it might affect transmission components or even the alternator belt, leading to even worse noises, so it's important to avoid flooded areas in daily driving. Don't ignore such noises—a simple road test can help determine the severity of the problem.

[AlanRose]

As a car enthusiast, I believe the sounds when wading through water are often caused by water hitting hot components, such as the exhaust system causing instant evaporation or brake discs making a rustling noise when wet. This is usually not serious and disappears once dry. However, if the sound persists, it could indicate issues like dampened drive belts reducing lubrication or foreign objects getting stuck, requiring simple cleaning. After wading, I usually lightly press the accelerator to drive slowly, speeding up the drying process, and avoid splashing water onto a hot engine. For frequent wading, it's also important to pay attention to chassis sealing to prevent rust and corrosion.