What is the reason for suddenly being unable to start the car after washing it?
2 Answers
The reason for suddenly being unable to start the car after washing it is: the car gets damp, and the area from the distributor to the high-voltage wire to the spark plug becomes damp, preventing high-voltage electricity from reaching the spark plug. The methods to handle the situation when the car suddenly cannot start after washing are: 1. Open the car's distributor cover and use a dry towel to wipe the damp areas; 2. Use a hairdryer to dry the damp areas, which helps them dry faster. The precautions for washing the car are: 1. Do not wash the car under the scorching sun; 2. Do not wash the car in cold weather; 3. Do not randomly add detergents; 4. Do not use water other than soft water for cleaning; 5. When wiping, follow the direction of water flow from top to bottom, and do not wipe in circles or horizontally.
I've also experienced the sudden failure to start after car washing, mostly due to water getting into places it shouldn't. The most vulnerable parts are the electrical circuits in the engine bay, especially the wire connectors which can short-circuit when wet. Just last week, my neighbor's Hyundai had this issue when the car washer carelessly blasted the fuse box with a high-pressure water gun, causing a complete system power failure. Battery terminals can also be problematic—water infiltration can lead to oxidation and poor contact. Another common culprit is the ignition coil; excessive moisture can prevent the spark plugs from firing. I remember my brother-in-law's car had an even more extreme case where the key wouldn't turn after washing, later diagnosed as a water-logged steering lock failure. In such cases, it's crucial to dry out the engine compartment immediately. If the car still doesn't respond after half an hour of drying, calling a tow truck is necessary. For a quick check, see if the dashboard displays normally and whether the battery warning light is on.
