What is the reason for the car not starting after being pushed out of water?

[Lee]

Possible causes include distributor and spark plug malfunctions. Below are the relevant explanations: Distributor: There may be moisture in the distributor, causing poor sparking. Wipe the distributor rotor and also check the oil dipstick to see if water has entered the oil. If water has mixed with the oil, the oil will appear milky white. Spark Plug: Remove the spark plugs and attempt to start the engine to expel water from the cylinders and exhaust pipe. After drying the spark plugs, reinstall them and try starting the car again. If the car cannot be turned over after removing the spark plugs, do not attempt to start it further, as this indicates that the connecting rod, valves, and pistons may already be damaged. Continuing to start the car could cause more severe damage.

[Robin]

After stalling in the water and being pushed out, the car wouldn't start. I suspect water entered the engine, causing a hydro lock issue. When water gets into the engine cylinders, the pistons can seize, and forcing a start can severely damage internal components. Additionally, the electrical system might short-circuit—for example, spark plugs submerged in water may fail to ignite, or the ECU could get flooded and burn out. When I was younger and drove recklessly, I experienced something similar. After pushing the car out, I thought it was a minor issue, but the engine ended up being totaled, costing me tens of thousands in repairs. Now I’ve learned my lesson: if the car stalls in water, wait for professional help instead of forcing it out. After draining the water, check the air filter and fuses to ensure they’re intact. Safety comes first—don’t force your way through deep water to avoid trouble. Regular maintenance, like ensuring the air intake is positioned higher, can also help.

[LaBethany]

If the car stalls in water and cannot start after being pushed out, it's likely due to water not being fully drained or electrical components being damaged. Simply put, water enters the engine through the intake pipe, causing abnormal compression and failure to ignite; or the ignition system short-circuits, such as the coil getting wet and failing, preventing the spark plug from igniting the gasoline. Having repaired similar situations myself several times, I found that a soaked air filter blocking airflow is the most common issue; water accumulation in the exhaust system also affects startup. It's recommended to let the car dry for at least a few hours before attempting to start it to see if the condition improves; otherwise, check the fuse box for any blown fuses or relay issues. If the problem is severe, it's best to consult a mechanic to test the entire circuit with a multimeter, as DIY attempts may damage more components. The fundamental solution is to avoid driving through waterlogged areas.

[DelEmilio]

Stalling in water and failing to start after pushing out is often due to uncleared water residue in the system. It could be water entering the engine cylinders, causing piston seizure and preventing operation; or damp ignition components failing to generate sparks to ignite the gasoline. Prevention is key—avoid wading depths exceeding half the wheel hub height. After stalling, immediately turn off all power and refrain from attempting to restart; seek professional towing instead. I've seen many novices attempt repairs, which end up costly, time-consuming, and dangerous. Regularly monitor weather conditions to avoid driving through puddles during heavy rain, and frequently inspect the air filter's waterproof performance during maintenance.