What should I do if the car doesn't stall after driving through water?
2 Answers
After driving through water without stalling, the car needs to slow down or stop for observation, driving at low speed and applying the brakes multiple times. After the car has driven through water, even if the vehicle hasn't stalled, it's still necessary to assess the vehicle's condition immediately, such as slowing down or stopping to check whether the engine has been slightly affected by water, and to inspect whether the entire vehicle's electrical circuits have been exposed to water. After exiting the water, drive at a low speed for a distance and gently press the brake pedal several times to allow the brake pads and drums to create friction, which helps evaporate any attached moisture through heat, thereby extending the vehicle's service life. Generally, if the car doesn't stall after driving through water, it indicates that the car is not malfunctioning. This means the water depth did not exceed the air intake, and the exhaust pipe was not submerged in water, which is not a problem. The car's own pressure is sufficient to drain the water, so there won't be a phenomenon of the exhaust pipe sucking back water, and it won't affect driving safety. In real life, after water overflows the exhaust pipe, the car won't stall and can continue moving forward. This is because the gas pressure from the car's exhaust pipe is greater than the water pressure, preventing the gas from being blocked. The real reason a car engine stalls is that when water reaches a certain level and enters the cylinder through the filtration system, it hinders the cylinder's movement, causing the car to shut down, i.e., stall. At the moment of entering the water, try to maintain the vehicle's balance to avoid splashing water onto electrical components or allowing water to enter the engine's intake system. The correct driving method is to first reduce speed and shift to a lower gear, preferably maintaining the engine speed at around 4000 rpm in first gear, keeping the speed steady.
Last time I drove through a puddle, although the engine didn't stall, I think it's not something to take lightly. Immediately find a safe place to park, open the hood and check if the air filter got wet. If it's soaked, never start the engine, otherwise water ingress could damage internal components. Also inspect the braking system, as water entering the wheel bearings may cause brake failure—test the brakes after driving for a while. Don't overlook the electrical wiring either; water droplets in the fuse box or wire connectors could cause a short circuit and fire—just wipe them with a dry cloth. After driving through water, it's advisable to rinse the undercarriage at a car wash to prevent mud buildup and rust. Later, take a short drive to test the engine sound and smoothness. If everything seems normal, no need to worry, but if there's any unusual noise, get it checked at a professional shop right away. From experience, quick handling of such issues can save big money, whereas delays lead to higher repair costs. Remember to keep a flashlight and tools in the car for timely minor fixes.
