
If the exhaust pipe gets waterlogged after driving through water, immediately call for roadside assistance and wait for rescue. If the water intake in the exhaust pipe is not severe, you can inspect the electronic systems yourself and clear any accumulated water under the car body. If the vehicle has been severely waterlogged, roadside assistance will be needed to tow the car to an auto repair shop for servicing.

When dealing with water exposure in a Chery Ant, act decisively. I once encountered standing water after rain—when the water reached just below the wheels, I immediately turned off the engine and stopped. Never restart the engine to avoid water intake and engine damage. If the water level exceeds the chassis, there's a risk of water entering the engine or electrical circuits, causing short circuits. Immediately disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent short-circuit damage to the battery or control system. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away visible moisture, such as pooled water under the hood, then wait several hours for natural drying before inspecting. Drive to a professional repair shop as soon as possible to check the air filter, fluid conditions, and electronic systems—mechanics will use diagnostic tools to scan for trouble codes or water damage risks. Develop good habits: slow down when crossing waterlogged areas, check depth markers, and avoid flooded routes after heavy rain to prevent water-related accidents.

After years of driving and encountering water wading issues, with a car like the Little Ant, don't rush to move it after wading through water. Immediately turn off the engine and all electrical appliances, park in a safe location, and check the water level. If the water exceeds half the height of the tires, be alert to potential water ingress into the circuits. Disconnect the battery cables to prevent short circuits that could blow fuses or damage the battery. Open the hood to let it dry out a bit; using a fan or natural wind to dry it is even safer. After a day or two, before attempting to start the car, check if the fuses for the headlights, air conditioning, etc., in the fuse box are intact. Water may have entered the exhaust pipe, so ensure there are no unusual noises before starting. For regular maintenance, remember to check the waterproofing of the chassis seals monthly. Repair costs after wading through water are low, but neglecting the issue could lead to significant motor damage. If possible, have the car towed directly for inspection to save money and hassle.

After driving through water with my Chery Ant, here's what I learned from personal experience: First, park and turn off the engine immediately. If the water level isn't too high, open the hood yourself and use a dry cloth to wipe down components, especially wires and connectors. Try starting the car only after everything is dry. However, if the water was deep, don't risk starting the engine - call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop. Pay special attention to whether the air filter is wet; replace it if necessary to prevent water from entering the engine. When driving through water in the future, go slowly and assess the depth first. It's safer to avoid flooded roads altogether during heavy rain.

After wading through water, the Little Ant needs timely treatment to avoid long-term issues. If the car stalls when encountering water, check if the water level exceeds the chassis. Do not delay; immediately disconnect the power and let it dry for a few hours before restarting to see if it functions normally. If the water level is too high, tow it for maintenance to check for short circuits or blown fuses. Remember, after wading, repairs may require replacing fluids and parts. Regular maintenance should focus on the chassis waterproof strips to reduce accident risks. Always carry some emergency tools when driving for quick fixes.


