What to Do If a Car Passes Through Deep Water Without Stalling?
3 Answers
If the engine has been submerged in water, the first thing to do is not to start the engine. Instead, call the insurance company and a repair service to wait for rescue. Below is a detailed introduction to the solutions for an engine submerged in water: Reasons not to start the engine: If the engine has been submerged in water, the first thing to do is not to start the engine. Attempting to start the engine at this time can cause water to enter the combustion chamber, leading to bending of the engine connecting rod. When the vehicle engine is running, if the water level on the road is higher than the engine's intake system, water can flow backward. Water will enter from the air filter to the intake pipe and then into the engine combustion chamber. The extent of water entering the engine depends on the water level and the force of impact at the time. Solutions for an engine submerged in water: If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart the vehicle immediately. Call the insurance company and a repair service to wait for rescue. Post-rescue repairs: After towing the vehicle to a repair facility, check the extent of water inside the engine. The repair facility will determine whether the engine connecting rod needs to be replaced based on the severity of water ingress. If water has entered the combustion chamber or the engine connecting rod has slight deformation, it must be replaced. If not replaced, the deformed connecting rod may later fracture, causing damage to the engine block and other components. The repair costs will then be significantly higher.
The other day I drove through a flooded area where the water level reached halfway up my wheels. To my horror, the engine didn't stall. I immediately inched the car onto higher ground by the roadside and kept the engine idling for a few minutes to expel any potential water accumulation. Then I popped the hood to check the air filter – it was slightly damp, so I replaced it right away to prevent water from being sucked into the engine and causing more severe damage. Squatting down, I inspected the undercarriage for water traces and fortunately found no obvious issues. Later at the repair shop, the mechanic scanned the electrical system with diagnostic tools and confirmed it was fine, but recommended cleaning the brake lines to prevent rust. This experience taught me not to take post-flood driving lightly – timely self-checks can be lifesavers, potentially saving big repair bills down the road.
As an enthusiast who often helps friends with car repairs, I've seen many cases of water ingress in vehicles. When a car drives through deep water without stalling, don't rush to release the throttle. First, drive the car steadily to dry ground and park it. Keep the engine idling for 10 minutes to help evaporate moisture. Meanwhile, check if the air filter box is dry, as a wet one can affect engine performance. Also, test the brake pedal for responsiveness, as water may have seeped into the lines. Afterwards, remember to visit a professional shop to lift the chassis and inspect the transmission fluid and electrical connectors, not overlooking minor issues. I recommend developing a habit of regular inspections, especially after the rainy season, as it's both convenient and safe.
