What to Do If Water Enters the Engine?
2 Answers
The method to handle water entering the engine is to immediately contact a repair shop for inspection and replace parts as needed based on the actual situation. Do not restart the car after it stalls. During heavy rainfall, many roads may have deep water accumulation, so be very cautious about the depth of water on the road while driving. If the water depth exceeds 20 centimeters, avoid driving through it. After driving through water, multiple areas may be flooded, which could affect the performance of certain car components, and in severe cases, the car may not start normally. Check if the braking system has been flooded. Due to the strong adsorption force of the braking system, rainwater can easily enter the brake fluid, affecting braking performance. In severe cases, it may lead to brake failure. It is recommended to have a professional inspection at a repair shop after the rain.
I've encountered engine water ingress several times, with the most memorable being when I drove through deep water during a heavy rainstorm, allowing water to enter the engine bay. I immediately turned off the engine and got out of the car—never attempt to restart the engine, as this could cause internal bending or deformation, leading to total failure. After calling a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop, the mechanic removed the spark plugs and intake manifold to drain the water, and also replaced the engine oil and air filter. The entire process took over a day and cost around two to three thousand yuan. If the water ingress is severe, it might even require major repairs to the cylinders or pistons. The key takeaway is to stop the car decisively without hesitation. Afterwards, regularly check your vehicle's water-wading capability and avoid driving in areas with unknown water depths. Now, I always keep a tow truck number handy in my car and check weather forecasts and road condition reports before traveling in the rain—prevention is far more cost-effective than repairs.
