What to Do If Water Enters the Engine?

[LaLilliana]

Engine water ingress handling methods: 1. If the car stalls in water due to engine water ingress, do not immediately restart the engine. Instead, tow the vehicle to a safe area; 2. If water enters the cylinder block and you attempt to restart the engine, water, unlike oil, can cause deformation or even breakage of critical engine components. If engine water ingress is confirmed, the car should be towed to a repair shop; 3. If the engine only has water vapor mixed in from the air filter, simply clean the water vapor from the air filter, throttle valve, and cylinder; 4. If a significant amount of water enters the engine but does not affect normal driving, though the engine noise is louder, it may indicate small amounts of water in the oil or fuel. In this case, replace the oil and clean related engine components.

[DelIvan]

I've been driving for almost thirty years and have encountered quite a few instances of engine water ingress. I remember one time during a heavy rainstorm when I drove through a deep water area. Feeling the car struggling, I immediately turned off the engine and stopped. Under no circumstances should you restart the engine, as water can be sucked into the cylinders, causing bent connecting rods or even complete engine failure. I usually calmly check if the air filter is soaked. If there are signs of water, don’t touch it—call a tow truck right away to take it to a professional repair shop. The mechanic will disassemble the engine to inspect the internals, possibly requiring cleaning of the oil passages, replacing spark plugs, etc. As a preventive measure, always pay attention to water depth markers and avoid taking risks. When driving through water, go slowly and ensure the water doesn’t exceed half the height of the wheels. During regular maintenance, put in extra effort to waterproof the engine, such as periodically cleaning dirt from the air intake. Developing these habits can help avoid unnecessary trouble. If water does get in, it could cost a lot to repair and leave you without a car for days.

[Rhonda]

As a new driver, I'm most afraid of sudden emergencies. Last time when driving through a water puddle, my engine got flooded. I panicked and immediately turned off the engine and stopped the car. Fortunately, I wasn't foolish enough to try restarting it, which could have caused worse consequences. I quickly contacted the towing service recommended by a friend to take it to the repair shop. The technician found that the air filter was flooded but no internal parts were damaged. After cleaning, it ran normally without costing me anything. This incident taught me that turning off the engine immediately after stopping is crucial to avoid water backflow causing a chain reaction. Also, always pay attention to water depth warning signs on the road during normal driving, and make it a habit to regularly check the filter's condition to save money and hassle. Don't be like me when I first bought my car—ignorant and rushing through water hazards. Learn from this lesson and prioritize safety.

[AliyahFitz]

As a car enthusiast, never underestimate the dangers of water entering the engine. Water compression in the cylinders can cause hydro-lock and damage mechanical components. If you notice anything unusual, immediately stop the car, turn off the engine, and remove the key. I usually check the air filter – if it's soaked, gently wipe the surface but avoid deep cleaning to prevent engine damage. Contact a professional repair shop for towing and servicing; they have the tools to open and clean the interior, drain water, and prevent rust. For long-term water exposure, pay attention to the sealing of the intake system. Consider installing waterproof modifications to enhance protection and reduce accidental damage. Avoid driving through heavy rain or flooded areas to protect your car like a treasure.