What to Do When a Car Engine Gets Submerged in Water?
3 Answers
This article introduces the situation of a car engine getting submerged in water from three aspects. Below are the handling methods for a submerged car engine: 1. Driving: Do not restart the engine after it stalls. Be very cautious about the depth of road surface water while driving. If the water depth exceeds 20 centimeters (some high-clearance models like SUVs can pass through water up to 30 centimeters deep), do not attempt to drive through. This is especially important for older models, as their lower air intake and exhaust ports can cause water to be sucked back into the engine through the exhaust pipe, leading to stalling. 2. Parking: Understand the drainage situation of the parking area in advance. If water levels are rising, seek help from several passersby to push the car to a water-free area and wait for a tow truck. 3. Repair: After water submersion, the entire vehicle's wiring needs inspection. First, check the electrical circuits, as muddy water is an excellent conductor and can cause short circuits when it comes into contact with wiring. Next, inspect whether the braking system has been compromised by water. Due to the strong absorption capability of the braking system, water can easily enter the brake fluid, affecting braking performance and potentially leading to brake failure in severe cases. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected at a professional repair shop.
I was driving through a waterlogged section when the engine suddenly stalled, and my heart jumped into my throat. If the engine has been severely submerged in water, don’t panic or attempt to restart the car—water entering the cylinders can damage internal components like connecting rods and pistons. Quickly turn off the engine and shift to neutral; if possible, slowly push the car out of the water to a safe spot to prevent further water intrusion. Immediately call a towing service to take the car to a professional repair shop, where a technician can check whether water has entered the cylinders, spark plugs, or intake pipes. Repairs afterward could cost a fortune, so preventive measures are crucial—avoid deep water during the rainy season and install a snorkel to enhance off-road capability. Every time it rains, I pay close attention to water levels; if it exceeds the tire height, I take a detour—saving both hassle and effort.
Having driven for so many years and encountered waterlogged roads multiple times, there are tricks to dealing with engine water ingress. The primary rule is never to restart the engine, as water pressure can damage precision components, leading to major repairs. After stalling, try pushing the car or calling for a tow truck; professional handling avoids paying towing fees out of pocket. Regularly observe the vehicle's condition—aging chassis seals are prone to water ingress, and periodic maintenance can replace gaskets as a preventive measure. After wading through water, also check for electrical shorts that may affect headlights or air conditioning, and send the car for cleaning to remove water stains and ensure safety. Adopting reasonable driving habits is key—estimate water depth and pass through slowly rather than charging ahead, protecting the vehicle and extending its lifespan.
