What to Do When a Car Stalls in Water?
2 Answers
Move the flooded car out of the water. When towing, use a rigid towing method to avoid engine damage caused by accidentally engaging gears. After the flooded car is towed out of the water, promptly inspect all water-soaked electrical components. Drain and dry them, then use a multimeter to check for any short circuits in the wiring. Only if everything is normal should you attempt to start the engine. Tips for driving through water: 1. Water level at 50% of tire height: If the water exceeds 50% of the tire height, engage four-wheel drive (4WD). For deep water, use low-range 4WD. Without 4WD, it is advised not to take the risk. 2. Gear selection: For manual transmissions, use 1st or 2nd gear. For automatic transmissions, force the gear into the lowest setting, such as 1 or 2 at the bottom of the D range. 3. Path scouting: When crossing deep water, always scout the path. Carry a long stick or pole over 1 meter in length, sweeping and poking the ground as you move to avoid large rocks or deep holes underwater. 4. Avoid fast-flowing water: Never attempt to cross water with a fast current (test method: throw a paper ball into the water from the shore, count the seconds to estimate its movement distance, and roughly calculate the flow speed—anything over 2m/s is dangerous). 5. Driving too fast in water creates a surge, similar to swimming where water can enter your nose. Most cars have air intakes designed to be level with the hood. A surge can cause the intake to suck in water, directly damaging the engine and causing it to stall.
If the car suddenly stalls in water, I need to stay calm and not panic. First, never attempt to restart the engine, as water may be sucked into the engine, causing severe damage that could cost thousands to repair. Once during heavy rain, my car stalled in a flooded area. I didn’t dare to touch the engine and immediately pushed the car to a higher roadside spot before climbing out. If the water is above knee level, be cautious of electric shock risks and avoid touching metal parts. After getting out, call for roadside assistance or your insurance hotline for help, and remember to take photos of the scene for claim purposes. Once towed, have a professional technician inspect the engine, electrical system, and chassis for potential water ingress or oil leaks. In the future, always observe water depth carefully while driving and avoid risky water crossings—safety first should always be the guiding principle.
