What to Do When the Car Won't Start After Driving Through Water?
2 Answers
If the car won't start after driving through water, it may be due to the ignition system being affected by moisture or water ingress, causing electrical component failure. It is recommended to dry or air-dry the system before attempting to start the car again. Below are some methods for driving through waterlogged areas: 1. When driving through water, you must follow the principle of 'one test, two slow, three pass.' Enter the water at a slow and steady speed, and avoid stopping while in the water. Do not ease off the throttle; maintain a lower speed to prevent water from rushing in. If the water is not too deep, use a lower gear with slightly more throttle to pass through. 2. During the process of driving through water, keep the steering wheel and throttle steady to ensure the vehicle has sufficient and stable power. Try to complete the crossing in one go, avoiding stopping midway, making sharp turns, or jerking the steering wheel. If you notice the wheels slipping or sinking, do not press the accelerator hard. Instead, with the engine still running, seek assistance from others or another vehicle to help drive out of the waterlogged area.
I've been driving for many years, and when encountering a situation where the car won't start after going through water, my first reaction is to never try to start it again, as water may have entered the engine and caused serious damage. At this point, I immediately get out of the car to check if the air filter is wet. If it is, I remove it to dry. I patiently wait a few hours for the system to air dry before attempting to start again. If it still doesn't work, for safety reasons, I call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. Sometimes, water flooding the exhaust pipe or submerging the spark plugs can also cause the car not to start. These issues shouldn't be delayed to avoid higher repair costs. When driving normally, I make a habit of avoiding deep water areas, and during maintenance, I ask the mechanic to check the intake system to reduce risks.
