What to Do When the Car Won't Start After Driving Through Water
3 Answers
After the vehicle has driven through water, do not attempt to start it. At this point, the car owner needs to push the vehicle out of the deep water area to prevent it from remaining submerged. Never try to restart the engine after driving through water. Immediately call for a tow truck and have the car inspected at a repair shop. Otherwise, it may cause engine damage and void any insurance claims.
I helped a friend deal with this last year. The car stalled after driving through water. It was most likely due to water entering the engine—water got in through the intake, and the spark plugs got wet, preventing ignition. Whatever you do, don’t try to start the engine again, or you risk hydro-locking and total engine failure. First, pop the hood and check the air filter for moisture. If it’s soaked, you’ve got a serious problem. Remove the spark plugs and inspect them; if there’s water, dry them or replace them. Electrical components like battery terminals could also short-circuit, so carefully dry them off. Calling a tow truck to take it to a repair shop is the best move—they can professionally clean or replace parts. Remember to drive slowly through water; high RPMs suck in more water. Regular maintenance and air filter checks can reduce this risk. The whole repair might cost around 300–400, but safety comes first.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've witnessed many similar incidents. If your car stalls in water and won't restart, it's likely due to water intrusion in critical components. First, stay calm and avoid repeated starting attempts to prevent severe engine damage. Quickly pop the hood to check if the air filter box is wet - this indicates water entered the intake system. Then remove the spark plugs: if soaked, they'll need drying or replacement. Battery terminals and ECU modules may also suffer water short circuits - gently wipe off surface moisture. However, most cases require professional inspection of fuel lines and sensors rather than DIY fixes. For safety, immediately call for roadside assistance without hesitation. When crossing water, maintain low gear with steady throttle, and never attempt depths exceeding half tire height. Post-incident repairs can be costly, but safety is priceless.
