What to Do When the Vehicle Lacks Power After Wading Through Water?
2 Answers
When the vehicle lacks power after wading through water, it is advisable to slow down or stop to observe the situation. If the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tires, continuing to drive through water poses certain risks. High speed can increase the actual water depth the vehicle passes through, causing rainwater to enter the cabin from the engine compartment or chassis. Avoid driving against the waves created by large vehicles. If observation shows that the water level is high, it is best to detour and avoid forcing passage. Below are measures for navigating through waterlogged sections: 1. If encountering obstacles ahead while passing through a waterlogged section, the driver can maintain engine speed by shifting to neutral and pressing the accelerator, avoiding deceleration to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe and causing the engine to stall. 2. If the engine stalls during the process, do not attempt to restart the engine or tow the vehicle in gear; it should only be towed in neutral to a repair shop for servicing.
I've experienced this kind of situation while driving. If the car loses power after wading through water, it's mostly because water has entered the intake system or the air filter. Once wet, it affects air intake. I would immediately stop and not start the engine, then check if the air filter is soaked. If it is, it needs to be replaced with a dry one. If water gets inside the engine, hydraulic lock can damage the pistons. Water on the spark plugs or ignition system can also cause ignition issues, making the car feel sluggish. Call a tow truck to take it directly to a professional repair shop for diagnosis, don't attempt to fix it yourself. When driving, it's best to go through shallow water only, and avoid deep water areas if possible. Be cautious if the water depth exceeds half the wheel height—safety first.
