What to Do When Water Enters the Air Intake of a Van?
2 Answers
If a small amount of water enters the engine and mixes with the oil, the oil quality will deteriorate. Oil containing water will increase engine component wear, so the oil should be replaced. If there is a moderate amount of water, let the engine idle for a while to slowly dry out the water. If the vehicle takes a long time to start, you can remove the spark plugs and use an air pump (or gun) to blow out the water. If there is too much water and the vehicle cannot start, it is necessary to go to a repair shop for inspection and repair.
That day I was driving my van in a heavy rainstorm and accidentally plunged into a deep puddle, causing water to enter the intake. I even tried restarting the engine, which immediately shut down, costing me a fortune in repairs. Remember, the first thing you must do is stop the car and turn off the engine—no matter the situation, never attempt to restart it. Then check the intake; if there are leaves or mud clogging it, carefully clean them out while wearing gloves. If water has indeed entered, don’t hesitate—call for roadside assistance immediately and have it towed to a repair shop for a professional inspection. For regular maintenance, periodically check the air filter, and before driving through water, measure the depth—vans have low ground clearance, so avoid water deeper than half the tire height. Develop good habits, and you won’t panic when facing similar situations.
