What to Do When Your Car is Submerged in Water?

[LaEvelyn]

Do not force the engine to start after the vehicle is submerged in water. If the water level is high, do not attempt to start the engine. First, turn off the power and contact your insurance company or a repair shop to handle the situation on-site. If the water level is not high, the owner can drive the vehicle to the repair shop or insurance company by themselves.

[TaylorDella]

That day I was driving in a heavy rainstorm, and my car almost got flooded. I'm still scared thinking about it! The first thing to remember if your car gets submerged is never to start the engine—if water gets in, your car is done for. If the water level rises above halfway up the doors, quickly unbuckle your seatbelt and escape through the window. Your life is far more important than the car. After escaping, immediately call your insurance company to report the incident, and remember to take photos of the waterline and the scene with your phone—these are crucial for claims. Wait for the water to recede and let a towing company handle the situation; don't try to move the car yourself. Afterwards, you must thoroughly inspect the electrical system, as waterlogged cars are prone to corrosion and short circuits, which could even lead to spontaneous combustion. This experience taught me that driving in the rain requires paying attention to weather warnings. Never force your way through deep water—taking a detour is much safer. Always keep a window-breaking hammer in your car for emergencies; it could save your life.

[ElainaLee]

A friend's car got flooded the other day, and he was panicking. I told him there are three steps to take after a car is submerged: First, prioritize safety—once the vehicle is stationary, evacuate to higher ground immediately, don’t hesitate over the car. Second, cutting power is crucial—remove the key and turn off all power before leaving. Then, call 122 (traffic police) and the insurance company, clearly describing the location and situation. While waiting for rescue, take photos of the license plate, water level, and submersion details—these are critical for insurance claims. When towing, remind the driver not to force-start the engine; repairing water-damaged engine costs nearly half the car’s value. For follow-up repairs, go to a reputable shop to remove seats, dry carpets, and conduct a full electrical inspection—otherwise, malfunctions will keep popping up months later. Honestly, during rainy seasons, park on higher ground and avoid driving through floodwater—better late than risking it.

[LillianDella]

I've personally witnessed the devastating consequences of attempting to restart a water-submerged vehicle—the engine was completely ruined. If your car gets flooded, the first thing to do is stay calm. If the water level is below the door, open it immediately and evacuate. If it's higher, use the headrest's metal rod to smash the corner of the side window to escape. Once out, move to a safe spot and call emergency services, accurately reporting your license plate number and road characteristics. Do not return to the car to retrieve belongings! When contacting your insurance company, record the conversation as evidence, clearly stating that the submersion occurred after a safe, stationary evacuation. While waiting for rescue, monitor water level changes and take photos for documentation. Ensure the tow truck uses a flatbed to prevent the drive wheels from touching the ground. During repairs, pay special attention to checking the ECU and ABS sensors, as these have extremely high failure rates post-submersion. For regular maintenance, applying a bit of Vaseline to door seal rubber can help waterproofing, and always keep a life hammer and whistle in the car.