Where Does Water Enter a Car From?
2 Answers
Engine water ingress typically occurs through the exhaust valve, while intake valve water ingress happens during driving. Here are the relevant details: 1. Connecting rod issues: Water ingress can cause problems with the engine's connecting rod, leading to engine failure. If water enters the engine, stop driving immediately and seek professional inspection and repair. 2. Air intake: The actual point where water can enter the engine is the air intake, specifically at the air filter's intake location. All plastic pipes from the air intake to the throttle must be properly sealed to prevent water from entering the engine. 3. Precautions: If the engine stalls due to water ingress, do not attempt to restart it immediately. In such cases, the exact cause of the stall cannot be determined right away, and rash actions may cause unpredictable further damage to the vehicle.
Last time it rained heavily, my car was also soaked inside, and I spent a long time searching for the source. The most common issue is the aging or improper installation of the sealing strips around the doors and windows, allowing rainwater to seep into the car through the gaps. Owners with sunroofs need to be extra cautious—if the sunroof's drainage pipes are clogged with leaves or mud, the water can't drain and will flood the cabin directly. If the chassis has been scraped or has rusted through, water can pour in when driving through flooded areas. Additionally, poorly designed air conditioning intake vents may allow rainwater to flow directly into the air ducts. If water ingress in these areas isn't addressed promptly, not only will the car develop a strong musty smell, but over time, the wiring harness beneath the floor mats can also be damaged by water exposure.
