Why Can't a Flooded Car Be Restarted?
1 Answers
A flooded car cannot be restarted because there may be water in the cylinders, and restarting could cause engine damage. If the engine is damaged due to a restart, it may not be covered by insurance. When a car is parked statically in deep water or driven through water, water can enter the engine's intake and travel through the intake pipes into the cylinders. Since the piston relies on compressing gas to achieve reciprocating motion, if liquid water enters the cylinder, it cannot be compressed by the piston. If the engine is restarted under these conditions, the piston will move upward to compress the water, but since water is incompressible, repeating this action can damage the piston or connecting rod, leading to a major engine overhaul. After driving through water, the second step is to call the insurance company to report the incident. Damage caused by flooding is typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance, and many commercial insurance policies now include free towing services within the city. It is necessary to inspect the extent of water ingress and damage. This includes checking whether the radiator fins are blocked, whether bearings are damaged by water, the condition of driveline components such as the driveshaft universal joint and CV joints, and the status of the chassis. Additionally, inspect the interior, floor, and whether water has reached electronic modules on the floor, testing their functionality. Check if water has entered the transmission vent and assess the transmission's condition. Also, examine the air filter, intake pipes, and cylinders for water ingress.
