Why Can't Cars Be Submerged in Water?
1 Answers
Cars cannot be submerged in water due to the high risk of short circuits in the engine's electronic modules, mold growth in water-soaked interiors, and short circuits in the air conditioning and audio systems. Below are detailed explanations: The engine's related electronic modules are highly prone to short circuits. The car's control computer, which acts like the brain of the vehicle, is located in the engine compartment and is typically only protected against dust. When submerged in rainwater, the central computer and wiring in the car are highly susceptible to short circuits. If these modules malfunction, minor issues may lead to the failure of certain functions, while severe cases can result in vehicle damage or even fire caused by short circuits. Engine failure occurs when the water level during submersion rises above the engine's air intake, allowing water to enter the cylinders and form a mixture of air and water. While air is compressible, water is not. When the crankshaft pushes the connecting rod to compress the piston, the incompressible water causes the connecting rod to deform and bend due to the resistance. When water levels rise above the doors, the interior is likely to get soaked. Rainwater is not clean and contains many impurities. The post-submersion car interior becomes an extremely humid greenhouse environment, which is an ideal breeding ground for mold. If the car is not dried promptly, mold can quickly ruin the fabric and leather materials inside. Additionally, the air conditioning, audio system, and interior lighting are also severely affected by water submersion, impairing the normal use of the car.
