Why Can't You Start the Engine Again After Driving Through Water?
4 Answers
Because restarting the engine can cause damage, and insurance companies will not cover the cost if you attempt to restart it. Here are the details: 1. Driving Through Water: If water is sucked into the cylinders while driving through water, it can cause the engine to stall. If you then force the starter to turn the engine, the pistons will attempt to compress the water. Since water cannot be compressed, this will result in damage to the engine's connecting rods and crankshaft, requiring extensive engine disassembly for repairs. 2. Stalling: In many cases, a car stalling while driving through water is not due to water entering the engine but rather because the increased resistance from the water causes the engine to lose power and stall. To check if water has entered the engine, simply open the air filter cover and inspect whether the filter is wet. If the filter is wet, it’s highly likely that water has entered the engine.
After driving for a long time, I've realized that if a car stalls in water, you must never attempt to restart it immediately. Water may have entered the engine's intake, and when you try to start it, the engine will suck in water instead of air. Water cannot be compressed in the cylinders, which can directly cause piston seizure or bent connecting rods, completely destroying the engine. Think about it—repairing the engine could cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention additional issues like transmission damage or electrical short circuits. Moreover, if you try to restart the engine in deep water, the excessive internal pressure could lead to spark plug explosions or fuel line leaks, posing serious hazards. After driving through water, you should immediately turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and check the waterline under the car—don’t touch the ignition key again. If there are signs of water intrusion, call for roadside assistance and have the car towed—never try to restart it to save trouble. Insurance might also deny the claim in such cases. Be a smart driver.
As someone who frequently focuses on driving safety, I believe that attempting to restart a vehicle after water exposure is extremely dangerous. Water can enter the exhaust system or intake pipe, and when the engine is restarted, it may suck in the water, causing mechanical components to seize or even break instantly. Not only does this damage the car, but it can also trigger chain reactions, such as engine explosions leading to fires or the vehicle losing control during ignition and colliding with pedestrians or other vehicles. I once witnessed a neighbor attempting to restart their car after water exposure, resulting in smoke and flames that nearly engulfed the entire street. To avoid such tragedies, remain calm if your car stalls in water—open the door to check for water intrusion and avoid touching any switches. It's best to call professional assistance using your phone rather than handling it yourself. Additionally, always check the weather forecast before driving to avoid waterlogged areas. Developing good habits protects both yourself and others while saving you unnecessary trouble.
As an ordinary car owner, I always worry about driving through water on rainy days. Never attempt to restart the engine after water exposure, as water entering the engine can seize components, and repairs can be costly, costing at least several thousand yuan. If the engine requires major repairs or replacement, expenses can exceed tens of thousands, and insurance might not cover it, leaving you fully responsible. I once experienced stalling after driving through a puddle, but fortunately, I didn't restart the engine. Calling a tow truck only cost a few hundred yuan. The key is to save trouble and money: if the car stalls in water, don't panic. First, get out and check the waterline position. If water has seeped into the air intake, do not start the engine—contact a repair shop directly. Regular maintenance should include checking the sealing of the intake system to minimize risks.
