Why does the engine shake and lose power after driving through water?

[DelAubrey]

After a vehicle drives through water, engine shaking occurs because a small amount of water enters the high-voltage wires, and the engine air filter element gets soaked, leading to increased intake resistance and water entering the combustion chamber, resulting in poor ignition system performance. Below is an introduction to engine-related content: Energy conversion: An engine is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. For example, internal combustion engines typically convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. Device: An engine can refer to both the power generation device and the entire machine including the power unit (e.g., gasoline engines, aircraft engines). The engine was first invented in the UK, so the concept of an engine originates from English, with its original meaning referring to "a mechanical device that generates power."

[DelLola]

I also experienced severe engine shaking after driving through a water puddle before—it felt like a tractor with no power at all. Thinking back, it happened after driving through a heavy rainstorm, and the whole engine was roaring and smoking, which almost scared me to death. The most likely cause was water entering the engine cylinders, disrupting the combustion process and reducing compression. Another possibility was that the spark plugs or ignition coils got wet and short-circuited, or the air filter got soaked and clogged. The solution is to stop the car immediately, turn off the engine, and avoid forcing it to run to prevent further damage. Then, call for a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for inspection of the spark plugs, sensors, and intake system. Later, I learned to detour around waterlogged areas in advance and avoid risking deep water crossings. Also, regularly check the engine hood's sealing and drive slower on rainy days to avoid expensive repairs later.

[DanielDella]

I've dealt with quite a few similar issues in the workshop. When a car's engine shakes and loses power after going through water, it's mostly caused by water seeping into the intake system or cylinders. Common reasons include water entering the air filter and blocking airflow, or ignition components like spark plugs getting wet and causing short circuits. For diagnosis, follow these steps: first check the engine compartment for water stains, then remove the spark plugs to see if they're wet, and use a diagnostic tool to read fault codes to confirm sensor issues. The solution is to replace wet components such as filters or spark plugs, and dry out the system if necessary. It's advisable to stop and inspect immediately after driving through water, and make it a habit to clean drainage holes as a preventive measure. Older cars especially need attention to aging seals.

[DelJosie]

I've seen this happen in my friend's car. After driving through water, the engine started shaking and lost power, which was really frustrating. The possible causes could be water entering the cylinders disrupting combustion, spark plug failure causing ignition issues, or too much water being sucked into the air intake. Not addressing it promptly is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to engine damage or even total failure, costing thousands in repairs. The best course of action is to stop the car and turn off the engine immediately—don't keep driving, safety comes first. Call for professional towing to a repair shop to inspect the ignition system and intake components. Afterwards, avoid driving through puddles in rainy weather or go slower to prevent this from happening again.

[McNolan]

A few days ago, my car also experienced engine shaking and loss of power after driving through a waterlogged road, which scared me into not daring to drive further, worrying about affecting safe travel. The main cause is water entering the engine-related systems, such as water in the cylinders leading to poor combustion or damage to the ignition coils. When the problem occurs, stay calm: pull over and turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights; check the tire water depth to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Afterwards, take it to a repair shop where they might replace the spark plugs or clean the air filter. For daily vehicle protection: reduce travel during rainy days or choose dry roads, and regular maintenance of the engine compartment seals can reduce risks.

[DeAdam]

I have some knowledge about cars and have encountered situations where the engine shakes after wading through water, which significantly affects the driving experience. The detailed reason is that water ingestion causes 'hydraulic lock' in the cylinders, leading to abnormal combustion, and also affects sensors like the crankshaft sensor, resulting in unstable ignition. Common fault points include wet spark plugs or clogged filters. The solution is to stop the car immediately for inspection and avoid attempting to restart it; professional repairs can replace related parts to prevent major overhauls. Normally, pay attention to the wading depth not exceeding half of the wheel height, and keeping engine components dry can enhance durability.