Why is an engine scrapped after being flooded with water?
2 Answers
Because the engine combustion chamber is primarily designed to compress gases, not water. Water is a liquid, and once it enters, the force of the water will counteract within the engine, causing it to stall or severely damage the internal components of the engine, leading to the engine being scrapped. Below are precautions for driving through water: 1. Assess the depth of the water: If the water does not exceed half the height of the wheels, it is safe to drive; otherwise, it is not advisable to continue. 2. Use snow mode: After entering a waterlogged section, slow down and drive carefully. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to use first gear and preferably switch to snow mode to prevent wheel slippage. 3. Continuous braking: After exiting the waterlogged section, brake several times in succession to evaporate the moisture in the brake discs to avoid affecting the vehicle's braking performance.
I'm the type who loves to delve into cars. The main reason an engine is totaled after water intake is that water gets into the cylinders and can't be compressed. Imagine the engine at work: the piston moves up to compress the air-fuel mixture for ignition and explosion. Suddenly, if water is in there instead, it can't be compressed—it's like hitting a solid iron wall. The piston and connecting rod instantly bear excessive force, bending or breaking, and the crankshaft gets damaged too. Additionally, water causes short circuits in electronic systems like the ECU and sensors, frying the circuits and smoking upon startup. Repairs are a nightmare, often requiring complete replacements. The lubricating oil gets contaminated by water, turning into a milky emulsion and losing its protective properties, leading to accelerated wear or even seizing of metal components. Water also causes corrosion and rust, making internal metals brittle. Repair costs can easily run into tens of thousands, with potential lingering issues, making scrapping the car a more practical option. Prevention methods include avoiding deep water crossings, especially during heavy rain—steer clear of standing water and drive slowly. Once water is sucked in, it's game over.
