Why is there a strange noise after the car wades through water?
2 Answers
There is a strange noise after the car wades through water because there is moisture in the brake discs. The following is an introduction to the relevant content of water-wading vehicles: 1. The specific definition of a water-wading vehicle: The vehicle begins to accumulate water, and the internal components of the vehicle are damaged due to the water. Water-wading vehicles have corresponding water submersion levels. 2. Classification of water submersion levels for water-wading vehicles: Water submersion level one is when the water just reaches the vehicle's chassis, level two is when the water reaches half of the wheels, level three is when the water almost completely submerges the tires, level four is when the water reaches the engine hood, level five is when the water completely submerges the engine hood, and level six is when the water submerges the roof.
I remember last summer when I drove my old car through a puddle, and afterward, there was a rattling noise from the underside, which scared me into checking it immediately. Most of the time, it’s water getting into the brake discs, causing friction noise while driving, and it usually goes away after driving for a while to dry out. If the noise sounds like bubbling, it might be water in the exhaust pipe, which can be loud during cold starts but often disappears once the engine warms up. A more serious issue is water entering the engine, accompanied by abnormal noises, shaking, or even loss of power, indicating severe damage that requires immediate shutdown. Driving through water can also cause electrical shorts, leading to flickering lights, strange noises, or rust-induced suspension rattles. I recommend driving slowly for a few minutes after passing through water to observe. If the noise persists or worsens, it’s best to have a professional inspect the exhaust system, brake components, and engine bay—don’t hesitate to spend a few hundred on diagnostics to avoid major repairs. Regularly washing the car to remove mud and water buildup under the chassis can also effectively prevent such issues.