Why Shouldn't You Restart the Engine After a Car Stalls in Water?
3 Answers
After a car stalls in water, you must not attempt to restart the engine. This is because a car engine compresses gas, and if water enters the engine causing it to stall, it means there is water in the cylinders. Restarting the engine would compress the water instead of air, leading to connecting rod deformation, cylinder wall damage, and severe consequences for the vehicle. Immediate Inspection and Repair: If the car stalls in water and a restart attempt fails, immediately call for a tow truck to transport the vehicle to a 4S shop or repair center for professional inspection and repair. Insurance Notification: If the car has taken in water, never attempt to start it. If the engine is damaged due to such an attempt, insurance will not cover the repairs. First, call your insurance company to file a claim, follow their specified procedures, and ensure you report the incident within 24 hours.
I remember when I used to help people repair cars, I often encountered this issue. After stalling in water, attempting to restart the engine is really dangerous. Water can be sucked into the engine's cylinders, creating a mixture of water and air inside. When you start the engine, the piston moves up and down, but since water cannot be compressed, it forces back, leading to bent connecting rods, damaged cylinder walls, or even complete engine failure in severe cases. Repair costs can skyrocket to tens of thousands, making it not worth the risk. You should immediately stop the car, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for inspection of water ingress, clearing drainage pipes or air intakes. These steps are simple, but many people overlook them in their haste, ultimately suffering heavy losses. From a safe driving perspective, it’s better to wait patiently for a tow truck on the roadside than to recklessly attempt to restart the engine—protect both your beloved car and your wallet.
From the perspective of auto insurance, I must remind everyone: attempting to restart a stalled vehicle in waterlogged conditions may exacerbate the situation. The water hammer effect caused by water entering the cylinders can severely damage engine components, such as bending the crankshaft or cracking the cylinder head. This not only skyrockets repair costs by tens of thousands but may also render the entire vehicle inoperable, increasing road safety hazards. Insurance companies universally advise against restarting the engine after stalling—instead, arrange for professional towing to address water intrusion. My experience suggests familiarizing yourself with wading depth guidelines beforehand, driving slowly through shallow water, and staying calm during emergencies to save significant expenses. Post-repair, a comprehensive inspection ensures peace of mind.
