Will a Car Get Damaged If It's Submerged in Water Without Starting?
2 Answers
If a car is submerged in water without starting, it won't necessarily get damaged. If the engine hasn't taken in water, it won't be damaged; however, if water has entered, it will cause harm. Once a vehicle stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it. Water can enter through the intake pipe, pass through the resonator box, reach the air filter, and finally enter the engine. Here is some additional information: When driving through flooded areas, use a low gear and proceed slowly. Areas with waves and whirlpools likely have large rocks or other obstacles, while calm water surfaces usually indicate deeper water—both should be avoided. Open water with uniform small waves typically indicates shallow areas with gravel, making them ideal for driving through. When crossing water, avoid following other vehicles too closely. In multi-vehicle situations, wait for the preceding vehicle to reach the other side before entering the water to prevent being forced to stop mid-crossing if the leading vehicle stalls. Notify insurance for claims: Owners who parked in underground garages or low-lying areas should avoid starting the engine even after the water recedes and should promptly inform their insurance provider to prevent secondary engine damage. As long as the engine isn't damaged by starting while flooded, other losses are generally covered under standard auto damage insurance.
Last time my car got flooded in a parking lot during heavy rain. Even though I didn't start it, problems still occurred. Water gradually seeped into the engine internals, causing rust and corrosion, especially in critical areas like the cylinders and crankshaft. The electrical systems also suffered—wiring short circuits led to dashboard failures and even battery acid leakage. What's worse, residual moisture in the undercarriage and door seams easily triggered mold growth. I later had it towed for repairs, costing me several thousand dollars to fix. I deeply regret not handling it sooner. Prevention is simple: don't move the car after flooding, immediately call a tow truck for professional inspection, and regularly check sealing strips as a precaution. In short, flood-damaged cars deteriorate over time even if unused—don't take it lightly.
