Will a small amount of water entering the engine have any impact?
3 Answers
Even a small amount of water entering the engine can have adverse effects, and severe water ingress may even lead to engine failure. When a vehicle drives through water, water can enter the cylinders through the intake manifold. Due to the incompressibility of water, the piston stroke will shorten, potentially causing the engine connecting rods to bend or break. In extreme cases, broken connecting rods may puncture the engine block. If water enters the engine, immediately contact a repair shop for inspection and replace components as necessary. Precautions for driving in rainy weather include: Avoid driving through deep water: If the water depth exceeds 20 cm, do not attempt to drive through it. After driving through water, multiple components may be affected, potentially leading to vehicle malfunction. Check the braking system for water ingress: Due to the strong absorption capacity of the braking system, rainwater can easily enter the brake fluid, affecting braking performance. Severe cases may result in brake failure. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected at a professional repair shop after heavy rain.
Last time my friend's car accidentally splashed some water into the engine when going through a puddle, and it almost caused a serious problem. If the engine is started after water enters, the water can flow into the cylinders. When the piston moves upward to compress the space, water cannot be compressed, and forcing it could even bend the connecting rod. The worst case I've seen is the engine completely seizing, requiring a full overhaul. So, the first thing to do if water enters the engine is to avoid starting it at all costs—immediately shift to neutral, cut the power, and call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. Usually, pay attention to the position of the air intake below the front bumper; when driving through water, maintain a slow and steady speed, as splashing water makes it easiest for water to get inside. Now that the rainy season is here, everyone should be extra careful when driving through deep water areas.
Engine water ingress is quite tricky, and I've personally experienced it. Once, while washing my car, the high-pressure water jet accidentally sprayed into the engine bay for a few seconds. I didn't think much of it at the time, but the next day when I started the car, I heard strange clicking noises from the engine. After inspection, it turned out that water had entered near the spark plugs, causing a short circuit. The mechanic explained that water conducts electricity, leading to wiring faults, and can also cause the engine oil to emulsify and degrade. The most alarming part was water-induced rust—metal components can develop red rust spots in just a few days. In the end, it cost me over 800 yuan for cleaning, drying, and an oil change. Any later, and I might have needed to replace the piston rings. My advice: avoid driving through deep water during heavy rains, and when washing your car, steer clear of the electronic control units.
