Will restarting a car engine after water immersion damage it?

[VonJack]

Restarting a car after water immersion can damage the engine. If the car stalls after driving through water and water enters the engine, forcibly restarting it can cause the engine connecting rod to bend. A bent connecting rod can damage the engine block and crankshaft, causing significant harm to the engine, and in severe cases, may lead to engine failure. Below is more information about driving through water: Reasons for stalling after driving through water: The high-voltage ignition system may become damp or short-circuited due to water ingress, causing the engine to stall. This is a common occurrence, usually caused by splashing water. Water entering the exhaust pipe, which is positioned low on the car, can submerge the exhaust outlet, preventing exhaust flow and causing the engine to stall. What to do if the car stalls after driving through water: Do not attempt to restart the engine if the car stalls after driving through water, as this can cause severe damage or even total engine failure. Stay calm, turn off the ignition immediately, and avoid trying to start the engine. The car should be towed to a repair shop promptly to prevent further damage. After driving through water, it is advisable to inspect the engine compartment, air intake, wheels, brake discs, exhaust pipe, and carbon canister for any debris that may affect driving safety.

[McJayce]

I've experienced a similar situation before. It was during the rainy season when my car stalled after driving through a deep puddle. I almost considered restarting it, but a friend warned me absolutely not to. Attempting to restart the engine after driving through water can cause severe damage, mainly because water may enter the cylinders through the intake. An engine needs to compress a mixture of air and fuel to work, and if water gets into the cylinders, it instantly becomes a solid compressed mass, causing the pistons to seize—a phenomenon known as hydrostatic lock. If this happens, at best, the connecting rods may bend, and at worst, the entire engine could be ruined. I consulted a repair shop, and they said such repairs are costly, often running into tens of thousands. What's worse, if you force a restart, the insurance company might consider it human error and deny the claim. So, I learned a trick: if the car stalls after driving through water, immediately turn off the power and call for a tow truck—don't take chances. When driving in the rain, it's safer to avoid flooded areas and slow down.

[SanNorah]

As someone who frequently handles car repairs, I believe restarting the engine after wading through water is asking for trouble. When water enters the cylinders through the intake system, it cannot be compressed during engine operation, leading to piston deformation or connecting rod fractures. This is known as hydrostatic lock, and the damage is irreversible. Common causes include driving through water deeper than the tire height or moving too fast, causing water splashes. If the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it, as internal components like the crankshaft and valves can be damaged, resulting in costly repairs or even requiring a full engine replacement. Insurance companies typically do not cover such actions, leaving you fully responsible for the repair costs. My advice is to stop the engine immediately in such situations and call for a tow truck for inspection. Regular maintenance should ensure the intake system's sealing to prevent issues. When driving, assess water depth and avoid areas where it exceeds half the wheel height.

[BrookeLee]

I learned this lesson the first time I drove through standing water: if your engine stalls in water, never attempt to restart it. When water enters the engine and you try to restart, the water can't be compressed in the cylinders, which may cause pistons to seize or bend, effectively destroying the engine. A friend of mine experienced this - it cost him a fortune to repair the engine, and the insurance company denied the claim because restarting is considered operator error, which is typically excluded from coverage. The solution is simple: if the engine stalls, turn off the ignition and call a tow truck for inspection. When driving in rain, always choose shallow water crossings and proceed slowly to minimize risk. This experience made me a more cautious driver - safety is far more important than saving time.

[McCali]

In my daily commute, the risk of water wading is common, especially in urban waterlogged areas after heavy rains. Restarting the engine after stalling in water will definitely damage it, as water entering the cylinders prevents the pistons from compressing it during operation, leading to mechanical failures such as bent connecting rods or cylinder wall damage. Such damages are complex and costly to repair, and insurance companies may deny claims, considering it a driver error. Preventive measures include avoiding deep puddles while driving, slowing down to assess water depth (not exceeding half the tire height). After stalling, immediately turn off all electrical equipment and avoid attempting to restart to prevent further damage. Contact professional towing services and inspect the intake system afterward. Develop a habit: check drainage and road conditions after rain to enhance driving safety.