Will the car be scrapped if water enters the engine?
3 Answers
If water enters the engine, the car may be scrapped. Here is relevant information: 1. Do not continue driving: If water enters the cylinders and the owner continues to drive, the ultimate consequence could be the pistons seizing in the cylinders. The connecting rods may bend or break due to the immense pressure, and in more severe cases, a broken connecting rod could puncture the engine block. 2. Classification: Automotive engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid powertrains, among others. The engine is the power source of a car. Most car engines are thermal power devices, commonly referred to as heat engines. Heat engines convert the thermal energy generated by fuel combustion into mechanical energy through changes in the state of the working medium.
A friend asked me the other day if a car is completely totaled when the engine gets flooded. It's not necessarily the case—it depends on the situation. If the water is shallow, say only up to half the height of the wheels, and no water is sucked into the cylinders, you can turn off the engine immediately, tow the car away, and clean the filters and circuits—then it should be fine. However, if the water is deep enough to submerge the exhaust pipe and you start the engine, water entering the cylinders can bend the connecting rods when compressed by the pistons, leading to serious trouble. The repair costs could reach 60–70% of the car's value. For an old car that isn’t worth much, the insurance company might declare it a total loss. But for a newer car, it can still be driven after repairs. I’ve personally worked on such cars—the key is to act fast, avoid forcing a start, and have it towed to a professional shop for inspection. In general, avoid driving through deep water during heavy rains, and regularly maintain seals to prevent such issues. With proper handling, the car can still last a long time.
I remember during the last heavy rainstorm, my car stalled while driving through water, and I thought the engine was done for and should be scrapped. After towing it to the auto repair shop, the mechanic said water hadn’t entered the engine internals, and cleaning the air filter and spark plugs would suffice—costing 2,000 RMB to fix. However, if you had attempted to start the engine, water could have entered the cylinders, potentially causing hydro-lock, and repairs could run into tens of thousands. For a new car, it might be worth repairing, but for an old one, scrapping and buying a used replacement might make more sense than repairs. Whether to scrap it or not depends on comparing repair costs to the car’s market value, and insurance may cover part of it. The key is not to panic if water gets in—turn off the power immediately and avoid attempting to start the engine. I learned my lesson—now when encountering flooded roads, I’d rather detour or wait for the water to recede. Safety first. A waterlogged car isn’t necessarily a write-off; timely action can save major trouble.
