Will the car be scrapped if water gets into the engine?
3 Answers
If water enters the engine, the car will be scrapped. Here is relevant information: Do not continue driving: If water enters the cylinder and the owner continues to drive, the ultimate consequence is the piston getting stuck in the cylinder, the connecting rod bending or breaking due to inability to withstand the immense pressure, and in more severe cases, the broken connecting rod directly puncturing the cylinder block. Classification: Automotive engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. The engine is the power source of a car. Most car engines are thermal power devices, 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 car may not necessarily be totaled after the engine takes in water—it depends on the amount of water and how quickly it's addressed. I've seen many cases where water-damaged cars were saved through timely repairs. If the water only reaches below the wheel height and doesn't enter the engine bay, merely causing dampness in the electronic systems, towing it to a repair shop for cleaning and drying can usually restore it. However, if water submerges the chassis and is sucked into the cylinders, it may lead to bent connecting rods or piston damage, making repairs much more complicated—possibly requiring engine disassembly and part replacements, often costing thousands or even tens of thousands. If the engine is severely damaged and repair costs exceed the car's residual value (e.g., an old car not worth fixing), the insurer may recommend scrapping it. The key is to avoid starting the engine immediately after water exposure—turn off the power, remove the key, and call a tow truck for a professional inspection to minimize risks. Regularly checking seals can also prevent water ingress issues.
Once I drove through a water puddle without slowing down, and water splashed into the engine, causing it to stall immediately. I was worried the car might be totaled. After towing it to the shop, the mechanic said the water wasn’t deep—it had only flooded the air filter. After cleaning and replacing the oil and spark plugs, it cost just a few hundred bucks to fix. Turns out, cars aren’t as fragile as you might think. A small amount of water in the engine can be fine if handled quickly. But if the water level is high or you try to start the engine forcefully, water can enter the combustion chamber, compromising compression and sealing, which can bend or deform the connecting rods. Repairs for that can be expensive, possibly leading to an insurance write-off. The key is to stop the car immediately and call for help—don’t mess around. In my case, I didn’t try to restart the engine, which saved me from worse damage. During rainy seasons, avoid deep water whenever possible. Cars with good engine sealing are more resilient.
