Will the car definitely be damaged if it stalls in water and is restarted?
2 Answers
Restarting a car after it stalls in water does not necessarily cause damage, but there is a high probability of malfunction. To avoid malfunctions, the following measures should be taken: 1. If the car stalls in water, never attempt to restart the engine. Even if it starts, it may struggle or fail to start, which can cause damage to the engine or even lead to severe engine failure. Therefore, after stalling, stay calm, turn off the ignition immediately, and avoid attempting to restart the engine. Have the car towed to a repair shop promptly to prevent further damage. 2. After driving through water, it is advisable to get out and check for any debris in the engine compartment, engine air intake, wheels, brake discs, exhaust pipe, carbon canister, and other areas to ensure driving safety is not compromised.
I've repaired quite a few cars, and when it comes to restarting after stalling in water, you really need to be careful. Saying it will definitely cause damage might be a bit absolute, but from experience, the risk is extremely high. If water enters the engine cylinders, the piston movement is like hitting a wall—water doesn't compress, which can bend connecting rods or crack the engine block, leading to costly repairs. I remember fixing a neighbor's car once; he restarted immediately after stalling in water, and the entire engine was ruined, costing him 20,000 to 30,000 for a replacement. My advice is to turn off the engine immediately if you stall in water, don't touch the key, and first check the air filter for water marks. If it's wet, that means water has entered the intake system—call a tow truck right away to drain it professionally. Regular maintenance should pay attention to seals, and avoid forcing through puddles in the rain. If the water is above tire level, don't take the risk. Safety always comes first—tow truck fees are much cheaper than engine repairs.
