Will the car engine get water in on rainy days?
3 Answers
No. Because the engine's air intake goes through the air filter, which is located in the engine compartment and covered by the hood, it generally does not get water in. The precautions for driving on rainy days are as follows: 1. Maintain good visibility: Besides driving carefully, turn on the wipers in time when driving in the rain, and also turn on the low beams and fog lights when the weather is dim. 2. Prevent wheel skidding: When driving in the rain, the rainwater on the road forms a "lubricant" with the tires, reducing the car's braking performance and making it prone to skidding. Therefore, the driver should hold the steering wheel with both hands in balance, maintain straight and low-speed driving, and when turning, gently apply the brakes to prevent the tires from locking up and causing the vehicle to skid. 3. Drive slowly in low gear: Regardless of the width of the road or the condition of the road surface, try to use second or third gear when driving in the rain, with a speed not exceeding 30 or 40 kilometers per hour, always pay attention to the distance between the vehicles in front and behind and your own car, and be mentally prepared to take various emergency measures in advance.
I've been repairing cars for years and have seen plenty of cases of engine water ingress during rainy days. Actually, light rain or normal rain won't cause water ingress under normal circumstances—the engine compartment is well designed. The air intake is usually positioned high at the front of the car and has sealing rings, so water can't get in. However, if the rain is extremely heavy or you drive into a deep puddle where the water level rises above the air intake, water may be sucked into the engine, causing failure to start or even hydrostatic lock damage, which is a real hassle to fix. I've even encountered cases where a car got flooded, and the engine was completely ruined, requiring expensive replacement. So, when driving in the rain, try to slow down, avoid deep water, and regularly check the seals under the hood to ensure they aren't aged or cracked. Overall, as long as you drive sensibly, it's usually not a problem, but safety awareness is a must.
The other day during a heavy rainstorm, I was driving home and had to pass through a waterlogged section of the road. I was really nervous, afraid that water might get into the engine. But the car made it through smoothly, and the engine was completely fine. Later, I asked a mechanic and learned that modern cars are designed with waterproof systems—the air intake is positioned away from the ground, allowing rainwater to naturally drain away without easily seeping in. However, that experience taught me a lesson: next time I encounter heavy rain, I’ll definitely avoid flooded areas. If water does get into the engine, the best-case scenario is stalling and difficulty restarting, while the worst-case scenario could require major repairs costing thousands. During routine maintenance, I now make sure to check for cracks or looseness around the air intake—simple upkeep can prevent big risks. Overall, driving in the rain isn’t too worrisome, but staying alert and avoiding unnecessary risks is key.
