Will the engine be affected if water reaches more than half of the wheel?
3 Answers
Water reaching half of the tire has little impact on the engine. If the water level is around half the tire height, it is not very high, and as long as the water does not exceed the air intake, there should be no issue. The car engine is one of the main components of a vehicle. Engine Overview: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, determining its performance, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, car engines can be classified into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid systems, among others. Engine Classification: Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy for piston movement and outputting power. Gasoline engines have high rotational speeds, are lightweight, produce less noise, are easy to start, and have lower manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have higher compression ratios, better thermal efficiency, and superior fuel economy and emission performance compared to gasoline engines.
I've driven through heavy rain many times. When the water level reaches more than half the height of the wheels, the most dangerous risk is water entering the engine intake. For most family cars, the intake height is about one-third to half the wheel height, so this water depth is already risky. If you must drive through water, remember to press the accelerator gently and maintain a steady speed to avoid creating waves. I've seen many car owners on the road who forced their way through water, only to have their engines completely destroyed, with repair costs that could buy a used car. What's worse, water can also backflow from the exhaust pipe, damaging the turbocharger. In short, it's best to detour unless it's an emergency. Otherwise, repairs will not only be expensive but also require the entire engine to be disassembled and cleaned.
As a long-distance driver, I know wading through water requires skill. When the water level reaches the centerline of the wheel hub, the actual water depth already exceeds 35 cm. At this depth, the ECU module in the engine compartment is prone to water ingress and short circuits, with repairs costing at least two thousand yuan. The transmission breather valve is also near this height, and water ingress can cause gear oil emulsification. Last year, my friend's car had its transmission scrapped this way. It's advisable to turn off the air conditioning immediately to prevent electrical short circuits. If forced to wade through water, remember never to stall the engine, otherwise water flowing back through the exhaust pipe can directly destroy the engine.
