Will the engine be damaged if the car stalls when driving through water?
3 Answers
When a car stalls after driving through water, it is usually due to moisture or short circuits in the system. Generally, the engine is not severely affected. You can start the car again after letting the circuits dry naturally or using a hair dryer to dry them. In more serious cases, replacing the fuse may be necessary. Reasons for a car stalling after driving through water: 1. Moisture or water-induced short circuits: Moisture or water entering the high-voltage ignition system can cause a short circuit, leading to stalling. This is a common scenario where the water appears shallow, and the car seems capable of passing through, but stalling occurs due to water splashing. 2. Water entering the exhaust pipe: The car's exhaust pipe is positioned relatively low. Typically, if the water level rises above the exhaust pipe, the car will stall due to the inability to expel exhaust gases. 3. Water entering the air intake: This occurs when water enters through the air filter, causing the engine to stall. This situation is less common and usually happens only when the water level is quite high.
Last time my car stalled in water, my heart was in my mouth, and I immediately called for a tow truck. The mechanic said the biggest fear is the engine sucking in water because water can't be compressed—when the piston moves up, it can bend the connecting rod, and in severe cases, the engine can be completely ruined. But I was lucky that time; the inspection showed the exhaust pipe was blocked by water, causing the stall. A reminder to everyone: never attempt a second start! If water has reached the air intake, the repair costs could be half the price of a used car, and insurance usually won’t cover losses caused by operational mistakes. Always check the air filter box for water marks first—that’s the key to determining whether water has entered the engine.
Once during a heavy rainstorm, I drove through a deep puddle and the engine suddenly died. I immediately turned off the ignition and got out to check, finding the water level only reached the middle of the wheel hub. The mechanic told me that in such cases, if water hadn't entered the cylinders, the stalling might be caused by damp ignition coils or a blocked exhaust pipe. Drying the spark plugs and reinstalling them could get the engine started. However, if the air filter is soaked, attempting to start the engine should be avoided, as the crankcase might already be flooded. Since then, I always avoid waterlogged areas when driving in the rain, as water-damaged engines are prone to rust and accelerated piston ring wear later on.
