Will the engine be worn out if the car stalls in water and cannot start?
2 Answers
The engine of the car may or may not be damaged depending on whether water has entered the engine. If water has entered and the car stalls, restarting it will definitely cause damage. If the car stalls in water and cannot start, it can lead to serious malfunctions in the engine. How to handle water entering the car: When water accidentally enters the car, remove the negative terminal of the car battery as soon as possible. If water enters, it can cause the connecting rod to bend, leading to severe engine damage. Check if the engine oil has been contaminated with water, as this can cause the oil to deteriorate, resulting in excessive engine wear during use. Also, check if the transmission has been affected by water, as water in the transmission can cause the gear oil to deteriorate. Conditions for claiming compensation for water damage: If the car's engine is damaged due to natural disasters like flooding, you can file a claim with the insurance company. The level of compensation depends on the extent of the damage. If you have purchased comprehensive car insurance and the vehicle is flooded in an underground garage, the insurance company will cover the damages. Do not attempt to start the engine, as this can easily cause further damage. If the engine is damaged under such circumstances and the owner does not have flood insurance, the insurance company may refuse to compensate for the engine damage and only cover the body damage. However, if you have comprehensive car insurance with additional flood coverage, the insurance company will cover all damages.
Don't rush to start the car after stalling in water, as the engine could suffer severe wear or even be completely ruined. If water gets sucked into the cylinders, it can't be compressed when the pistons move downward, causing all the force to rebound onto the connecting rods and crankshaft, which may bend or break. The cylinder walls could also get scratched, leading to permanent damage. Restarting the engine will only make things worse—increased friction between parts will cause more wear, strange noises, or even an explosion. I once saw a buddy force-start his car and ended up spending tens of thousands to replace the engine. Also, check for battery short circuits. After driving through water, park, turn off the engine, and don't move it—call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for internal damage inspection.
