Will the Engine Get Flooded If Water Submerges the Tires?

[StCharlotte]

Theoretically, the engine will get flooded if water reaches the position of the air filter, but generally for sedans, there is a risk of engine flooding once water submerges the vehicle's chassis. Once the engine is flooded, it will stall, and in severe cases, water may be sucked into the engine interior, leading to permanent damage. After the engine is flooded, do not attempt to restart it; it is recommended to call for rescue immediately. If the vehicle stalls due to water intake during wading, immediately turn off the ignition switch. Do not attempt to restart the engine. Move the vehicle to a safe location, preferably with the front higher than the rear, to allow water in the exhaust pipe to drain out and avoid damaging the three-way catalytic converter and muffler. Chassis components are prone to lubrication oil deterioration during wading, especially those related to steering and transmission systems. For example, the maintenance manual for the Land Cruiser requires applying grease to chassis components after wading. Additionally, during the road test, carefully listen for any abnormal noises from the chassis or perform a disassembly inspection if necessary.

[VonMolly]

I often drive in the southern regions where heavy rains cause water to rise to the level of the tires, posing a significant risk of engine water ingestion. This is because the air intake is usually located at the lower front of the car. When the water depth exceeds the tire level, it may already cover the intake, allowing water to be sucked into the engine. Since water is incompressible, the piston movement is obstructed, causing the engine to stall immediately and potentially leading to bent connecting rods, requiring costly repairs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of yuan. During a typhoon last year, I witnessed a friend's car submerged too deeply, resulting in the entire engine being ruined. My advice is not to force your way through when water reaches the tire level—instead, pull over immediately to assess the situation. It's also wise to familiarize yourself with the intake height of your specific car model. If water has already entered the engine, do not attempt to start it; call for professional towing assistance instead.

[SanLillian]

As a daily commuter, I have to say that engine water ingestion due to flooded tires is quite common, especially during heavy rainstorms. When the engine sucks in a mixture of air and water through the intake pipe, the water can quickly damage internal components, causing what's known as 'hydrolock.' At best, it leads to stalling; at worst, a major overhaul. I experienced this firsthand—my car stalled when the water level just reached the top of the tires, and it took two weeks at the repair shop to fix it. It's best to pull over before the water rises, avoiding low speeds or sudden acceleration through water. Also, don’t assume SUVs are safe just because of their higher ground clearance—the intake position is what matters most. After parking, check the engine bay for any water accumulation. Safety first—don’t take risks.

[OHope]

When water submerges the tires, if the water depth exceeds the air intake, the air intake pipe will suck in water. Once water enters the cylinders, the compression stroke is obstructed, causing the engine to stall instantly. This may lead to damage to internal components such as pistons or connecting rods, resulting in costly repairs. The position of the air intake varies by vehicle model, with smaller cars being more vulnerable due to lower placement. The preventive measure is to avoid driving through deep water; if the water is too deep, detour or park and wait. If water enters the engine, do not attempt to restart it—seek professional inspection and repair promptly.