Will the Engine Get Flooded When Driving in Heavy Rain?
4 Answers
If a car is parked outdoors during heavy rain, the engine won't get flooded. However, if the water level rises and submerges more than half of the tires, the engine may take in water. In such cases, do not attempt to start the car immediately. First, check that the intake pipe is free of water before starting. If an incident occurs, avoid moving or starting the vehicle. Instead, take photos of the submerged car for documentation and promptly contact your auto insurance provider to file a claim and arrange for damage assessment. Here’s some related information: The engine is the most critical component of a car and also the most technologically advanced among the 'three major components' of an automobile. It converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, serving as the power generation unit, and sometimes refers to the entire machine including the power assembly.
I remember once driving out in a heavy rainstorm and finding the road flooded almost up to the wheel hubs. I quickly reduced my speed to below 20 mph and crawled along. Actually, as long as the water doesn’t submerge the center emblem on the wheel hub, the engine generally won’t take in water because the air intake is usually located under the hood. But if the water level exceeds half the tire height and you still dare to charge through, water can rush into the exhaust pipe—disaster! The water can lock the pistons, and repairs could cost tens of thousands! We veteran drivers know: when facing deep puddles, feather the throttle like stepping on eggs, maintain a steady speed without lifting off. And if the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it! Survival is more important than the car—if needed, break the window without hesitation.
The worst nightmare during heavy rain is water entering the engine, requiring major repairs—a lesson I learned the hard way. Last year during a typhoon, I followed a sedan through an underpass, thinking it was safe since the car ahead made it. But my engine got destroyed instantly. The mechanic explained the air intake sits much lower than we assume—typically just 30cm off the ground for sedans. Now I play it safe: if water reaches one-third of the wheel height, I stop immediately, especially if bubbles appear (a sign of stalled vehicles). Many don’t realize the danger of auto start-stop: it can restart the engine if stalled in water! Turn this feature off in storms—it could save you tens of thousands in repairs.
My neighbor recently bought an SUV that drove through floodwater on a rainy day, costing over 30,000 yuan for an engine overhaul. Actually, judging whether you can pass through standing water is quite simple: 1. The water level should not exceed one-third of the tire height; 2. Observe the situation of the vehicle ahead—just because a sedan can pass doesn’t mean an SUV is safe; 3. If you can’t see the road clearly even with the wipers on the highest setting, don’t take the risk. If you find the water is too deep, immediately turn on the hazard lights and reverse—don’t worry about getting a ticket for driving the wrong way. If you feel the engine suddenly losing power accompanied by a hissing sound, there’s an 80% chance water has entered it. In this case, shift to neutral, rev the engine to 3,000 rpm, and try to power out of the water—this might save the car. But it’s best to keep a window breaker in your car just in case!
