Will the Engine Get Waterlogged When Driving in Heavy Rain?
3 Answers
Driving in heavy rain will not cause the engine to get waterlogged. Here are the details: 1. Reason: The engine's air intake goes through the air filter, which is located in the engine compartment and protected by the hood, preventing water from entering. Unless you leave the hood open or remove the air filter on a rainy day. If water enters the engine, it can easily cause the engine to stall. If the engine does not stop running, water may enter the spark plugs, leading to engine stalling. 2. Maintenance: The first maintenance mileage for a car: New cars should undergo their first maintenance at 3 months or 3,000 kilometers. During the initial break-in period of a new car, many parts need to be broken in. New cars require an oil and oil filter change at 3,000 kilometers, an oil, oil filter, and air filter change at 7,500 kilometers, and then maintenance every 5,000 kilometers thereafter. Maintenance should be done at an authorized 4S shop. Different engines have different maintenance mileages: Cars have naturally aspirated engines and turbocharged engines.
Driving in heavy rain, engine water ingress mainly occurs when wading through water that is too deep. Normally, driving in the rain won’t cause water ingress because vehicles are designed with protective systems. Rainwater primarily enters through the air intake, which is usually located beneath the hood. If the water level is too high and submerges the air intake, water can be sucked into the engine cylinders, causing hydro-lock. Hydro-lock occurs when water occupies the cylinder space, preventing the piston from compressing properly, leading to sudden engine stalling or severe damage, which can be very costly to repair. I often remind my friends that the wading depth for sedans generally shouldn’t exceed 15-20 cm, while SUVs can handle slightly deeper water. During heavy rain, it’s best to avoid flooded areas and drive slowly through small puddles without accelerating to prevent splashing, which increases risk. Checking the wading depth recommendations in the owner’s manual is very helpful, and safe driving should prioritize both vehicle condition and road conditions. A small mistake can lead to significant losses, so always choose your route carefully when driving in the rain.
Last time during a heavy rainstorm, I was driving home when the road was flooded like a small river. I thought my car could make it through, but water ended up seeping into the engine compartment, causing the engine to make a clanking noise and nearly got ruined. That's when I learned that water was sucked in through the air intake, and deep water poses serious risks. Normally, driving in the rain won't let water in, as rainwater is blocked by the air filter. However, if the water level rises above half the height of the wheels, the intake system may draw in water, leading to engine failure. After learning my lesson, I now check the weather forecast in advance and use a mobile app to identify flood-prone areas before driving in the rain, avoiding low-lying zones. When wading through water, drive slowly—going too fast increases water pressure, making it easier for water to enter. For safety, I recommend maintaining a steady speed in the rain and staying observant of your surroundings. Protect both your vehicle and yourself—don’t let curiosity ruin your trip.
