Will the Engine Take in Water When Driving in Heavy Rain?
2 Answers
When driving in heavy rain, the engine will not take in water. Generally, water enters through the intake. As long as the water does not reach this height, it will not enter the engine. However, it is best not to drive during heavy rain. Indicators of wading depth: The maximum wading depth is one of the important indicators for evaluating a car's off-road capability. It refers to the deepest water a car can pass through safely. Principles of wading depth: When driving through streams or rivers where the water depth exceeds the lower edge of the car door, do not forget that the car will lose traction. This is because the car body will float in the water, reducing the effective weight that presses the car onto the riverbed to generate traction.
Driving in heavy rain can indeed lead to water entering the engine, primarily because rainwater is sucked in through the intake pipe. I personally experienced this once when driving through a large puddle. The water was too deep, and the splashes that entered the engine caused it to stall immediately. After researching later, I learned that the air intake for most cars is located in the lower part of the engine compartment. Once the water depth exceeds the midpoint of the wheel hub, the risk becomes very high. Water entering the cylinders can cause a hydraulic lock phenomenon, damaging internal components and resulting in costly repairs. I usually advise friends to check their vehicle manuals in advance to understand the specific wading depth limits, avoid waterlogged areas during the rainy season, and maintain a steady speed. Safety first—don’t risk driving through deep water.
