Will the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Damaged When a Vehicle Goes Through Water?

[AdalynnFitz]

It can be damaged. The details are as follows: Determining the need for cleaning: The cleaning of a car's fuel system depends on its usage time and mileage. After the car's fuel system has been in operation for a certain period, carbon deposits and gum formed by combustion will adhere to the fuel injectors, causing them to stick or even become clogged. At this point, cleaning is necessary. Avoid excessive cleaning: However, the cleaning of the fuel system should not be too frequent. The principle is to clean it every 20,000 kilometers. Excessive cleaning can damage some components of the car. Since the cleaning agent contains a large amount of chemical ingredients, frequent cleaning can cause significant damage to the three-way catalytic converter and other parts, leading to unnecessary harm to the vehicle.

[VonVincent]

I went on a mountain trip with friends by car, and when we encountered a large puddle, we drove straight through it, resulting in a damaged catalytic converter. When wading through water, water enters the exhaust system. The interior of the catalytic converter is made of ceramic, and when exposed to cold water in a high-temperature state, it cools too quickly, making it prone to cracking or breaking. This not only affects the engine's performance but also leads to a significant increase in emissions, costing thousands to repair. Wading through water deeper than 20 centimeters is particularly dangerous. It's recommended to scout the path and judge the depth before wading. After passing through water, don’t turn off the engine; drive slowly for a while to let the water drain. Engine water ingress is even worse and could lead to engine failure. Now, I'm extremely cautious about wading and would rather take a longer detour. After wading, check if the exhaust sound is normal, and if you smell any unusual odors, stop the car immediately.

[VonIsaac]

Having dealt with many waterlogged vehicle issues, catalytic converter damage from water is indeed common. The principle is that water entering the exhaust pipe rapidly cools the high-temperature catalytic converter, causing thermal stress that fractures the ceramic honeycomb structure. Symptoms include louder engine noise, increased fuel consumption, black smoke or unusual odors from the exhaust pipe. When wading through water, ensure the wheel depth doesn't exceed half, and pass through slowly without accelerating. Afterwards, keep the engine running to expel moisture. Regular maintenance of the exhaust system and checking the catalytic converter's efficiency can prevent failures. Neglecting it may lead to more severe emission problems and failing annual inspections. Pay extra attention to your vehicle's condition before and after wading to avoid major repair troubles.

[LeIsabelle]

When taking the family out and encountering heavy rain and water accumulation, I'm most afraid of the catalytic converter cracking due to water ingress. This component is crucial for purifying exhaust gases. If it fails, the car will emit foul odors, deteriorating the air quality inside the vehicle and affecting the children's health. The risk is high if the water depth exceeds the lower edge of the tires. If you do drive through water, immediately check if there's water flowing out of the exhaust pipe, and address any engine performance decline right away. Prevention is key—avoid deep water areas to ensure safe driving. Develop the habit of post-water driving maintenance.