Will there be any problem if water enters the intake without stalling?
4 Answers
Generally speaking, if a car passes through water without stalling, there should be no problem. Here is some related information about stalling: 1. Reasons for stalling: Automatic transmission models: Vehicles with automatic transmission are less likely to stall, while manual transmission models may stall frequently due to lower driving skills. However, it is not impossible for automatic transmission cars to stall, mainly due to the use of low-quality fuel causing engine carbon buildup and stalling. 2. Precautions: For automatic transmission cars stalling, the main cause is the use of low-quality fuel. One solution is to refuel at reputable, larger gas stations with higher-grade fuel, such as using 97-octane gasoline. Although it is more expensive, it can ensure a longer lifespan for your car and better performance while driving.
That time I drove my car through a waterlogged road, some water got into the air intake while the engine was still running without stalling. I felt a bit panicked, but the car kept going. After arriving home, I realized something was wrong. Opening the hood, I found the air filter was more than half soaked. Luckily, the water didn’t get sucked into the combustion chamber, or it could have caused cylinder scoring and a major overhaul. I immediately went to the repair shop to replace the filter and used an air blower to dry out the pipes for peace of mind. The mechanic warned that residual water could corrode metal parts, leading to rust, airflow blockage, engine weakness, or a spike in fuel consumption over time. In severe cases, it might even damage sensors. With unpredictable weather these days, everyone driving through water should slow down. Even if the engine doesn’t stall, check the filter and system immediately to avoid small issues turning into costly repairs. For safety, I now check the seals during annual maintenance to prevent recurrence.
Bro, I've been through the same thing. During a heavy rain while driving, water got into the air intake, and I thought everything was fine since the engine didn't stall. But actually, there were hidden dangers. Later, a friend told me that residual water could cause short circuits in electronic components or incorrect readings from the mass airflow sensor. So I quickly went to a roadside shop and spent about a hundred bucks to replace the air filter, which fixed the problem. If left untreated, the water would eventually evaporate, but the residue could clog the system, affecting air intake efficiency and causing acceleration hesitation or even sudden stalling, which is even more dangerous. My advice is to check the air filter box right away if water gets in—if it's wet, replace it; if it's dry, just blow it out to avoid future issues. Also, when washing your car, avoid spraying water directly at the air intake as a preventive measure. After all, your car is your baby—being careful never hurts, and don't skimp on these small expenses.
It's fortunate that the engine didn't stall after water entered the intake. The small amount of water allowed the engine to keep running, but residual moisture can corrode pipe walls, cause rust, or block airflow passages, reducing engine efficiency. This may manifest as sluggish acceleration, high fuel consumption, or abnormal exhaust emissions. It's recommended to promptly disassemble and inspect the air filter after water ingress. If it's damp, replace it immediately to avoid triggering chain reactions like sensor malfunctions or more severe mechanical damage. During daily driving, avoid deep water areas to protect your car's heart—don't let minor issues escalate into major problems that disrupt your journey.
