Will water enter if it reaches just below the door edge?

[VanAniyah]

Water may enter if it reaches just below the door edge. Theoretically, as long as the water does not submerge the air intake, it will not affect the engine. However, there are too many unpredictable factors, such as water splashing into the air intake when vehicles pass by. Additionally, you must drive slowly and be aware of the underwater environment, as the surface may appear calm but the underwater conditions are unknown. If the engine stalls while wading through water, do not attempt to restart it. You can use the following three height references to help assess the situation: 1. Exhaust pipe height: Safe wading height. During actual driving, as long as the engine does not stall, the exhaust pipe continuously emits exhaust gases, which prevent water from entering the pipe. Therefore, the main concern during wading is not the exhaust pipe but the air intake. 2. Half-wheel height or above: May cause water to enter the vehicle. Modern cars are equipped with various electronic components and sensors, and if the water level exceeds half the wheel height, water may seep in. 3. Air intake height: Maximum wading height. The air intake height is the most critical indicator for vehicle wading depth because once water enters the air intake, it can cause the engine to stall. In severe cases, water can be sucked into the engine, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, if the water reaches this level, you must not continue driving.

[DiPaul]

I remember driving through a flooded area during a heavy rainstorm, with water reaching the lower edge of the car door. The next day, the carpets inside the car were all wet. I later learned from a mechanic that the door seals at the bottom aren’t 100% waterproof, especially after several years when the rubber strips age and gaps widen, allowing water to seep in. The water slowly infiltrates through the door gaps, not only soaking the interior but also potentially corroding metal parts or causing electrical short circuits. Now, every rainy season, I check the seals in advance to ensure they’re intact. If they’re loose, I apply silicone oil to extend their lifespan. And when driving through water, I make sure the water level isn’t too high—anything above the wheel hubs is even more dangerous.

[VonSerenity]

Bro, if the water level rises to the bottom edge of the door? There's definitely a risk of water getting in! The gaps at the bottom of the door aren't usually noticeable, but with enough water pressure, they can leak—even car washes can wet the floor mats. If water does get in, the interior can mold, and electrical issues could cost a fortune to fix. As a regular car owner, I often check myself by feeling the door seals for cracks or looseness. If I find any, I replace them right away—it's just a few bucks. When driving through water, slow down to avoid splashing, and afterward, open the doors to dry the interior to prevent bigger problems.

[McLeonardo]

From the perspective of automotive construction, water may seep in when the water level reaches the lower edge of the door because the sealing strip is not fully enclosed by design, especially in older vehicles or when the door is not tightly closed. This can lead to corrosion of internal components such as floor rusting, or short circuits in electronic wiring causing malfunctions. Water pressure is a major factor in wading risks. It is recommended to regularly check for deformations or gaps at the door edges and perform timely maintenance to avoid long-term issues affecting safety.

[StMichael]

When the water level reaches the lower edge of the car door, the risk of water ingress is high, which is a serious safety concern. Aging door seals can cause water to seep through the gaps, potentially damaging internal electronic systems like the dashboard, leading to malfunctions that can be dangerous while driving. The water pressure during wading can compromise the seals, so it's best to avoid deep water areas. During every maintenance check, I have the shop inspect the seals, and I perform a visual check myself every month, addressing any damage immediately. If water does enter, turn off the engine as soon as possible and push the car to a professional shop for drying.