Will Water Enter the Engine When Washing the Car?
2 Answers
Water will not enter the engine when washing the car. Here are the relevant reasons: 1. The car's exhaust pipe is very long, almost as long as the car body. From the engine exhaust valve to the exhaust outlet, there is a three-way catalytic converter and two mufflers in between, both of which have winding pipes inside, making it difficult for water to pass through. Additionally, the height of the engine exhaust valve is much higher than that of the exhaust outlet. As long as the water level does not exceed the exhaust valve, water will not enter. Moreover, when the engine is running, the pressure inside the exhaust pipe is very high, and any water deposited inside will be blown out under this pressure. 2. Generally, as long as the car is not completely submerged in water, water will not enter the engine through the exhaust pipe. Even if the car drives through water during the rainy season and the exhaust pipe is fully submerged, water will not enter the engine.
The possibility of water entering the engine during car washing is actually very small. I wash my car frequently and know that modern car designs are well-engineered, with air filters and sealing measures in the engine compartment that effectively block moisture. When washing the exterior normally, water won’t seep in because most of it flows off the surface. However, it’s important to avoid using a high-pressure water jet directly on the air intake or gaps around the engine cover, as this increases the risk. Once, I saw a neighbor being careless while washing their car—a high-pressure stream got in, and the car had trouble starting afterward, requiring repairs. Therefore, I recommend maintaining a safe distance while washing and using a gentle water flow on the body. After washing, it’s best to wait a few minutes to let the engine area dry completely before starting the car. Overall, car washing is safe, but avoiding extreme actions can better protect your vehicle and extend its lifespan. These experiences have made me more confident and relaxed when washing my car, never worrying about minor issues.
