All the combustion engines will need oxygen because part of the air-fuel mixture runs the engine. The vehicles will suck in air through an air intake. This is usually near the front of the vehicle.
While going through a large puddle of water, the engine can suck the water into the engine using an air intake. And that is why some vehicles are prone to sucking in water when going through large puddles. Each of the vehicles has its air intake positioned at a different height.
If the vehicle is driving through the water, you must drive slowly. You do not cause a bow wave of water that can reach the air intake and get the water sucked into the engine. If the water is very deep and if the height of the water is taller than the height of the air intake, then the engine will suck in water.
This is why you will see some four-by-four fitted with air snorkels. Many car drivers have experienced this. They went into a puddle, and then their vehicle died.
This article will talk about what to do if you have gone into a puddle and your car has died. Let us get started.
Table of Contents
Can Going Through A Puddle Damage Your Car?
Trucks and cars are safe in a covered garage and far away from trees in a storm. However, a lot of vehicles have been damaged after a storm. This is why drivers will navigate through the puddles of water.
If you drive through water, you can damage your engine intake system. The water in the intake system gets into the cylinder, where the pistons compress air. The water does not compress, and the results are pressure inside the engine, and it can end piston rods and then crack the engine block.
And so it will ruin the engine. It can also damage the transmission. The water will make the gear slip.
Check the brakes too. If the rotors are hot, exposure to water can warp them. As a result, your vehicle will vibrate if you try to vibrate.
The water will get into the brake line and cause brake failure. It can happen if you do not expect it. After rolling in deep water, car drivers should pump their brakes to squeeze the water from the pads.
It can damage the interiors too. The water in the driver and passenger compartment will ruin the upholstery, carpet, and foam seats. There is also damage to the electronic system.
Many manufacturers will install automobile computers in the floorboards or under their seats. Water damage to these components can lead to electrical and electronic problems.
The damage is caused by a flooded vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged by flooding, you should not start the engine.
What To Do After Driving Through A Deep Puddle?
You have to check your brakes. Wet brakes will lose their grip, and that can be dangerous. Before you turn your vehicle off, tap the brakes a few times so that they can dry off.
Listen to the engine. You can hear some noises in there if the water has affected your engine. If there is also a strange behavior from your engine or noises, it can also be a sign of damage.
Check the electronics too. Check your fuses and your fuse box. The water damage can cause electrical system problems.
What Happens If You Drive Through A Puddle Too Fast?
If water is forced into the vehicle’s air intake, this will allow the oxygen to reach the vehicle’s engine, and it can lock the piston in place. In modern vehicles, the engine’s air intake is located down low in front of the vehicle.
If you hit a significant amount of water at a sufficient speed, you can force the air into the intake. This can destroy your engine.
Summary
In summary, drivers have experienced that their vehicle went through a puddle, and then their vehicle died. It is best to avoid going into a water puddle.
There can be damages that can happen to your vehicle. As a result, your engine or your vehicle can get damaged.
Also Read:
- What Is a Cold Start in Cars?
- What Happens If You Put Transmission Fluid In The Oil?
- Drove Through Water And Car Won’t Start
- Car Shakes on Cold Start
- Transmission Fluid To Clean Engine Sludge
Resources
Image credits – Canva
