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Teknikmobil.com – The question is whether heavy rain really damages car engines? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by drivers of their vehicles. This is also not only for those who are experienced in driving but also especially for laypeople. Driving in heavy rain and possibly even flooding can be dangerous. And sometimes such situations are very dangerous. Here are some helpful hints and tips to help you prepare for wet weather (rain and even flooding).
Also read: Why can engine overheating occur in your car?
Rain can destroy your car’s engine in an instant. Source: Rick and Kathy
The number of breakdowns always increases during periods of wet weather, because wet causes problems with engines and electrical systems. Especially if the vehicle is old, of course. If you must drive, there are several steps you can take to dramatically reduce the chance of an accident or damage.
Heavy Rain Damages Car Engines
Many rain-related damages are easy to avoid because they are often caused by people driving through deep puddles of water. Cars have improved significantly in technical terms in recent years. However, they are still not waterproof and will be damaged if they are driven through deep water. This can cause engine failure that is very expensive to repair.
Rain-related engine damage and/or flood disasters are usually caused by water being sucked into the engine. The sucked water causes the engine to lock up and in turn can damage important components in the engine. These components include the piston connecting rod and valve.
Connecting rods can experience this if water enters the combustion chamber. Source: Quora
This definitely means the engine really has to be disassembled, which is not cheap. The problem is, sometimes people think it’s a product defect. So they make a claim to the company (if the car is new). Or another case is that people think this is a vehicle accident problem. But you must understand that this problem is not a product defect or even a vehicle accident. If this problem occurs to your car, then you really have to spend millions, maybe even tens of millions to return your car to the same good condition as before. Even your losses are not the only money problem. Disassembling the machine in such a case, means a loss of time that you have to bear. Because it’s not enough for one day for your car to be in the car “hospital”.
So that it doesn’t damage the machine, what should I do?
In heavy rain and even lots of stagnant water, before leaving for travel:
1. Consider whether your trip is essential. If not, can it be postponed until after the rain stops or the water puddles are reduced?
2. Plan your trip in advance, taking care to avoid areas prone to flooding, and factoring in extra time to allow for slower speeds and potential traffic jams
3. Let relatives and friends know your intended route and estimated time of arrival and if possible traveling with someone else is much better in such circumstances.
4. Check that your car’s front wiper blades are fully functional. If not, it’s best to repair or prepare well in advance. Then, if both rear wiper blades also experience the same situation, replace them.
5. Make sure you fill up with fuel first or stay with a full fuel tank. Using your car’s lights and heater and being stuck in traffic uses more fuel than driving under normal conditions.
6. This is important, bring a cell phone. If you encounter any difficulties during your trip, a cell phone will be very, very helpful.
So what happens after you’re on the road?
The following are some things you should consider while on the road:
1. Use headlights so other drivers can see you more easily.
2. Do not use rear fog lights. They can cover your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you.
3. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front to account for a greater stopping distance – remember the two second rule.
4. Observe large or fast moving vehicles creating spray that reduces visibility.
5. Listen to local news bulletins to stay up to date on roads, floods and weather forecasts
Driving too fast through puddles of water can cause the tires to lose contact with the road. If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. To regain control of the car, release the accelerator (gas pedal), do not brake and let your speed decrease until you regain full control of the steering wheel.
Driving quickly through deep water can cause serious and expensive damage.
Also read: 4 Basics for Diagnosing an Engine That Won’t Start
Be considerate of other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists when you drive through water.
Driving In Flooded Areas
The following tips should always be followed for driving in flood conditions:
1. Don’t try to drive through water if you’re not sure of its depth – the edge of the pavement is a good indicator of the height of the water.
2. If you pass through water, drive on the highest part of the road.
3. Push steadily and slowly so as not to create a bow wave in front of the vehicle and let traffic pass first. Make sure you have a clear route forward so you don’t have to stop in a puddle.
4. Driving at higher speeds may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians and may result in loss of control.
5. Move a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
6. Never try to wade through fast-moving water – you can easily be swept away.
7. Test your brakes after leaving standing floodwater.
8. If your engine stalls after driving through deep water, do not attempt to restart it as engine damage may occur. Instead ask for help and have the vehicle inspected professionally.
Those are some of the important things we can convey. Rain doesn’t just harm your engine. But more than that, your safety is often at stake. Therefore, we hope that the instructions we provide will provide benefits as well as warn you that rain and stagnant water are a source of danger when driving.[]