Check These 8 Components If Your Car Stalls After Driving Through Floodwater

Living in a tropical country, Indonesians are accustomed to alternating dry and rainy seasons. However, in certain cities and areas, flooding during the rainy season can be a significant issue. Many people encounter stalled cars after being “forced” to navigate through floodwater or find themselves stuck in such conditions.

So, what exactly causes a car to stall after driving through floodwater? Is it an electrical system issue? Or could it be that car parts were damaged due to exposure to contaminated water?

What Causes a Car to Stall After Driving Through Floodwater?

Cars operate on a well-defined system and mechanism. If something disrupts this system, the car might stall and refuse to start. In extreme cases, navigating floodwater can lead to a phenomenon known as water hammer.

As frequently discussed on automotive websites, water hammer occurs when water enters the combustion chamber and mixes with the lubricant. This can cause the pistons to bend or even crack the engine block, leading to severe and costly damages.

Other common causes of stalled cars include a weak battery, delayed clutch engagement when crossing puddles or floodwater, and various technical issues. Ideally, a well-maintained car should be able to navigate through certain water levels without any problems.

Components to Check When Your Car Stalls

Although bad luck days are not marked on the annual calendar, you should always be prepared to face them. When you find yourself in a situation where your car stalls after driving through floodwater, there are at least 8 components that should be checked to prevent further damage.

Relay, Acts as a switch for high-current electricity such as the starter dynamo or headlights. If exposed to water, it can cause a short circuit or even a fire.
AC Compressor, this component pumps refrigerant to produce cool air inside the car. Floodwater exposure can cause malfunctions, preventing the AC from working due to issues with the switch.
Fuse, this prevents electricity from flowing to unintended points, avoiding short circuits. If water enters the fuse, significant damage affecting various electrical systems in the car may occur.
Sockets, these are essential components that can cause short circuits in the car if exposed to water.
Read Also: 10 Car Parts That Need Regular Maintenance & Their Costs
ECU (Electronic Control Unit), controls the vehicle's fuel system. If water enters and reaches the ECU, it can cause severe damage to the IC components.
Alternator, the source of all electrical power in the car. It supplies electricity to the battery, so it must be inspected after driving through floodwater, even if the car hasn’t stalled.
Injector, modern cars are equipped with injection technology. Fuel nozzles are electrically activated, making them highly susceptible to water contamination.
Electrical Wiring, acts as the “pathway” for distributing electricity to all car components. Every wiring system should be inspected after driving through, standing in, or navigating floodwater.

The best solution is to take your car to a repair shop or call your trusted technician to your home. This ensures a comprehensive inspection with no missed components.
If issues are identified, the technician can resolve them following proper procedures, preventing further damage due to untrained handling.

Tips to Avoid Car Stalling in Rainy Conditions

Do not drive through floodwater. Avoiding flooded areas is the most logical and straightforward action you can take.
However, if you have no choice but to pass through such roads for one reason or another, here are some safe tips to prevent your car from stalling due to rain or driving through floodwater.

1. Ensure the Car Is in Good Condition

Ensure your car is in peak condition to prevent water from entering critical components, as previously mentioned.

2. Turn Off the Engine

If your car gets stuck in deep water, immediately turn off the engine to avoid water hammer. This prevents severe damage and costly repairs.

3. Position the Transmission Correctly

For automatic cars, shift the gear to L or 1. For manual cars, release the clutch pedal.

4. Maintain Low Engine RPM

Use a low engine speed of 1,500 to 2,000 rpm when navigating floodwater. High engine RPM increases air intake, which can draw more water into the engine.

5. Follow Water Waves

Align your car’s speed with the water wave created by the car in front. This can reduce the water level in front and around your car.

6. Keep a Safe Distance

Always maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. This provides room to maneuver in case the car in front stalls.

7. Monitor Your Route

Choose a route with no flooding, based on media reports and weather forecasts. If unavoidable, apply the tips mentioned above.

8. Check Water Depth

Ensure the water level doesn’t exceed the car’s safe limit. Generally, sedans have a safe limit of 70 cm, while SUVs or minibuses have a limit of 85 cm.

Add Extra Protection for Your Car

To deal with the risks of flooding and stalled cars, additional protection is essential. This protection refers to Vehicle Insurance, such as the SmartDrive Insurance product offered by PT AXA Insurance Indonesia.

This vehicle insurance provides coverage and reduces concerns about risks like stalling, scratches, dents, lost keys, theft, and other unforeseen events while you’re on the road.
It can be incredibly troublesome if your car stalls and you have to handle everything from scratch. However, with this Vehicle Insurance, you can contact PT AXA Insurance Indonesia and file a claim for pickup or towing services through their partnered providers.

Issues can be resolved quickly, allowing you to resume your activities without incurring additional losses.
Vehicle Insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia is one of their flagship products. With SmartDrive Insurance, you can go about your activities comfortably without worrying about extra losses caused by car issues. Comprehensive and easy to understand, this insurance could be the solution to stalled car problems caused by driving through floodwater during the rainy season!

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