Car parts that get damaged while driving through water

Driving through flooded streets. What underside car parts are damaged due to the water submersion versus just water spray–such as electronic power steering, hub, brakes, control arms etc?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
When you drive through water, the electronic parts should really never get wet because it can damage them. But, with that said, the electronic power-steering systems are sealed pretty well from water. They have got seals all over. Unless, it’s an old car and the seals are all worn out, water exposure is not really going to hurt them for a short period of time.

The main thing with the water submersion that you have to worry about is the differential, the automatic transmission, and the engine. You will want to avoid water sucking into these. Water in those things can absolutely destroy everything.

The wheel bearings will get damaged over a period of time. But if you just throw a little bit of water, the wheel bearings are packed with grease so it won’t hurt them. Unless they are soaked for a long period of time or you drove through a whole bunch of water. Let’s say you have a tall vehicle, and it could make it through the water. If you’re driving for 20-30 minutes in the water, the grease on the bearings is going to get water in, especially if it is the soft water. The soft water is going to start eating the stuff up and you are going to have to re-pack the bearings with grease or put a new bearing in.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Driving through standing water can damage a vehicle`s engine, cause the brake rotors to warp from rapid cooling when immersed in water, cause loss of power steering, and short electrical components in a vehicle.
Recommended Services

When you drive through water, the electronic parts should really never get wet because it can damage them. But, with that said, the electronic power-steering systems are sealed pretty well from water. They have got seals all over.

The water quickly did its damaged on the polished and machined surfaces of the steering rack and pinion gears, as well as contaminating the power steering fluid system. The resulting damage caused in rapid wear to the steering rack assembly, excessive play in the steering, and a very hazardous driving condition.
One of the most common problems power steering systems have is leaks. The high pressure of the system combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid makes it relatively susceptible to leaks. A low fluid level can cause a whining power steering pump and even a loss of fluid pressure and a loss of steering assistance.
Water can ruin electronics, lubricants, and mechanical systems. It may take months or years, but corrosion can find its way to the car`s vital electronics, including airbag controllers. Consumers need to carefully inspect any used car before buying one (or pay a mechanic to do it).
The issues you`re experiencing are commonly caused by an exposed wire that is shorting when introduced to moisture or ignition problems that temporarily shut down electrical power to important components.
Driving conditions – driving through deep water or mud can cause your wheel bearings to fail. Water, mud or other contaminants such as dust or road salt could get past the seals and enter the bearing, polluting the grease and wearing away the bearings.
The color of your power steering fluid will be affected by time. If it is fresh, it will be red, but as time goes on it will turn reddish-brown before eventually settling into plain old brown. You can identify the power steering fluid through other attributes like its oily feel and thin consistency.
Eventually, the rack will fail. However, there`s no definitive lifespan here. The more you drive, the faster it will wear. Still, most vehicle owners will never have to change their power steering rack, or will need to replace it just once during their ownership.
No, it is not as hygroscopic as brake fluid. However, it can degrade over time – especially if the level is low and it gets overheated, It tends to go brown.
Power steering fluid doesn`t burn off or evaporate over time, so the only way for the system to become low is if the fluid is leaking somewhere.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Water was spilled in the trunk which soaked the car battery. Car won’t start now. Does water destroy a car battery?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in about the concern with the BMW 320i. If the battery was submerged in water then it’s completely possible for the battery to short out and die. Your friend will need to have the battery replaced. Also be sure to get all of the water out of the trunk. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, help you guys out if you need assistance with replacing the battery. Good luck.

My car has smoke damage inside somebody tried to steal it and try to burn the car how much does it cost to get a car cleaned out f
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Your situation is incredibly unfortunate! Hopefully insurance will help pay for the damages. Pricing is going to vary greatly depending on your location. You are going to want to gather a couple of quotes and compare pricing. The damage done, and the kind of help you have in your area will all effect pricing. If the majority of the damage is inside of the cab, you are looking at having the interior redone. Seats, flooring, electrical components, door panels, window seals, and whatever else would have been damaged will be priced individually for the most part. If engine damage has been done, you will have to do a full diagnosis before obtaining a quote. For more help, or a quote from our technicians, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Car parts that get damaged while driving through water
ANSWER : When you drive through water, the electronic parts should really never get wet because it can damage them. But, with that said, the electronic power-steering systems are sealed pretty well from water. They have got seals all over. Unless, it’s an old car and the seals are all worn out, water exposure is not really going to hurt them for a short period of time.

The main thing with the water submersion that you have to worry about is the differential, the automatic transmission, and the engine. You will want to avoid water sucking into these. Water in those things can absolutely destroy everything.

The wheel bearings will get damaged over a period of time. But if you just throw a little bit of water, the wheel bearings are packed with grease so it won’t hurt them. Unless they are soaked for a long period of time or you drove through a whole bunch of water. Let’s say you have a tall vehicle, and it could make it through the water. If you’re driving for 20-30 minutes in the water, the grease on the bearings is going to get water in, especially if it is the soft water. The soft water is going to start eating the stuff up and you are going to have to re-pack the bearings with grease or put a new bearing in.

Check engine light is on and the car does not want to drive
ANSWER : Hi there:

On most modern cars, there are a series of sensors that are designed to monitor mechanical systems; such as the transmission on your Saturn. In most cases, when a problem occurs, a trouble code is stored in the on board computer that will indicate what is causing the troubles. The best way to find out what’s going on is to not take your car to a shop; let the mechanic come to you. Contact one of our professional mobile mechanics to complete a check engine light inspection first. This will allow them diagnose what’s wrong with your car so they can recommend and complete the right repairs.

Car does not get to normal engine temperature
ANSWER : Hi there:

There could be multiple issues causing your engine to not reach normal operating temperature. However, continuing to add water instead of coolant to your motor could be very harmful; especially to cooling hoses, connections and cooling system components. The coolant should be mixed at a 50% water to coolant ratio. In order to determine why your engine overheated in the first place and why it’s temperature is low now, the best thing to do is have a professional mechanic complete an engine is leaking coolant inspection. This will allow them to inspect your cooling system for issues and recommend the right repairs.

My car will only shift into reverse and neutral, can’t get it into the drive gear
ANSWER : This may be a result of low transmission fluid or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.

My car will be starting perfect and when the gas tank gets lower it will start having problems .
ANSWER : Based on the information you gave, it sounds like a possible fuel starvation issue, caused by a partially blocked, in-tank fuel filter or a crack in the fuel pump housing. The remedy would be to replace the fuel pump assembly and filter. The overheating may be caused by several things, including a stuck thermostat, faulty water pump, or even a cracked head gasket. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the relevant systems to pinpoint the cause of your vehicle’s hard starting issue and overheating problem.

car is overheating and leaking water and anti freeze
ANSWER : Coolant leaks can occur because of cracked hoses, leaking gaskets, faulty water pumps, or damaged radiators. When the coolant level goes low, the engine will start to overheat due to the low coolant level. I would first recommend giving the cooling system a visual look over. If it is not obvious where the coolant leak is coming from, I would recommed having the cooling system pressure tested in order to determine the leak source. If you would like to have your cooling system pressure testedcoolant is leaking inspection, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to your home or office to inspect your cooling system.