Drove into water / car flooded
Flood water is deceptively dangerous to a car. If the engine died in it, never try to restart — cranking a hydrolocked engine destroys it. This helps you judge how deep the damage goes.
DO NOT try to restart it
If the engine died in water, it may have swallowed water — a restart can destroy it.
⚠️ Safety first
If water entered the engine, cranking it bends the connecting rods — that's a destroyed engine. Do not turn the key, even once.
- 1Leave the ignition off.
- 2If the car is still in water, note roughly how deep.
- 3Request a recovery — the driver will winch it out and flat-tow it clear.
- 4Tell your insurer before any repair attempt — flood damage is usually a claim.
Shut it off and get it inspected
Water above the sills gets into wiring, transmission breathers and the cabin — even a running car needs an inspection before you trust it.
⚠️ Safety first
For hybrids and EVs, water intrusion near the battery pack is a fire risk — keep it parked outdoors, away from structures.
- 1Park on dry ground and shut off.
- 2Don't operate electrical seats/windows repeatedly.
- 3Photograph the waterline on the body.
- 4Request a tow to a shop and call your insurer.
You're probably fine — check and dry the brakes
A shallow splash below the wheel centers is usually harmless — just dry the brakes and watch for trouble.
- 1Drive slowly and tap the brakes a few times to dry the pads.
- 2Listen for new noises.
- 3If the engine sputters, the air intake may have taken water — stop and request a tow.
- 4Check the cabin floor for damp carpet over the next day.
You might also need
TowGo · Roadside help, on demand