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I went through a puddle and my car died—now what?

It was raining hard on my way home from work. I thought my car could handle it but the water was deeper than I thought. I went through a puddle and my car died. Now what?

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Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you went through a puddle and your car died you may not be able to recover your vehicle if that caused engine damage.
In your situation, it sounds like water probably got sucked into your vehicle’s air intake.
With enough water, this situation could damage your engine so you stall out. This is called a hydrolocked engine. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recover the engine. There may be damage to the:
  • Head gasket
  • Pistons
  • Spark plugs
  • Other components
The best case scenario is that it’s only a little water. If it’s recoverable, a professional can help check your oil and engine for water. You may need new spark plugs, too.
Now might be a good time to make sure you’re happy with your
car insurance
situation. While you can’t always avoid dangerous situations, you can prepare for them. Use the
Jerry
app to check your coverage, add extra protection, or look for a more affordable policy.
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