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What happens if water gets in your engine?

I just got caught in a rainstorm and drove under a bridge that was pretty flooded. My car made it through, but I’m worried I have water in my engine. What happens if water gets in your engine?

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Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
What happens if water gets in your engine is that it can lead to compression issues and serious damage. Water in the engine can lead to compression issues, since the water will remain trapped in the engine. This can eventually lead to your piston rods bending and breaking.
If you drove through water, there’s a chance it reached your engine, especially if you have an air intake that is low to the ground.
Water in your engine may also lead to rusting, which can damage pretty much everything under the hood.
If you’re worried there’s water in your engine, you might want to head to a mechanic—it could save you from some significantly pricier repairs down the road.
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