Even a few inches of water can cause serious damage to your car. When water enters the engine, it can cause compression problems, rusting of engine parts, and even hydraulic locking. The dangers of damaging your car by water include compromising safety, corrosion, destruction of engine components, and the growth of mold and mildew. Driving through flood waters can cause immediate or eventually serious damage to your car's electrical system, brake rotors, and automotive fluids.
It's never a good idea to drive during a flood, and when you have no choice but to, you should be aware of how high the water must be to damage a car. Water damage can be difficult to detect, but there are some telltale signs you should look out for. Cars with a low air intake are more at risk of potential water damage than cars with a high air intake.