Imagine being out on a safari, and suddenly, the car stops in the middle of nowhere. Not the most ideal way to find out the car needs work. So, let's look into what exactly a hydrolocked engine is, what causes a hydrolocked engine, and how we can save our precious car.
What is a Hydrolocked Engine?
Like every other engine, a car needs specific fluids to function properly. While a range of liquids work effectively in car engines, water is not one of them. The term "hydrolocked" originates from the phrase "hydrostatic lock." As you might have guessed, it's a water-related problem, which is obviously dangerous for any car's engine.
A hydrolocked engine is a serious issue that can happen if water enters the combustion chamber within the cylinders, preventing the piston from moving smoothly. When hydrolocked, the engine can't turn over, and attempting to start it might cause serious harm.
How Does an Engine Become Hydrolocked?
You might wonder what causes a hydrolocked engine. Here are some reasons:
- In a hydrolocked engine, water disrupts the standard compression and combustion process. When the piston tries to compress the air-fuel mixture, it faces resistance as water is highly incompressible. This sudden resistance can lead to a broken crankshaft or connecting rods, which damages our vehicle.
- Regions with heavy rain are more prone to hydrolocked engines. During floods or heavy rain, when water reaches high levels, it is enough to submerge the car engines, leading to hydrolocking.
- Driving during storms or through puddles can cause hydrolocking.
- Crossing small streams that are shallow enough to drive but high enough for water to enter can cause hydro-locking.
Hydrolocked Engine Symptoms
But then the question is, what are hydrolocked engine symptoms? If we are aware of the hydrolocked engine symptoms, we can act accordingly and save ourselves from dangerous situations.
- If the car engine refuses to respond when we start the car, it is the earliest sign of a damaged engine. We might hear a sputtering sound emanating from the engine or a resistance to responding.
- If a car engine does not start, irregular and loud noises emanate from within.
- If the first two symptoms don't ring any alarm bells, then watch out for more visible signs, like smoke emitting from the exhaust, the smell of something burning, and engine shaking.
Conclusion
We can avoid hydrolocked engines by taking proper measures like driving less during heavy rains or floods, taking a land route during safaris, and getting a regular check-up at our local garage. While your car insurance might cover the damages, preventive steps can always ensure a smooth run for your vehicle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.