Why Can't Cars Go Underwater: Debunking Myths and Exploring What's Feasible

Have you ever wondered why cars can't simply go underwater? It's a common question that pops up on forums, social media, and even in casual conversations. Let's break down the myths and realities surrounding the idea of driving a car under water.

Internal Combustion Engines and Water Damage

Traditional cars, which operate on internal combustion engines, cannot go underwater due to their design. These engines burn a mixture of air and fuel, and if they take in water, internal damage is inevitable. Water infiltration can destroy many crucial components, leading to severe and sometimes irreparable damage. Therefore, attempting to drive a car through water is not only dangerous but also highly impractical.

Truck Experience in Water

But can a truck go through water? While a standard truck with a traditional engine can certainly drive through water up to a certain depth, there are limitations. Imagine driving your truck through water that reaches bumper depth. Although it may be possible, the truck is not designed for underwater conditions. The water can infiltrate and cause significant damage to various parts of the truck, including the engine and electrical systems. It's always safer to stick to driving on solid ground.

The Myth of Amphicars

Some might argue that the Amphicar proves that cars can go underwater. However, it's essential to note that the Amphicar is not a "boat" in the traditional sense, and its design is specifically for amphibious use. It is equipped with additional features to handle water, but it is not a general-purpose, everyday car designed for both land and water use. For everyday use, traditional cars are not equipped to handle underwater environments.

Electric Cars: A Closer Look

Electric cars, on the other hand, offer some hope for under-water driving. These vehicles do not rely on internal combustion engines and could potentially handle deeper water with less risk of immediate damage. However, electric cars still face significant challenges when it comes to water submersion. For instance, water can damage the battery and electronic systems, leading to short circuits and further damage.

Water Submersion: A Temporary Condition

While traditional cars might not be designed for continuous underwater conditions, it is worth noting that electric cars can be submerged temporarily and still function. For instance, YouTube channels like "Adventures With Purpose" often feature videos where they rescue and extract cars from water, sometimes in astonishingly messy and problematic states. Some of these video logs even show cars that have been submersed for extended periods, albeit in non-operational states.

Physics and Water Pressure

To explore the boundary of what is feasible, let's consider the physics of water and floating. Cars don't actually go underwater in the conventional sense of sinking. A car displaces its weight in water, which is why it can float. For a car to go under and sink, it would need to weigh significantly more than the water it displaces, around 1001 kg per 1000 liters of volume. This is far beyond the weight of a standard car, which is typically around 1,000 kg for a small sedan or 2,000 kg for a larger SUV. Therefore, the concept of a car sinking deeply into water is more about inherent physical properties rather than the vehicle's design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cars can temporarily handle shallow water submersion, they are not designed for and cannot continuously operate in underwater conditions. Internal combustion engines and electrical systems are not designed to withstand the intrusion of water, and the physical laws of water displacement dictate that cars will float rather than sink. The idea of a car that can operate both on land and in water calls for significant engineering advancements and reimagining. Until then, sticking to solid ground remains the safest and most practical option.