Last night a crazy thunderstorm came out of nowhere and dumped a ton of water flooding every street on my way home. I couldn't stay where I was and wait it out so I drove home.

The car did fine only one time I saw water get to above the fog lights but I didn't splash it or fly through it and I basically crept my way home.

When I got there I noticed my car was making a strong burning smell. I thought it was just tree debris and leaves that may have gotten stuck under the car or other junk burning on my exhaust so I didn't think anything of it.

When I got to work this morning the car did the same exact thing but I noticed a slight rapping/rattling noise when slowing down right before coming to a complete stop that wasn't there before. It doesn't sound like rodknock, and I am certain I didn't ingest any water.

What I did notice is that the smell seems to be focused right by the drivers side headlight and it is not noticeable anywhere else unless its being picked up by the wind.

Any ideas on what happened? Should I let the car sit for a few days and let everything dry out? Did I damage anything? It drives completely fine other than that no power loss hesitation or hiccups of any sort.

Thanks!

 

The car should be fine. They test immersion with more than that...

Inspect for debris especially inside the bumper cover and especially the under tray panels. Are they all tight/not flapping?

Is the knocking only when moving and stops as you stop (supports wind blowing something loose around...)?

 

Yeah the sound happens as I coast to a stop at low speeds then stops when stationary so I can definitely rule out engine still though it is rather metallicky sounding, I could be wrong. Also that's only when I notice if it is happening at speed I just can't hear it. I'll have to check it out thoroughly. Quick visual seems to check out ok.

 

Does it change/go away when you apply brakes? Could be some crap stuck in your rotor/brakes thats burning up from friction

 

well I found the answer.. My splash guard fell off and is hanging by a couple of bolts. Guess I'm in the market for a sturdier unit. Any recommendations?

 

Man that sucks. You have to be careful when you go through water specially that deep being you don't wanna hydro lock the motor. Glad you figured out what it was.